Mapping the strategies to integrate BIM in undergraduate architectural education

Costa, Ana (2019) Mapping the strategies to integrate BIM in undergraduate architectural education. In: BIM in Birmingham, 2019-01-30 - 2019-01-30, Birmingham City University.

Image (Mapping BIM in Architectural Education)
10_BIM_ARC.jpg - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial.
Download (6MB)

Abstract

The use and dissemination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in architectural projects requires a new understanding of design, construction and management of the built environment. For an educator in architecture, teaching BIM requires a pedagogical approach to the use of parametric objects that go beyond the simpler 3D CAD model and contain data related with time, cost and life cycle management. A deeper understanding of the ways in which the use of BIM can influence the architectural practice can help us with mapping the strategies to integrate BIM in architectural education. In architectural practice, the use of BIM software brings a series of advantages that are easily identified, notably the use of 3D libraries to save time and the creation of a 3D BIM model to allow powerful visualisation. The use of BIM in architectural education may help students with acquiring a more holistic perspective of the discipline and with understanding the different areas of an architectural design project. However, the framework of BIM is probably too complex for a novice and can become detrimental in an early stage of architectural education. By the end of their undergraduate studies students are expected to contribute actively to architectural practice and respond to the needs of a rapid technological changes. Therefore, we need to carefully consider the best way to introduce and to integrate BIM in the curricula by using different design methods to experience all the dimensions of BIM without compromising the architectural design performance: • Live projects – the use BIM models to control costs, check the compliance with the design standards and sustainability analysis, • Post-Occupancy evaluation projects – the use BIM models to inform building performance, track maintenance experience and inform future projects, • Crossdisciplinarity projects – the use of BIM model to identify major clashes between different pieces of design and understand the different design responsibilities. During my presentation I will map the strategies to integrate BIM in architectural education, and to provide a rich learning environment for architectural students that prepares them to become both competent architects and skilled BIM users.