Creating an Undergraduate Multidisciplinary Design Research Team to Achieve Zero Energy

Abstract

This paper will describe Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Department of Engineering and Technology's multi-disciplinary project team developed to compete in global competition to achieve a Zero Energy building design. Combining the efforts of five different degree programs (Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Graphics Technology, Architectural Technology, Interior Design Technology, and Construction Management) coursework, we are researching and developing a four-story building based on shipping containers as the starting shell building science. In a department where programs routinely operate in silos, this project is encouraging cross course communication as the building takes shape. Incorporating the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach, the students in the Architectural Technology program are charting the initial path with the shell and master plan layout of the building. After the initial design development, we infuse the Electrical Engineering Technology students and work with solar energy with zero energy as their goal. The Interior Design & Architectural Technology students will begin partnering on designing the interior spaces for each dwelling unit in the building. We then bring in the Computer Graphics Technology design students to create the dynamic presentation imagery needed to sell the concept. The Multidisciplinary Design approach has proven to be both challenging and rewarding in both industry and academia. Bringing together bright minds to attack a design problem functionally and systematically can test the boundaries of all team members. “For some professionally, vocationally, or technically oriented careers, curricula delivered in higher education establishments may focus on teaching material related to a single discipline. By contrast, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary teaching (MITT) results in improved affective and cognitive learning and critical thinking, offering learners/students the opportunity to obtain a broad general knowledge base” Pooley, Alison and Wanigarathna, Nadeeshani (2016).