B7 - Group C - Sean Coffey - Course Reflection

The course was awesome...

The true and not so short answer is that I really enjoyed the course. As person that sees the value in using technology to automate and organize my life a little more than most the course was insightful. The variety of technology that is becoming available and applicable to the ACE industry makes now seem like a fantastic time to be in. But if the course has actually taught me anything, whether it be that I should expect unexpected changes in the way I live and work in the future, that promising technologies will only become mainstream if someone takes the risk to prove that the technology is viable and applicable, that just like any tool new technologies can be applied to any number of things but are often only best applicable to a few tasks, or that when I use a program and feel that I am proficient in fact I have only scratched the surface of what it can do, I really only needed to learn that I don't need to that as the next generation of engineer I should be an advocate for technology. I don't necessarily need to learn every program and become a technology wiz or come away from the course and push myself to learn each topic that was covered, I just need to not be ignorant of technology and become an advocate for its greater application. I may have never come to this realization if it weren't for another professor who teaches the BIM in Construction course essentially admitted that it was his reason for being a teacher, to give students a view of how the greater use of technology is where the industry is headed, but is often impeded for reasons that are not well founded.

B7 - Yuanjin LI - Course Reflection

In this AE 510 Intelligent Building course I get in touched with many different technologies that can be applied to buildings to make the building become intelligent. Like building information modelling, Revit, 3D printing, databases and sensors etc. Overall, I really learnt a lot new things from this course and I really think they are interesting and could help me after I graduate from Drexel.

Before this class, I barely know what Revit is and how this software work. After use it created a very simple model I realized that it is such a convenient BIM tool for architecture design. Besides, it is essential to be acquainted with how to create a Revit family since every building model has different requirements, and the objects inside the building cannot always be the same.

This is the first time that I get in touch with databases as well. Before this project I did not even know what a database is and why it is useful for human. After the assignment I cannot say that I became an expert of database, but I could say that I can explain to people what databases is and how does it work.

There is one more thing that I like about this course is Prof. Mitchell invited some guest lecturers that have different background come to talk to us. Trying to enrich what we could learn from this course. And they really did. It is really exciting to get some expert’s opinion on what we are learning and what is the real advantage and disadvantages. What aspect can be improved and what other technology that is also important beyond what we learned from school.

In addition, after this course I found that finish assignment is not the end. Intelligent building is a topic that we need to keep reading and learning and thinking about. Each of those topics included in this course is a direction that are related to building’s future and they will keep developing. Those technologies that we are familiar with like Revit modeling and 3D printing will always become more intelligent. We could never stop.

Comment
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B7 - Course reflection - Cristian Almendariz

            This class ended up being completely different from what I expected.  Going from its name Intelligent Buildings, I originally though would a lecture/project-based class in learning different BIM software.  Instead it was a more informative, analytical, and writing intensive class.  Although I would have preferred it to be the other way, I did learn a lot in this class.  Each lecture touched several different but important facts about the evolution of the construction industry and its current state. 

            Overall, the lectures were really informative and interesting.  I think that the guest speakers were the best part of them.  Each guest speaker came from different parts of the industry and had different perspectives the evolution of construction.  For example, before taking this class I did not know that robots and drones were already being used in construction.  Drones are really useful in several tasks of construction for example in site supervision and project control.  Now construction managers, owners, and designers can check the project progress from their home or office.  Additionally, it was really interesting to see what different professionals think about BIM software.  BIM software is definitely revolutionizing the construction industry and it has outstanding future potential.  As of now, most of them have realized that they must keep up with its evolution and learn how to use it.  Bentley’s lecture was the best.  I was amazed with the program capability to merge the architectural with MEP models and its ability for clash detection between elements.  This is a huge step forward in construction because it allows the detection of costly errors before construction.  In order to exploit this technology’s potential, all construction parties should be completely involved and work as a team.  I believe that BIM software training should be part of all engineering, architectural, or construction management undergraduate programs.  Professionals without software knowledge will definitely be in a disadvantage in the future. 

            The Revit project was an excellent introduction to the program.  Before completing the project I did not know how to use Revit.  Fortunately, prof. Mitchell’s video tutorials were really useful and easy to follow.  Moreover, it was an excellent foundation for the term project.  As I mentioned in B5 post, prior taking this class I did not know what databases were.  The lectures, blog post, and database project were an excellent introduction to them.  By completing the database project, I was able to accurately know what databases are and how they work.  Although my database was not too related to AE, I was able to develop a database that could be used in my dads company.  I develop a database to keep track the company’s cars and computer hardware.  This database could be expanded to become more complex and keep track of more assets. 

            The term project was an excellent opportunity to improve my senior design project house. I decided use Revit to develop, modify, and improve the original model of the house.  With little Revit experience, this project was quite challenging at the beginning.  It was really difficult to get used Revit’s toolbar and tools.  I had to watch several youtube tutorials to be able to modify the house roof, floor, walls, and furniture.  While completing the project, I noticed that Revit’s 3D visualization tool is really useful.  It help me a lot to modify and improve the overall house model and choose material finishes.  Overall, this term project was an excellent experience and opportunity to take my senior design house model to the next level.

            Although this class ended up being different from what I expected, it was really useful.  It brought me up to date in construction and its tendencies.  I was able to realize that technology is evolving at a really fast rate and I must keep up with it.  I can definitely conclude that the knowledge gained in this class is an excellent asset for my future architecture master degree program and profession.  I will definitely recommend all civil and architectural engineers to take this class.

Responses,

Mridul,

            

I also think that the guest lectures were one of the best parts about this course.  By having speakers from different sectors of the construction industry, I was able too see the impacts BIM, AI, and robots has had in them.  These technologies are definitely going to take over our industry and we must be ready to accept it.  In order to take full advantage of this technology, all construction parties must be involved and working as a team to develop the BIM models.  Moreover, I believe that architectural, engineering, and construction management undergraduate programs should include training in this technology.  

         

Alexis,

            I respectfully disagree with you that AI, robotics, and 3D printing will not be used in HVAC in the near future.  My dad owns an HVAC company in Ecuador and Asian companies like LG and Samsung are definitely starting to use this technology.  I will like to add that Robots and AI are going to become really useful especially for the installation of these ducts.  I believe that 3D printing and AI can potentially be used for the systems ducts.  Ecuador is a little behind in this industry and ducts are built manually from galvanized steel sheets.  This is really time consuming and labor intensive.  AI and robots can definitely be used in order to easy the process.  I am really looking forward for this technology to be applied in Ecuador. 

     

B7 - Course Reflection - Hamad Al-Hajri

Overall, the course was very informative and very interesting (Concept's wise). Also, I enjoyed the majority of the lectures, especially the ones in line with my interests. The materials covered were mostly directly related to the field of engineering. Therefore, it was extremely beneficial to learn how "New Technological Concepts" can be incorporated with our current engineering knowledge. Although the materials covered were extremely informative, I feel a three hours long lecture could make the students lose interest. However, some classes needed to be three hours long, like when we had guest lecturers over. Perhaps the best aspect of the class, in my opinion, was when we had practitioners over to tell us about their personal perspectives and gave great insights! I will be reflecting on the course in terms of the following:


Weekly Blog Posts: This was a major advantage because it helped me further explore concepts discussed in class and, consequently communicate my findings with my classmates. Furthermore, reading other posts and commenting on them was, also, very advantageous because it exposed me to other interesting concepts and personal experiences.

Assignments: Overall, the assignments helped me enormously expand my understanding and knowledge of a number of software. Although a novice Revit user, I was able to understand how to use and explore it's many capabilities (Adding Families..etc). The database assignment was also very helpful. I realized how important it is (Database Software) for corporations and firms, because it helps them organize valuable information. Finally, the final paper was, in my opinion, the most enjoyable assignment. It gave me the opportunity to explore parts of me I didn't know about. It made me realize that engineering is a much broader concept and can be effectively deployed in humanitarian aid, as well as, in many vital aspects of our life.

Personal Experience: In my opinion, it is a must class, especially for CAEE students. It was a fun and valuable experience for me. Although I learned a lot from the lectures, I learned a lot more outside of class. How? The assignments made us independently search for answers, research particular concepts, and write on whatever we find interesting. Furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the technologies discussed in class are effectively deployed in the near future. Finally, the class, in my opinion, accommodated, at one point, the majority's interests. As a civil engineering major, I would very much recommend this class.


In conclusion, the syllabus and the workload were very reasonable. The materials covered gave us an introduction to potential technologies to be implemented in the near future. However, as stated in the class and by a number of guest lecturers, these technologies might have negative social impacts. Although change sometimes is good, necessary, and important, it can also be complex, messy and scary.

Comments :

Yasmina Shields:

I absolutely agree with you. After this class, I realized the potential of intelligent buildings and its impact on the world and us (CAE engineers). Furthermore, like you stated, compared to other industries we are still behind in terms of advancements and such, however, it is changing right now as the class proved so. Finally, this class gave us the chance to further expand our knowledge on how to use Revit.


Al-Qallaf:

I remember signing up for the class for the exact same reason. I felt after repetitive engineering courses it's time to take something different and unique. Also, the vast amount of emerging technologies discussed in class, like you stated, is just fascinating. I would also agree with you that after taking this class, I more aware of so many concepts, and software due to the assignments given in this class.

B7 - Group D - Ayon

This course gave me insight not only on the newest technological advances in the construction and design industries, but also made me look at things differently. After looking at the key term Professor Mitchell introduced at the beginning of the course (BIM, database, sensors, 3D printing, etc.) you see there is much more there to an intelligent building. The importance of these key terms goes beyond simple definition understating, therefore we were required to do several class projects and write blogs to further enhance out knowledge.

Through the weekly blogs, we were given a specific topic and we had to analyze this topic in relation to BIM, always looking for limitations and advantages. Providing sources was an excellent way to go out of the box, in my opinion, since it made us look for current applications of that topic and compare it to the future. I personally felt curious after writing a blog about robotics, therefore I decided to do my research paper on that.

Also, we had larger projects to complete through the term allowing us to put into practice the definitions we had learned about the key terms. For instance, creating a database using Microsoft Access made me look at the importance of databases and more importantly, how they work. It was a challenging task for me since it was the first time I was creating a database, but it made realize and understand the importance of applying this in the real world. A construction project would run easier and smoother with this application, as not only material properties and specifics would be in the database, but also cost information, schedule, constriction plans, and even contractors information.

Taking these course made me realize there is more out there than simple sketched done through AutoCAD, that there is a whole intelligent world created with the intend to facilitate the job of the engineers, architects and designers. In the future, I hope to get further knowledge on these applications and put them into practice. Technology is something that will keep changing through the years, and us as Engineers need to be able to adapt to what is new out there and willing to implement these new technologies to our work.