BIM - Collaboration within Undergraduate AEC Education

One of the key developments within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sectors over the last few years has been the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is seen by many within the construction sector as a way of reducing waste, cutting costs and generally producing a more efficient, leaner and better performing construction sector. As outlined by David Philp, Head of BIM Implementation at the Cabinet Office, this means that there is a requirement for "industry reform" if targets such as this, and those outlined in the Government Construction Strategy are to be met.Collaborative working practices have been identified as being key to achieving the aforementioned efficiencies, but at present, many graduates are not experiencing such scenarios within their undergraduate experience. This presentation aims to provide an overview of how academics at the University of Ulster are working together to overcome this problem by encouraging students on the Architectural Technology & Management and Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management programmes to work collaboratively on a project. The project will be contextualized around common industry practice i.e. to produce ‘Contractors Proposals’ (CP) in response to an ‘Employers Requirements’ design and build tender competition. The aim of this partnership is to aid student understanding of the importance of collaborative working practices within construction generally and specifically how BIM processes facilitate this more effectively than traditional project team practices. This will increase their appreciation for and knowledge and understanding of teamworking before they begin the period of industrial placement.