Course Reflection – Kate Flint - Group D

I will be working for a construction company after graduation so I wanted to gain a better understanding of BIM and what the future of intelligent building looks like. While on co-op in the facilities/project management department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I received an introduction to BIM. I was involved in some coordination meetings and was shown how vital new technologies are to the construction process.

I would recommend this course to anyone who plans to work in construction or building design after graduation. While interviewing for potential jobs I was especially interested in the growing BIM or Virtual Building departments in many construction companies. The curse is also obviously geared towards older undergrad/grad students because we were not tested on ever-single lecture and attendance was not taken. We became responsible for our own education, and would get as much out of the class as we put into it. This class was in a very different format from most of my other Drexel courses but I really enjoyed it.

My favorite portions of this course were the supplemental videos about robotics and the lectures from Whiting-Turner, the female Drexel alum who had a large role involving BIM at an engineering firm, and the man who had started his own engineering/consulting business.

I would not consider myself a huge robotics nerd, which was my least favorite part of freshman design. However, when applied to construction I was much more interested. I enjoyed the Whiting-Turner lecture because it was the closest to what I would be doing next year. It was also interesting to have the perspective of a recent Drexel grad and a more seasoned project manager present and answer questions.

I really liked the woman working in BIM because she didn’t preach why “women in tech” is so important. She showed us through her successful accomplishments and passion. As a female in the construction industry I think it is very important for more successful women to be recognized. I think part of the problem why more women are not in top executive roles is because there are not many female role models in the industry to set the example.  

The engineer who started his own company was very passionate and knowledgeable which was infectious. I wanted to just hear every piece of advice he had about business and engineering. By the end of all these lectures I was so inspired to learn more and excited to start working in this industry. 

I didn’t feel the need to attend each class because attendance was being taken. I attended because I was excited to see who the next guest lecturer would be or which cool new video we would watch and discuss. The format of the course required me to analyze new technologies we learned about weekly and find out how or if these technologies could help the industry.

The only thing I would change would be the last few lectures, maybe weeks 8 or 9. Personally, I didn’t find them as interesting, but that may be because I didn’t find the topics as applicable to my personal interests. How the internet works is cool, and definitely something I have wondered about, but I would have rather learned more about how specific BIM technologies work. I also was not a big fan of the database assignment. I think it would have been better if we were given actual sensor/other data from a building and had to create a database for it.

I commented on Allison Lock's & Gary Reiff's posts

B5: Group D – Kate Flint

Uses of databases in design offices

Databases are useful tools to any company or organization who deals with data. But that is not exclusive to tech companies. Almost all companies have customers and the more data that can be collected about them the better. Knowing your customers allows companies to understand how to better serve them, increasing customer satisfaction and company profits. Design offices in particular work with a large amount of data about buildings and their users. As with any company it it useful to have the most efficient work flow possible. Databases can also be incredibly useful in keeping track of employee information by the human resources department. Databases can be useful for sharing large amounts of data between multiple users, but now there are so many different database options to choose from.

Databases make it easier to manipulate data but in turn make it more complex overall. This puts significantly more amounts of strain on a company's IT department. A company must decide if the pros outweigh the cons in this situation.

An Evernote article profiles an online database startup and explains where the future of the database is headed. Orchestrate.io has pieced together the most useful components from other large database stores to create the foundation for their own super program.  Overall, they have sacrificed customization for use-friendly simplicity. And the company is realistic about their industry. Technology must become more compatible and able to interface with other, similar programs. Orchestrate.io automatically backs up the data to Amazon S3 in case a user wants to later change database providers. To me this seems like a good business practice. It is important to be realistic, and your customers will recognize and appreciate that.

Resources:

https://www.evernote.com/pub/view/aengineer/ae-510/93e26d2a-0a80-455d-844f-601ee408c083?locale=en#st=p&n=93e26d2a-0a80-455d-844f-601ee408c083

Bridget,
We both wrote about databases in design offices and I really like how you started your post with a simple definition of what a database is. I also like how you connected it specifically to BIM and the Revit project from class. Something that can be especially useful that I has not considered is a physical database, such as the one created by Material ConneXion. Architects obviously have a specific appearance in mind when designing a building and it would be incredibly useful to be able to compare different materials in person. As I also stated above, one of the main purposes of a database is to streamline building practices so designer's and builder's time can be better spent elsewhere.

Gary,
You did a great job at explaining the technical definitions involved with creating databases. This knowledge will be especially helpful for our future assignment of building our own databases. I think it is especially important for new database user to understand that there is a logic model behind the physical data they are using or manipulating. 
Overall you gave a lot of great detail and information. On a way to improve, it would be helpful to the reader to add in specific examples of these topics that they may encounter in their everyday lives.

B4: Group D – Kate Flint

For the term project our group chose to research Daylighting Technologies in Intelligent Buildings. Each group member will choose a different technology and research case studies in which that technology was implemented in a building. Each person will also explain the details of how each technology works and compare it to the other two. We will also explain the possibility for future advancements within daylighting technologies. We would also like to explore how energy use compares from the new technologies to older lighting technologies. Our project will also include how training and maintenance affect the energy efficiency of a building. Personally, I will be researching lighting sensors and how they interact with the Building Automation System (BAS).  

Specifically I will look at examples of daylight harvesting strategies. One of the technologies considered is an ambient light sensor to optimize lighting levels throughout the day. These sensors can be linked to the BAS system and monitored to collect user data over the life of the building. We may also look into how the orientation of a building impacts the daylighting, and how important it is to avoid direct sunrays. As mentioned for the BAS system, sensors in a building can be very helpful in monitoring occupant movement and comfort

I chose this topic because I took AE 340 Architectural Illumination & Electrical Systems last term and found it very interesting. Several of the topics covered in that class relate to intelligent buildings and artificial intelligence being integrated into building design. The class covered some current buildings with highly advanced lighting systems. One homeowner had a lighting/security system he controlled from an iPhone app that gave him full control and versatility of his home lighting. The system was also able to cut his energy bill by setting timers on lights and using motion sensors.

The main challenge I foresee for this project would be in deciding what to include in the final report. The outline we submitted this week narrows down the “Daylighting Technologies” category, but as we research we will need to decide how in depth we want to go with each technology. All of the technologies we are considering are well developed and available to the public for residential and commercial building use.

Mohammed,

I think you have a great project idea, and it looks like you have your work cut out for you. It sounds like you have created a very comprehensive plan from analyzing the structure to creating a new HVAC system. It is also a great idea to utilize the Revit schedules for the estimating process, which can be very tedious. Last year I attended a similar senior design project presentation, one this they did was conduct surveys of the professors with offices in the AEL building. This may be helpful during for the architectural layout process to learn more about the workflow and what the CAEE professors would recommend.

B3: Group D – Kate Flint

Develop from discussion in class: What are the current advantages of Revit/BIM?

Put very plainly, the major advantages of using technologies such as BIM are improved schedule, quality, and cost. BIM and Revit models can hold a significant amount of valuable information that can improve all stages of the construction process.

This week’s guest speaker, Huw from Bentley Systems, discussed many different technologies in the Architecture and Engineering world and their possible future applications. Huw showed us how phone and mobile applications have become much more capable then we realized. The point cloud and photo modeling was especially interesting. He showed us that to prepare for the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia a flying droid took a few hundred photographs of the city and software programs were used to create 3D models of Philadelphia. If engineers were to do this through surveying it would have taken significantly longer. In regards to the construction process, to day it is essential to have all involved parties (builders, designer, owners) on the same page and in constant communication.  Bentley’s ProjectWise Explorer Mobile software allows all users to have remote access to up to date drawings. This eliminates the need for an employee to constantly be updating multiple sets of drawings, with more room for error. This program works for 2D contract drawings as well as 3D models.

According to a report by McGraw Hill Construction, a current advantage of BIM is its rapid increase in popularity in North America from 28% to 71% over a recent 5 year period. However, American users have reported a lower return on investment than their European counterparts. Today BIM still has many opportunities for improvement and the more companies that use it, the more the industry will advance. The report also explained that BIM, a once designer dominated system, is now being used by all organizations involved in a construction process, and that will only help the efficiency of a project.  

To clarify, there is a difference between BIM and Revit. BIM is a method of construction and collaboration that involved 3D building models. Autodesk Revit is a software program that can be used on a BIM project, similar to ArchiCAD and Bentley AECOsim. Revit has many components that would aid in a BIM project.

Resources:

https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/project-delivery-software/projectwise-explorer-mobile

http://www.aconex.com/blogs/2014/01/global-state-of-bim-construction-market-data.html

Comments:
Rebecca, my post emphasized the current advantages of Revit, so it was nice to read about the contrasts of future issues. I completely agree, many of the issues with compatibility between programs and operating systems occur because programmers or companies don't want to make them compatible. In 2016 I'm sure we have the capabilities to do so, but businesses top concern is to make money, not necessarily make things easier on the user. As I stated above, BIM can be a wonderful and collaborative tool in construction, but all parties must be well trained and on the same programs.
You bring up another incredibly important point: humans becoming to reliant and blindly trusting these programs. Technology has become such a large part of our culture and education, that it can be easier to choose the lazy option and trust the computer. Especially if someone is a certified Professional Engineer, I think they should be able to understand the technical calculations behind their models and designs.

Danielle S,
You brought up a point I have been wondering for a while. How does the industry decide which programs are best to use across the board? You mentioned ArchiCAD, a program I have never used and only vaguely recognize the name. According to you it is a much more user friendly program. I wonder if it is less popular because of the price, or it's just that more young engineers are trained on Autodesk so there is a bias?

B2: Group D – Kate Flint

Ch 5 - BIM for Architects and Engineers

Building Information Modeling now impacts a wide range of activities in the construction world.  From Conceptual Design, workflow, to modeling in the construction phase. It has also proven vital to strengthening the link between designing & building. The construction industry, as a whole, needs to improve its workflow and increase its efficiency. An increase in technology use, specifically BIM, has already decreased the time needed to produce contract documents. Figure 5-1 demonstrates how time and effort were previously exerted over the lifespan of a project. Line 4 shows how an increase in technologies can alter the timeline to make it more efficient and less costly for all parties. BIM should be used significantly in the pre-design and design phases to make the best use of time and resources.

Conceptual Design

BIM is especially important to the early phases of construction because of its ability to show project cash flow, estimate costs, and create a schedule. Every project is different and BIM is flexible enough to accommodate any type of project. Many important decisions are made during this phase and BIM can help people make better decisions.

Performance of building systems directly impact energy use and user comfort. BIM allows users to make changes easily and see how that impacts the future inhabitants of the building. The user can experiment with different components of the structure, MEPs, and even construction methods to determine what would be best for that project. It is also a business savvy decision for design firms to be well versed in BIM to make them more desirable to Owners.

Workflow

BIM would not be successful without collaboration and communication among all parties involved in the design and construction. BIM required input from the designers, tradesmen, construction manager, and building owner.

BIM is used for modeling in the construction phase to find ways to improve quality while accelerating the schedule. Different building methods can be explored in a software program to find the best solution, without wasting time and money.

As explained above, the Design/Build process is expedited if BIM is used from the very beginning. This chapter explained the possibility for BIM in the future to serve as the on-site documents and to include As-Built data as well.

In my co-op experiences I have only seen BIM used on a very large-scale project (CHOP’s new $500 million ambulatory care center). The biggest issue I have seen with Architects and Engineers using BIM is to get the tradesmen and foremen to get on board. Smaller sub-contractors may not have the finances or time to train their employees in BIM, but they would be the most knowledgeable about what would work best in the building. The MEP subs would be able to offer valuable input during designing and planning because they are the ones who will be installing the materials.

References:
Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley, 2008. Web.

Comments:

Alexis wrote on a different chapter than I did but many of the topics were similar. Something unique she covered was the construction method Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Chapter 5 discussed BIM to improve the Design/Build process.  BIM is a vital component for successful and efficient Design/Build and IPD projects. Typical construction methods use a separate designer and construction manager. The problem with this practice is that both parties have separate priorities and responsibilities so communication and even legal issues can arise, slowing down the building process. Design/Build construction uses the same company to do the designing and building of the project. Since all parties are on the same page, this streamlines many processes and allows the builders to have a better understanding of the design than they would if they were just handed a stack of drawings. In a Design/Build project, BIM is used to find clashes and other issues early on in the construction timeline, which saves a lot of money. Integrated Project Delivery integrates all components of the process and creates a more collaborative environment. IPD improves the schedule, cost, and quality of a building project. BIM is an excellent example of all the important contributors coming together to use this technology to improve a project.

James,

You bring up a great point about structural engineers and BIM. Structural Engineers already have their own software and practices and understandably want to be separate from the other trades beginning to use BIM. The structure of a building, in regards to safety and the lifetime of a building, is the most important and difficult to replace. I think it could only be beneficial for structural design to become more realistic by utilizing BIM. But to realistically implement BIM in the industry, engineering firms must recognize that it will cost them time and money upfront to have a more efficient, technologically advanced team. And to be realistic, it would be pretty difficult to use BIM to its full potential with out the structural component.

B1 Group D: Kate Flint

HVAC

Keen Home’s Smart Vents implement Smart Phone App technology, and pressure and temperature sensors.  Vents can be remotely opened and closed from the App depending on which rooms are occupied during different times of the day. The vents are battery powered and can replace any standard vent. Each room will receive a schedule depending on its function so the app knows what time of day the room is most often occupied.  This cuts down on energy use and will make a residential HVAC system more efficient.  The article also explains that this technology is best when implemented with a smart thermostat.

http://www.wired.com/2015/01/brilliant-air-vents-never-knew-needed/#slide-x

Sensors

MyFox security system allows a homeowner to monitor their home’s safety when they are away via cameras. When the family returns home the cameras shut off to preserve their privacy.  The system’s 2-way audio capability allows family members away from home to communicate with those in the home. This system also utilizes an App which stores up to 7 days of recorded video, can arm and disarm the system, and monitor who is entering and exiting. Sensors on doors and windows will detect a break-in and sound the alarm before an intruder can enter the home. Users can also allow friends and neighbors access to their security system, which can be helpful when traveling out of town.

http://www.getmyfox.com/us_en/

Database

Before data can be analyzed, we must understand how it is connected.  Graphing data can be helpful to understand and manipulate data. According to the All Things D article, “graphs are the best abstraction we have for modeling and querying connectedness.” Personally, I have not worked with Big Data before or many databases. A graph database is defined as “an online transactional system that allows you to store, manage and query your data in the form of a graph.”  Data and databases are important to almost all career fields to help businesses grow and better understand their customers.  Telenor, a wireless Telco company, uses graphs to organize Big Data on customer accounts.

http://allthingsd.com/20130109/graphs-as-a-new-way-of-thinking/

AI/Future

“Artificial Intelligence will replace Smartphone in five years.”  This is an alarming and interesting statement.  This idea was concluded after surveying 5000 Smartphone users around the world. This article explains the many limitations of Smartphone, which explains why AI could replace them. A handheld device with a definite battery life is limiting and impractical.  Most of those polled believed that AI will become wearable and many household appliances will contain an audio AI component.  They also believed that an AI system could replace teachers, travel agents, assistants, and doctors in certain situations.  This article demonstrates that the Smart Homes of the future are much closer than we think.

http://www.kurzweilai.net/ai-will-replace-smartphones-within-5-years-ericsson-survey-suggests

Comments:

Danielle, I was very interested in the idea you mentioned of "data singularity" and the Internet of Things. I think this technology would be especially helpful in building design and monitoring. Currently I think the construction industry is lacking an understanding of how humans utilize buildings and building systems. An apartment building can have the most advance, efficient HVAC system in the world, but if none of the residence know how to use it properly it is not very efficient.
Another issue I foresee with "data singularity"is the issue of privacy. Americans especially greatly value their privacy and may not want their every move recorded and analyzed for the advancement of science.
As you also stated, many advancements are being made to create more efficient HVAC and lighting systems. Buildings utilize a significant portion of the energy made around the world, and will need to become more efficient during this energy crisis.

I am especially interested in Passive House technology, which sets standards to make a building twice as efficient as a Platinum LEED building.  This technology pairs a highly efficient envelope (with a high R-value) with a small, efficient HVAC system.   Passive House buildings are able to keep and maintain a comfortable internal temperature and use less energy than conventional buildings. These buildings can become more energy efficient by adding AI and smart building components such as Smart Vents and a smart thermostat.

http://www.phius.org/home-page

James http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b1-group-d-redus.html?showComment=1452638545809#c6660136212418568563

Group D Video Discussion

Comparing the two videos, the robots in the more recent video definitely showed advancements in interaction and "construction". In the older video, the robots were only picking up and dropping the materials, whereas in the newer video the robots were moving in more complex ways with the ropes. The robots in the older video did not interact as much with the other robots involved, but in the newer video the robots were interacting at many parts of the process. Another improvement of the robot technology was that they were able to move more quickly and efficiently in the more recent video. Also, the robots are constructing a more complex "structure" in the more recent video than the older one.

With these improvements in technology for construction, the applications include less room for error since the movements and placements from the robots are more exact and less manpower is required for the actual construction. However, limitations include the inability to work in various weather conditions outside and the robots would need to be stronger in order to carry and construct with heavier materials.

Kate Flint Intro

Hi
My name is Kate Flint and I am a senior in Environmental Engineering.
I am taking this course because I was briefly exposed to BIM in my second co-op (so I put it on my resume) and would like to be able to prove I know more about it than what the letters stand for and what 3D CAD of MEPs look like. I will be working for a construction manager after graduation and this will be very important to my career.
I want to learn as much about how CAD is implemented and how it has been used in past projects.  I also have very limited knowledge of Revit so any improvement in that would be great,
I think an Intelligent Building is one that is able to use current technologies to make the building as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Student Names - To Create Tags

Here are the names of the students in AE-510 as of 12/30/2015.  This post is mostly here to create the tags for labeling posts by students.  A second one will be necessary because blogger limits the length of tags that can be added at one time.

Alexis Aikins

Mohammed Al Qallaf

Hamad Al-Hajri

Faisal Alghati

Cristian Almendariz

Hatim Amiji

Maria Ayon

Danielle Beynon

Eduardo Borja

Samuel Boyce

Nikita Chauhan

Mridul Chulet

Sean Coffey

Alexandria Crouthamel

Bryan Cummings

Cathlene Farnelli

Katherine Flint

Bridget Frasca

Laura Hill

Adrian Kuzniarowicz

Yuanjin Li

Mark Lodato

Rebecca Lynch

Alex Palma

James Redus

Gary Reiff

Danielle Schroeder

Yuyang Shi

Yasmina Shields

Karan Sagar Sinha

Jonathan Swartz

Janet Tran

Dianna Vogel

Kai Waechter

William Whitesell

Laura Worley

Haoying Ye

Matthew Zabiega

Derek Zaccheo