Integrating Collaborative Technologies within a BIM Course for Ireland's AEC Sector: Overview and Proposed Research Directions

Shannon Chance

doi:10.54337/irspbl-11080

Authors

Shannon Chance TU Dublin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/irspbl-11080

Keywords:

BIM Technologies, Engineering education, Collaboration, Multidisciplinary, Digital construction

Abstract

This paper examines the integration of collaborative Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies within the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in BIM (Digital Construction) course at Technological University Dublin, a course designed to upskill professionals in Ireland's Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Recognising the inherently interdisciplinary nature of modern construction and the collaborative workflows enabled by BIM, the course strategically incorporates technologies such as Revit, ArchiCAD, and MagiCAD for discipline-specific modelling, as well as Navisworks and BIM360 for multidisciplinary coordination and clash detection. This practice paper details how these technologies facilitate active and immersive learning, mirroring real-world industry practices while fostering reflective practice and multi-disciplinary teamwork. The paper highlights the crucial importance of developing collaborative skills for the digital transformation of the Irish AEC sector. Building on the BIM course overview and the role of collaborative technologies, this paper concludes by proposing future research to enhance the understanding and practice of BIM education within engineering education research, which may inform the development of similar educational offerings.

References

Bhonde, D. (2023). Understanding the changes resulting from the virtualization of BIM-enabled collaborative design processes in the building construction industry (Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia).

Black, J. S., & Gregersen, H. (2013). It starts with one: Changing individuals changes organizations. Pearson Education.

Chance, S. (2024). Active learning to enhance the architecture, engineering, and construction sector. Paper presented at the 16th International Symposium on Project Approaches in Engineering Education (PAEE) and 21st Active Learning in Engineering Education Workshop (ALE), San Andreas, Colombia, July 2024. ISSN 2183- 1378

Chance, S. M., & McAuley, B. (2023a). Infusing research know-how into the construction sector: Pedagogies to support digital construction in Ireland. Paper presented at the 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore, MD, June 2023. https://doi.org/10.21427/B7WA-5W45

Chance, S., & McAuley, B. (2023b). Preliminary mapping of bachelor's research to enhance digital construction in Ireland. Paper presented at the 51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI), Dublin, Ireland, September 2023.

Chen, J., Kolmos, A., & Du, X. (2021). Forms of implementation and challenges of PBL in engineering education: a review of literature. European Journal of Engineering Education, 46(1), 90-115.

Fullan, M. (2007). Leading in a culture of change. John Wiley & Sons.

Grego, A., Chance, S. and McAuley, B. (2023). Using BIM to increase the efficiency of energy - driven retrofitting projects. Proceedings of the EUBIM 2023 - BIM International Conference, Valencia, 17th - 20th May, Pp 142-151, DOI: 10.21427/YPBK-9M63

Martin, M., Boch, A., & Furlong, K. (2021). Can the implementation of Building Information Modelling (Digital Construction) improve delivery of Capital Projects (Design and Construction) for the Health Service in association with the development of a new National Estates Information System? Proceedings of the CitA BIM Gathering 2021, September 21-23 in Dublin, Ireland.

McLoughlin, J. & McAuley, B. (2022). Optimising existing digital workflow for structural engineering organisations through the partnering of BIM and Lean processes, Proceedings of the Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2022 conference, 25-26th of August, Dublin, pp 159 – 170.