Thinking the BIM Way Early integration of Building Information Modelling in education

Abstract

Since Building Information Modelling as a technology depends on recognizing parts of the buildings as objects that can be simulated digitally, to prepare students to grasp the BIM way of thinking, educators can start introducing the concept early in the architectural curriculum without using the real tools. The researchers monitored the students' progress over a period of time while they were using different 3 dimensional CAD tools in several situations such as design studio visualization and construction document production until eventually the same group of students have been introduced formally to a real BIM tool. The research tries to establish a relationship between the pedagogical techniques and the success of the students to grasp what BIM is about and the development of their ability to use it fruitfully. Comparisons between their performances should shed the light on the best method to use in order to prepare students for the use of BIM.