Sunday, November 1, 2009

November 1st 2009 Update.

So it has been a few months since I last posted. For those who didn't see, the Autodesk University class Tony and I were scheduled to participate in was canceled because of lack of attendees. So right now I am working on putting some protections on my thesis pdf file and I hope to post it to the net soon for any of you who would like to read through it.

My thesis takes an educational look at BIM and collaborative methods of delivery such as Integrated Practice and Design-Build and how curricula should start mirroring these changes. Right now, I feel that Architectural Engineering is the closest thing to an integrated curriculum, but most schools that have this type of degree do not incorporate all architecture, construction, structural engineering, and mechanical engineering. So what my thesis does is tries to form a curriculum around integrating courses and teachings so to help introduce students to be collaborative rather than polar with each other as past deliveries have spur.

I am still hoping to go to AU this year, but as of right now because of my unemployment its all on me, so we will see how things work out. So I hope to see/meet some of you there. I am also going to start working on a journal article for the Architectural Engineering Journal released by ASCE. Keep checking back this next month for journal publications and my thesis post if you are interested in reading it.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Using BIM in an Integrated Educational Environment

My colleague, Tony Denzer, and I are currently working on our presentation for this year’s Autodesk University. It is entitled "Using BIM in an Integrated Educational Environment" and is aimed towards universities and other colleges just beginning the move towards BIM or even those interested in other directions for BIM. A portion of this class will go over a verity of trials conducted by the University of Wyoming in conjunction with my thesis on "How BIM and Integrated Practice May Change Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Education." After this course we hope that those enrolled can come away with and be able to:

  • Apply BIM tools to accreditation requirements in AEC disciplines
  • Understand the challenges and benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration for students in AEC disciplines
  • Understand best practices for using BIM in the classroom and design studio
  • Apply key benefits of using BIM with AEC students
  • Develop strategies for introducing BIM tools to beginning students.

Though the course is geared towards AEC schools and universities others may find how some in the educational side are dealing with BIM and the growth of integrated practice and design build.