Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 18, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
According to Autodesk, it is presenting the 2009 BIM Experience Award to three universities worldwide. The prize is awarded annually for exemplary use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in education and research. This year, RWTH Aachen University, California Polytechnic State University (CAED) in the USA and the University of Technology (SCUT) in Guangzhou, China, are being honoured.
BIM is an integrated process that enables architects, engineers, construction companies and clients to analyse a project digitally in detail before construction begins. With coordinated, reliable information throughout the process, innovative projects can be planned in detail, the appearance of the planned construction project can be visualised precisely, and real-world factors such as costs, planning sequences and environmental influences can be understood more effectively.
“Three-dimensional planning in the digital building model is now standard—anyone who wants to succeed in the competition for a dream job must master this method. Universities and students alike face major challenges,” explains Herbert Bickelmann, Education Manager at Autodesk. “We are pleased that more and more educational institutions are making it their goal to teach both technical competence and practical relevance. BIM in particular not only makes graduates competitive, but opens up new creative possibilities. This process is only just beginning,” Bickelmann continues. “In future, mastering digital processes will become increasingly important in order to succeed in international competition. It is therefore all the more important that universities orient themselves towards current industry requirements and provide targeted training.”
Exemplary Teaching
RWTH Aachen University was founded in 1870 and is one of Europe’s leading scientific and research institutions. Academic training at RWTH Aachen has a strong practical focus closely aligned with current industry requirements. Students are also introduced to Building Information Modeling: architecture students can take numerous BIM courses and develop and test their designs using BIM software. Design-oriented foundation courses convey theoretical knowledge of Building Information Modeling. Students also receive an introduction to solutions for creating digital building models. Advanced courses have a practical orientation. The curriculum includes planning, analysis and design-to-fabrication processes, as well as interfaces between BIM and other disciplines such as costing, construction planning and CAD. Autodesk solutions for Building Information Modeling are used: Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk 3ds Max Design, Autodesk Ecotect Analysis, Autodesk Navisworks and AutoCAD.
Building Information Modeling technology has been taught at California Polytechnic State University (CAED), USA, since 2007. The courses are interdisciplinary and convey a comprehensive understanding of design, with the aim of preparing students for their professional careers.
The University of Technoligy in Guangzhou, China (SCUT), founded in 1932, has worked with Building Information Modeling since 2005. The university established a BIM laboratory together with Autodesk.
The BIM Experience Award
The Autodesk BIM Experience Award is presented worldwide to companies, universities and educators in the construction industry that contribute to transforming the industry through Building Information Modeling. Autodesk uses the award to honour organisations for innovative and exemplary use of BIM with Autodesk solutions such as the Revit platform and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D, as well as other Autodesk products that complement the BIM process.
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