B6 - Final Reflections

When I signed up for this course I had already had a significant amount of experience with BIM and the use of data in construction. I had done research and had co-op experience utilizing technology to enhance the quality of work and make workflows more efficient. However, this class challenged me to look beyond what I was hoping to interact with for my career in BIM and Virtual Design and Construction. I have been exposed to relational database structures and how the tools that I use everyday rely on their usage. I also learned quite a bit about the use of sensors in a building; a subject that I was vaguely aware of but had never had any real experience with.

The best experience of the class, in my opinion, was the term-long project. I had the time and resources to explore Dynamo and how it could improve the work that I plan to be doing for a career in the near future. I hope to meet with my mentors and supervisors to discuss CRB’s technology and innovation agenda for the next few years. Referencing this class’ project, lecture content, and Evernote files, I see myself being able to make a real, tangible difference at a firm, even at the co-op level.

This class gave me pointers and techniques to look for to improve workflows and stay ahead of the technology curve. I now have more resources to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry and the vocabulary to have meaningful conversations about intelligent buildings. I also enjoyed the industry professional guest lectures. I felt that they all had different perspectives on the use of technology and where the architectural, engineering, and construction industry is heading in terms of innovation. It was helpful to have the opportunity to ask questions about potential careers related to intelligent building and what we can expect to see at the entry-level when we start full time.

I was excited to take this class with Professor Mitchell specifically before he retired. I enjoyed hearing his perspective on Intelligent Buildings based on his previous experience as a professional and then later as a professor. I appreciated his approach to the course where he gave us small picture solutions to big picture applications. The nature of technological innovation is that it is constantly changing and we may not know what to expect, but Mitchell does a great job with giving suggestions on how to keep up or, better yet, to advance the progress.

Comments:
Amanda,
I agree with you. Sometimes the most difficult part of staying ahead of the technology curve is just learning what all is out there. I thought that this class helped me to broaden my scope to a world outside of just Revit and BIM. Hopefully we can find ways to professionally be exposed to new technologies so that we can be the ones advocating for a strong technological agenda.
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Brian,
I loved your comment about how this course is looking beyond the present industry. I thought that was very insightful and I completely agree. So much of our education at Drexel is based around present applications of theories, it was refreshing to be in a course that extrapolated current trends and explored the possibilities of what the future of construction holds.
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Varsha,
If you're interested in more applications of BIM and technology and construction, I highly recommend taking CMGT 375 next winter term (the prereq is CMGT course, but I convinced my advisor to take my INFO 203 course as an equivalent course to get in). Ben Ferrer from Turner Construction is the adjunct professor that teaches it and he goes more in depth about the applications and uses of BIM rather than the functions. It was my first introduction academically to BIM and I haven't looked back since. Great to hear that you've enjoyed the class as well!
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