Discovering the Level Of BIM Implementation at South African Architecture Schools: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

It is a well-known fact the architecture industry is at the forefront of implementing and using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to conceptualize, develop, resolve and execute buildings. Although it may seem like a new concept, BIM had its foundations set in the 1980's with the disruption being 3D CAD. BIM has significantly been revolutionized beyond the likes of 3D CAD to become a complex system of information. Currently, BIM is still revolutionizing how architects design buildings by intelligently documenting buildings, realistic visualization, error reduction and 3D resolution of construction detailing. However, when and where is BIM implemented to allow architects to maneuver in the complex web of BIM? In recent times, BIM has become a household phrase amongst architecture schools around the world. BIM is fundamentally important in the architectural design and construction courses as it allows students to explore their designs and resolve problems surrounding the resolution of designs, construction of buildings. materiality etc. BIM is a complex system of information and is an ever-changing philosophy that has changed how buildings are conceptualized and executed. As BIM revolutionizes the architecture industry, it is important to grasp the level of implementation and methods of executing the teaching pedagogies in teaching BIM. From various research conducted, it is evident that the architecture industry is at the forefront of BIM implementation, however is this the case at the various schools of architecture? This research focuses on the levels of implementation of BIM at schools of architecture in South Africa. The research makes use of a mixed method approach of both primary and secondary data. The primary method of data collection was executed using a qualitative interview-based approach to unravel the various opportunities and challenges faced at architecture schools in teaching and disseminating BIM knowledge in South Africa. The interview schedule was based on various questions including the current state of implementation, equipment, lecturer's knowledge and importance of an integrated BIM philosophy in courses. The secondary data for this research was collected through an intense literature review that sought to discover the implementation of BIM throughout the world and the opportunities and challenges experienced by other international schools of architecture. Preliminary findings reveal that there is some usage of 2D, and 3D CAD being implemented, however little implementation of BIM methods, processes and pedagogies have been recorded, which prompted the need for research in this key area. This research will be useful to Universities which are currently implementing BIM, the BIM research community, Industry and other stakeholders which wish to contribute to the body of knowledge of Building Information Modelling.

Disable access compliance to university infrastructure: built environment students’ perceptions

“…Disability-compliant lecture halls have high-quality audio and enhancement equipment to benefit students with hearing impairments. The seating arrangements in specific lecture halls restrict the participation and movement of individuals with physical impairments (Pillay and Gumbo, 2019). It has also been indicated that several university buildings allow for easy access inside the buildings but are restricted to certain areas such as offices, toilet facilities and other common areas, therefore not fully compliant with disability access.…”

“…Students indicated dissatisfaction with toilet facilities in several buildings, such as narrow spaces inaccessible for wheelchair users, no adequate railing inside toilet spaces, and lack of braille signage for blind individuals to differentiate gender (Drafor and Jones, 2008). Facilities such as football fields and places of worship consist of vertically raked and slanting seating, making it difficult for individuals with physical impairments to access top seats (Pillay and Gumbo, 2019). Transport stations on campuses were the least disability-compliant facilities.…”

“…The signage in these buildings is clear and speaks to every person. Pillay and Gumbo (2019) indicated that inadequate signage causes way-finding issues within structures. The buildings have adequate ramps, lifts and parking to accommodate individuals with disabilities.…”

Introdução do BIM no ensino da Arquitetura: Lições aprendidas

“…Esta iniciativa de inserir uma unidade de BIM no currículo do Mestrado Integrado em Arquitetura, em continuidade com outras unidades que abordam o desenho digital e de modelação geométrica 3D, tem em vista atingir em alguns anos um ensino totalmente integrado no currículo da escola, à semelhança de outras universidades europeias que tiverem um hiato de cerca de 7 anos entre a introdução da primeira Unidade dedicada e o ensino de BIM de forma totalmente integrada [3], [4].…”