Advancing BIM in Academia: Explorations in Curricular Integration

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Abstract

In the early stages of the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) professionals were often the leaders, and some university faculty were caught unprepared. More recently, many universities have responded to the adoption of BIM technologies in the profession. No single approach to BIM curricula will suffice; each academic program is different, with unique and often innovative ways in accomplishing its goals of BIM integration. At USC, School of Architecture, rather than concentrating on a single strategy, multi-dimensional approaches are being developed that include at their core the recognition that the building delivery professions and academia must be better integrated, communication and interoperability are key components, and that BIM is one step, albeit with flaws, towards developing fully parametric design solutions. BIM technology should be broadly integrated throughout the curriculum; advanced seminars should stress interoperability and sustainability components; and the schools have a mission to outreach to the profession through conference hosting and executive education while being receptive to professionals’ advice. Not everyone is in agreement as to how this can be done or what methods should be implemented, and similar to the integration of CAD software and 3D modeling over the past 20 years, dissenting voices, heated dialogues, and solutions born in the crucible of academic/professional debate will accompany change.