Course summary

The rapid evolution of digital technologies is coinciding with a set of economical, societal and environmental challenges facing architects and engineers in the current AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry. To respond, a wide range of digital technologies and methods in design and construction are emerging that have transitional impact on the way practitioners create, communicate and interact. These transitions are blurring lines between the different disciplines within the AEC industry and urging more collaborative and integrated work throughout the design, construction and operational stages of building projects. BIM is emerging as a new method, process and technology to automate information flow across disciplines, and facilitate collaboration, integration and coordination throughout a project lifecycle. Through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials and group-based learning sessions and modules guided and delivered by academic staff, researchers and leading practitioners from the AEC industry, the program will introduce students to the theoretical, methodological, practical and technological aspects of BIM. Students will be able to investigate the transitional impact of BIM on the project delivery throughout its lifecycle, in order to understand the true potential of BIM on project, organisational and industrial levels, and the limitation and challenges that confront practitioners when implementing BIM. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to undertake team-based tasks and activities similar to those which BIM specialists would take in real practice such as, communicating the benefits of BIM on a project and on organisation levels, and developing a project BIM implementation plan based on thorough understanding of the national and international BIM standards. Furthermore, students will be introduced to several research methods and techniques, and will undertake various types of research in order to scrutinise the impact and limitations of BIM in its real-life context, examine the interoperability among the various BIM software, and investigate the role of BIM technologies and methods in facilitating design coordination and supporting sustainable design and energy-efficient solutions throughout project stages. The programme will allow students to broadly and deeply experience the various BIM software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks and Graphisoft ArchiCAD. It will also introduce students to a wide range of software and hardware technologies such as, algorithmic and parametric modelling, sustainable environmental design software, virtual reality systems, laser cutting, 3D printing, and robotic fabrication. In addition to introducing students to various related concepts such as common data environments and cloud-based systems, big data, and smart cities. All of these technologies and concepts will enable students to understand the wider context of BIM and the future opportunities of its implementation in the AEC industry and beyond.