The BIMSC Theory seminar will address how Building Information Modeling | BIM impact into architectural praxis revealing the need to formulate and construct novel concepts and principles.


Syllabus

The BIM and Smart Construction Theory 

MaCAD ARCHITECTURAL THEORY FOR BIM TOOLS SEMINAR

The fast immersion of Building Information Modeling | BIM into architectural praxis is profoundly transforming the way architecture is conceived, designed, developed, constructed, and inhabited. These developments related to Advanced Computation Applications and Smart Constructions for Architecture are not only challenging traditional theoretical frameworks but also revealing the need to formulate and construct novel concepts and principles. This seminar proposes to inquire about this emerging paradigm.

The first edition of this course will inquire into the notion of tools in current architectural praxis from an operational theory perspective. The class will investigate the famous statement by Cedric Price “If technology is the answer, then what is the question? Starting by examining historical developments of fundamental representational tools for architecture, students will investigate recent developments with an emphasis on some aspects related to BIM and
inquire about their origins, aims, applications, and future projections.

Using a dynamic medium of “interviews”/“podcasts”, featuring experts in each Tool, students will formulate questions and elaborate theoretical concepts and principles to support such developments. Finally, students will speculate about the impact of these tools and formulate a novel theoretical framework from a critical perspective for the architectural and construction disciplines of the XXI Century.

 


Ph credits: German Bodenbender with Ana Cocho Bermejo, Mateusz Zwierzycki, Mayur Mistry, Podcast about-Artificial Intelligence and BIM as a medium to a sustainable future, MACAD, February 2021.

Learning Objectives 

At course completion the student will:

  • Review precedents for architectural representation and BIM
  • Identify, select and analyse BIM tools used in architectural and smart construction praxis
  • Develop theoretical arguments to sustain and formulate projects related to BIM and Smart Constructions
  • Generate podcast interviews as a relevant research method for qualitative research techniques involving individual interviews with experts in BIM Tools
  • Publish podcasts as a valuable skill to communicate, organise and plan a research topic with a clear script.

Faculty


Projects from this course

BIM towards life cycle assessment

Introduction Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows can support Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by providing a centralized digital repository of building data and design information. BIM can facilitate the collection and management of data related to material sourcing, energy use, and environmental impact throughout a building’s lifecycle. This set of information is relevant to perform LCA … Read more

Leveraging the Power of Integration: BIM and GIS for Improved Urban Planning

Brief Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) have different focuses and interpret 3D models differently. BIM manages detailed building components, project information, cost, and schedule from an architectural and construction point of view, while GIS manages the geographical information of buildings and their components from geographical viewpoints, which helps to manage the … Read more

Infoverse

The Metaverse 2.0 for an environmentally conscious design If environmental consequences could be quickly computed by AI and reflected in an immersive digital model environment, the AEC industry could change the way it delivers results and reduce its carbon footprint? The research proposal is to investigate the “Infoverse”, an enhanced Metaverse for designers, where they … Read more

Unlocking the Potential of BIM and Immersive Reality: AEC Education Reimagined

VR ConDent: Maha-ElGewely l General Definitions BIM/AEC/Immersive Reality What is BIM? Building Information Modeling is a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics .A process that involves the creation and use of an informed 3D model to communicate efficiently the project decisions. What is AEC? Architecture, Engineering and Construction It is an acronym … Read more

BIM AND PUBLIC COLLABORATION

Brief The Vessel in New York City and the Blox complex in Copenhagen are two examples of buildings and public spaces that faced backlash from the public due to a lack of consideration for their needs and expectations. Architects and developers often have a vision in mind for what they want to achieve, but it’s … Read more

AR/MR in Construction and Design Process

What is AR/VR/MR Construction? Augmented reality (AR) is quickly becoming indispensable in the construction industry. AR/MR Construction offers various benefits to contractors, engineers, and other construction professionals. AR helps bridge the gap between traditional 2D drawings and physical environments allowing contractors to gain better insights into their projects. AR provides a three-dimensional view of a … Read more

Point Cloud scanning to geometric models in architecture: Challenges and Opportunities

//BRIEF DESCRIPTION The transition from point cloud scanning to object/geometry recognition in architecture is challenging due to data complexity, manual processes, and limitations in existing software solutions. This workflow is slow and since part of it is still done manually and precision is lost. The aim of this research is to identify the challenges in … Read more

Integration of BIM for Modular Construction

Definition of Modular construction by the American Institute of Architects: “The process by which components of a building are prefabricated off-site in a controlled setting and then shipped to the project site and assembled.” Problem Statement Modular Construction manufactures off-site building components or modules designed to fit together. This process offers several advantages: efficiency increment, … Read more

Extended Reality (XR) for Fabrication and Assembly

Link to Podcast Link to Transcript Extended Reality (XR) alters between R, VR, AR, and MR as required. It can be visualized through immersive goggles or any phone or tablet. Used by engineers and contractors for simple clash detection and checking on-site inventory, but there is also a new opportunity for architects to control advanced … Read more