Challenge of Teaching BIM in the First Year of University

Abstract

This paper presents an experience about BIM curriculum from Faculty of Architecture, Rangsit University, which has been implemented since 2010. Our approach is to introduce BIM into the first year architectural design curriculum both as a tool and as a new way to practice design. The objective of this paper is to identify problems encountered from the class and typical misconceptions about BIM curriculum based on our experience. Problems encountered are 1) The need to boost students’ attention, 2) The lack of acceptability criteria of the students’ design flaws, 3) The lack of BIM Guideline to be used in the curriculum, and 4) The need to grow the BIM thinking in other advanced studios. Typical misconceptions identified are 1) BIM is just another design tool 2) Traditional design process can be used in a BIM design studio, and 3) BIM limits creativity. Finally, we propose how to improve the curriculum and compare the BIM design process to traditional design process.