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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Reflection

Class Reflection 

Coming into the class, I was not sure what a class on Intelligent Building would entail, but I was not disappointed. I think that dividing the class intro BIM and  Databases was a good way structure the class, since they are both relevant to the future of engineering. In the BIM section of the class, I was able to learn about new softwares that are being used, such as Dynamo, and how they are being applied in the field. This was my favorite part of the class since it showed me what a future in Digital Building concentration could look like. I enjoyed hearing representatives from companies talk about the future of BIM and Virtual Reality in engineering. Thanks to the presentation from the consulting/engineering firm, I interviewed with a couple companies for a position in Virtual Design Construction for my third co-op. Thus, I am more excited about the job possibilities within my field. It was also interesting to learn about all the advancements in engineering with the introduction of new technologies, such as drones in construction and the use of AI for generative design, and how they haven’t become a popular trend yet. Almost every guest speaker mentioned the pushback that new methods receive within our field, which I hope is something that will start to change in the next couple of years with new generations being introduced into the industry. 

Furthermore, I found learning about databases useful, as this is what allows for the development of intelligent buildings. From our definition of intelligent building at the start of the course, intelligent building are able to respond/adapt to their surrounding to optimize performance and efficiency. Thus, the collection of data is key.  The collection of large amounts of data allows for insightful and well rounded decisions concerning building design, whilst also providing real-time feedback on the conditions inside the building. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this class and thought it provided good amount of information regarding a future in intelligent building and the current technologies being implemented. 

Amanda, 

I think you provided really thoughtful analysis of how this class was beneficial for you as a structural engineer. I agree that this class was really helpful in making us realize the multiple softwares that are available to us and how they can become the future of our fields. 

Andrew,

I completely agree that one of the most important things this class taught me was that we have to be constantly learning. Everyday there are new technologies and softwares being introduced and it is really important for us to understand this and how they can help us in our careers.

Ina,

I agree with your point that one of the most enjoyable things of the class was its diversity. I really enjoyed having people from different experiences and concentrations in the class as it proved to create more interesting discussions in class. It is always interesting to see the different perspectives shared in class.

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: 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