B6 - Course Reflection

Ten weeks have come and flown by. These previous few weeks I have learned so much about robotics, AI in construction and future, 3D Printing in construction, designing in Revit and much more. In particular, I have learned a lot about digital building. This has been one of the most simple yet, challenging classes. I am grateful that I took this class as my professional elective. This class will ponder my future as an architectural engineer. The number of things I have learned in this class tremendous and to briefly condense what I learned in class, I would have to say that I learned how to use blogger. I have a superior understanding of how different ways of intaking data can prompt different versions of understanding. 
For instance, I believe that the weekly blogs and writing comments to others empower the student to take look at the two sides of arguments and form opinions from incorporating their general and personal opinions to new pieces of information. Also, this class has a lot of exercises that were challenging yet, helpful. For instance, using the MC Access database. The main difficulty I faced with this exercise simply stemmed from a lack of experience. However, as an engineer, I am always looking forward to new challenges and expanding my own abilities. In turn, I embraced the challenges faced with this exercise and was excited to learn more.

Although it took me some time to get used to the new, complex system, I eventually worked my way through my initial troubles to gain a better grasp on how all of the various functions of the database operates. In turn, I can now say that I understand the basics of kinds of databases and how specifically Object-Oriented databases function as well.

In conclusion, I am very thankful I engaged in this class, especially as a senior who is about to enter the labor force and work with new and modern types of programs and databases. 

Comments:


Ina Sison: Ina, I agree with you, following the instructions of the assignments was really straight forward for me as well. Professor Mitchell did an amazing job teaching this class. Also, good luck with your last coop.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/03/b6-course-reflection.html?showComment=1583459434620#c8209191462985013245



Amanda Kolar: Amanda, I agree with how the use of relational databases and Dynamo can help with the organization of structural components of design for various buildings or projects. When I first began to work on the database, I became quicker and better at navigating its resources. This especially helped me with defining, finding, and recording sensor characteristics in the database of design for various buildings.https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/03/b6-course-reflection_9.html?showComment=1583635808830#c4862027143751070328



Mika Awai: Mika, I agree with what you wrote. I am too had no idea what was the database and how it operated. This was my first time using MS Access. Moreover, I agree with how Professor Mitchell has a way of making us learn a ton of information in an easy to manage the way. I watched the video uploaded in BBLearn the process became a lot smoother and easier for me. Professor Mitchell expertly laid out how to use the database and programs and as a result, I found the exercise a lot more simple and straightforward. https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/03/week-10-course-reflection.html?showComment=1583637126688#c8292613843515964582

B4 - Generative Design

I will be working with Dane Bell on a paper about generative design. We touched on generative design a bit in class, but mostly in the guest lecture from last week from Kayleigh Houde. Generative design is similar to parametric design, with which we are more familiar with, that is assigning parameters to the design so that the computer can fill in the design within the constraints. This is different from computational design or traditional design, where every component is designed individually. In traditional design, the user must take it upon themselves to think of various design options; they definitely cannot come up with ALL the options. Generative design utilizes algorithms, where a computer can definitively come up with all the designs that fit the constraints or parameters applied, often including a cost parameter as well.

Generative design can be applied to many fields and industries, but we will be focusing on mechanical engineering--that is, mechanics, manufacturing, 3D printing-- and architecture--that is, building design, construction, intelligent buildings. Generative design and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Since the computer can determine which are the best models that fit our constraints, there is less time needed to revise and revisit options. Coupled with 3D printing, complex models can be developed on a small scale. Generative design also has the opportunity to revolutionize the architecture and construction industry. As design is refined through parametric/generative methods, the door is opened to new ideas never thought of before. On the microscale, objects like furniture can be optimized with generative design to determine the best way to incorporate size, shape, and cost of material into a singular design. On the macroscale, whole office buildings can be optimized to determine the best locations for desks, meeting spaces, and entrances to allow for the best, most natural layout of the place. Of course, this shouldn’t take away the creativity of the designer. If the designer realizes that the most optimal design that the computer has chosen does not fit the intended use or function of the object or space, design expertise must still be applied. The hope is that generative design can be used as a tool to aid and inspire new designs and ways of approaching problems.

Respones:

Spencer, 

I like that your topic directly relates to your field of interest. It makes what you are doing that much more worthwhile. From someone who knew very little about BIM, the clash detection feature is something that I think is fascinating. Interoperability is crucial to efficiency, and moving various models from one platform to the next is a waste of effort sometimes. I hope you are able to figure out a good way to make the transition more seamless, or at the very least, learn some things along the way!

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4-automation-of-clash-detection-report.html

Abigail,

Robots in the construction industry in the capacity you have described is something I have never thought of before. Having actual robots construct actual buildings seems tricky. Like Spencer said above, the code must be flawless, or else something could go very wrong. I think that there would still really need to be a certain level of human interaction with the robot builders since as of right now, humans with proper experience and training are the only ones that would know if something is being done incorrectly, even though blueprints or plans may say otherwise. However, I guess with technological advances and AI, robots are learning, not just being told what to do. 

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4.html

Isabel,

I believe that sensors and building management systems are key to an intelligent building. Intelligent buildings are not just about how the structure is built, but how it interacts with the world around it and satisfies the users' needs as well. If sensors can tell when to increase/decrease the temperature based on (1) what the user wants, (2) what temperature already exists within the structure, (3) the outside environment (natural heat from the sun or cooling from the shade), and potentially even (4) costs of energy, that would truly be an intelligent building. I am excited to see what you come up with!

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4-how-intelligent-building-technology.html

B4: 3D printing

The world is moving fast, and everything is being requested and delivered in a short period of time comparing that to the early decades. In construction sites, the buildings were built by hands then with the help of some equipment, and now we have what called 3D printing. Would this technology get our projects done quicker?

After what our professor showed us and talked about in class, I decided to do a research paper on 3D printing buildings, how long would it take to complete a project? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What are the limitations of construction materials?  What are the challenges?

After doing some research, I found it interesting to narrow the topic and focus on how 3D printing can be environmentally-friendly (sustainability) at low price using local materials like WASP which is an Italian 3D printed sustainable shelters.

One of the advantages that I liked about 3D printing is it could solve the housing crisis. However, it could cause an unemployment crisis. Other challenges aspects would be the construction location (topography) whether the machines can set up there to do the work or not, the weather conditions that are acceptable, how strong is the 3D printed building, and the limitations of building designs including scales.  

Some related sites that are interesting:

https://all3dp.com/2/3d-printing-in-construction-what-are-3d-printed-houses-made-of/

https://www.3dnatives.com/en/3d-printing-construction-310120184/

Comments:

1- Jake,

Your topic hooked me! Maybe because you are interested in Philadelphia’s future which the place we live and we are concerned about its future. In addition, I am from one of the Arabian Gulf countries and mentioning Dubai makes me attracted to what you will write about. Dubai is well-known for its developments and technology in all fields including construction. I’m also planning to make a research about 3D printing and Dubai one of the countries that started using this technique for their projects.

I agree that robotics may help a lot, but what do you think the future challenges are related to IB? What are some risks that robotics will not endure?

Good luck with your project!

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4-term-paper.html

2- Michael,

When I first read your post, the first thing that came to my mind was eQuest software which I think is similar to your project. I didn’t have any knowledge about Kaggle, but you made me search and read about it. You have a creative idea. If I know how this works, I would have joined you. I liked how you discussed your methodology and what difficulties you are facing. I think your project could be helpful for those you are doing researches on HVAC.

Your projects sound professional, interesting and really detailed. I can’t wait to see you presenting it to the class.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/course-project.html

3- Manon,

We have something in common! My project is similar to your group’s. We both going to do research on 3D printing and sustainability. It would be interesting to know what is your point of view as an engineer on this topic. We would agree on some points but disagree on others which opens up an opportunity to discuss in class with our classmates.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b-4-sustainable-design-through-additive.html