Course Reflection - Arthur McCloskey

In this course, a lot of the forward-thinking technologies and capabilities that are revolutionizing our field were explored in good detail.  The highlights of these capabilities were BIM, artificial intelligence, robotics, relational databases, and sensors.  These lectures were supplemented by class visits from people in the industry that were able to bring a practical aspect to these ideas.  This class was comprised of many different types of students across many different concentrations and majors.  After graduation, many of us will branch off into various different job types in our industry.  From planners, construction managers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, I think we can take away something from this class that could be useful in our professional lives.

I personally will be going into the construction management field after graduation, and looking back on the things that I have learned in this class, there are several major takeaways.  The first is BIM.  The presentation by Whiting Turner was particularly helpful in extending what we learned in BIM to what I could use in CM.  Even over my limited co-op experiences, I cannot count how many times the proposed plans caused clashes and conflicts across trades.  Navisworks and Revit were a particularly useful software to use for this, and I had wished that the companies I was with were using it.  That would have certainly helped reduce some of the issues in the field.

I think the database lessons were really useful.  I didn't necessarily enjoy it to be completely honest, since large data management is never really that interesting, but I see how if can be very important in my industry.  Many of the projects I have been on require management of a lot of equipment, machinery, finance, etc.  The knowledge of Access and other database programs could make the aggregation and manipulation of data much easier for managers, which allows them to focus on more important things, like coordination and execution.

Overall, I think this class was a good introduction to the future possibilities of technology to our industry.  I can see how it is beneficial for all kinds of students, no matter their major or concentration.

Comments on Others:

Egla Qori – I think that your post was really beneficial to read, considering you seem to know what structural engineering firms are looking for in a candidate.  Since most of us are probably structural engineering, it is important to know which of these capabilities we learned in this class are important for those employers.

Paulina Gawor – I agree with Paulina in that I was expecting a lot of the class to be more in depth into Revit and programs like it.  I suppose this allowed us to cover a larger amount of information in such a short term, especially when it came to the sensors and databases.

Drew Hovey – I also enjoyed the presentation on NavisWorks.  It still surprises me how little I have seen it used in industry.  I suppose as we graduate and the industry catches up, we will see it used more.

Ng Andrew - B7: AE510 Reflection

B7 - Final Blog - Reflection

Intelligent Buildings, AE 510, was a thought-provoking class in that it introduced me to what I thought to be “futuristic” concepts. At first when hearing Professor Mitchell speak about robotics and machinery I never heard about or seen in detail, I was skeptical. These machines, I thought, would only be possible in maybe another 50-100 years when technology has advanced to a state where it was possible. Perhaps, when we have flying cars and androids that can replicate human functions realistically is when I believe what I heard in the first couple of classes. I remember stating my disbelief and “doubt” in one of the first classes and having Mitchell sort of chuckle at my disbelief. I was somewhat ready to fight for my statements with supporting arguments, but in the back of my mind, something was telling me that I may be wrong. Thoughts of the future technologies resounded in my mind. Subconsciously, I really do hope these thoughts of the future would come into existence. As a kid, I truly wanted to see a futuristic world like in the sci-fi movies such as I, Robot in my lifetime. Through learning in AE 510 classes about what technologies exist and their implementation, I changed my mind and came to start believing in what I didn’t thought was possible. I felt like a kid again in a way wanting to believe in something that was wasn’t “real” since it wasn’t in front of me (like Santa Claus). I now realized through the classes that the future that I thought wouldn’t come into existence until later is coming sooner than I thought. In a way, “The Future Is Now,” and I became excited.

This course has an effect in my profession as the technologies that were discussed can be very beneficial to me and the industry I’m entering. By learning about BIM and robotic implementation in the construction field before they become popular, I feel that I can have the competitive advantage amongst other college graduates and younger professionals. There’s a chance that I may be able to see an opportunity to do some operation more efficiently because I have more familiarization with the “new ideas.” Additionally, as we discussed videos shown and were exposed to numerous speakers, I saw how the technology is currently being used. In the future with more advancements and research, I’m sure these technologies would have greater uses; they would do much more than they do now and provide more information that may be helpful. BIM would be relevant in my future as I’m sure I would be using Revit in the design of structural and MEP functions of a building. Revit being the convergence place for all parties involved in the construction place would be something I’ll be working on. While it would provide me with a model that I can show to my clients, I would have everything right in front of me from almost all if not all construction phases. With databases, I can organize my information and find architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical or any other components much faster by instantly searching them up. Of course, the components would have to be registered and recorded first into the database, but once it is, the benefits from having a database would be great. One more peculiar aspect of the class was learning about Revit families. I did not know the concept of families before this class. Setting parameters and families allow for much simplifier methods of making modifications of some object in a broader perspective instead of specific values.

Overall, this course has revealed a lot about the technologies that are used and will be implemented in more depth. It was very interesting and was enjoyable.

Comments:

Maissoun Ksara – The organization of the course and how you liked it was very nicely summarized. I liked how you also enjoyed the Revit project. I learned a lot about Revit as I did not even know about the concept of “families”. By working with the bookshelf and the simple house, I have become somewhat more adept in using the program.

Ronald Herazo – The MS Access project was fun. I never used the program before the class and figuring out how to input information, organize, and relate information was a great experience. I know that it would be helpful in numerous applications, but I’m not sure if it’s for me. I will probably touch MS Access once again in the future, and when I do, I will now be able to make a basic database. At least now I know the fundamentals and even its existence. I have grown up seeing MS Access installed on computers, but always neglected the program.

Taryn Francischetti – Having guest speakers was very beneficial. It added a sense of credibility to the topics discussed. By having real professionals who use BIM and robotics and other programs discuss what they do in their careers was very intriguing. 

Singh, Prahlad - Reflection

This course was one of the few interesting courses that explored the current state and the future of the industry in a very “futuristic” way.  It combined the various new technologies and ones that could possibly be witnessed by our generation in the future. I would have preferred the class to be split into 2 classes of 1.5 hours each as they did end up becoming pretty tiring. On originally signing up for the class I was expecting it to be more BIM and Revit oriented. Through the various assignments and blog posts I learned a lot over the short 10-week class.

The Weekly blog posts allowed for in depth research into specific topics while also brushing up in general topics other classmates read up on. This was extremely educational as there were many topics I had not even heard about. It also provided for a few different views on each topic due to each group working on it individually. Each classmates’ personal experience helped she da new light on their topics. On the other hand, the projects were in depth projects of two important aspects of Intelligent Buildings (BIM and Database’s). Being fairly new to databases, I was still like learning new aspects about what goes into them and how they are used in the industry. It showed the capabilities of databases and how big corporations use them to achieve greater efficiency. The guest lecturers also helped highlight certain software’s and how they are used and to what affect within their firms. They also spoke about the changes the industry is undergoing and what we as future employees can and should expect in a couple of years.

The class had a huge impact on me personally. I hope to, in the future, take back all that I have learned in this course and help in the installation of some new “Intelligent buildings” back home in India. I am sure that I will be using software’s such as Revit and Access to help provide and efficient and “Smart” building. Overall, I learnt a lot from this class, be it within the classroom or during my research for the various assignments.

Comments to others

Abdulaziz: Even I thought that this was going to be more of a designing course at first. I am also of the same mind as in I share your idea of travelling back home to further integrate myself with “Intelligent Buildings” as they are the future.

Abdullatif: I too like the Whiting-Turner presentation and the way they spoke about BIM and modelling in regards to construction management. I also find it very interesting that you incorporated this class into your senior design project. I hope to do the same and incorporate what I learnt into my other classes.

Maissoun: I like how you related your personal goals to your final project. You are right that green building are not necessarily intelligent buildings and vice versa. I look forward to reading your paper of the differences between Intelligent and Green buildings. I agree with you on how this class was both creative and technical at the same time.

B7 Blog Post - Hovey

Course Reflection

Personally, I really enjoyed this course as it allowed me to not only think about what the industry consists of, but also where it is going. I learned about the role AI has in design as well as the influence BIM has on the industry in today’s world. Prior to this course, I had zero idea about the role databases play in the design and overall functionality buildings have in today’s world. I am currently leaving the class with an interest in databases as I was previously against having anything to do with them due to not particularly enjoying MATLAB. However, being able to go into a lunch and learn being delivered by a programming company and understand what they are pitching to you can be extremely valuable. In previous coops, lunch and learns have really just been about the free meal, but progressing in my education has led me to understand that there is always an opportunity to learn or contribute in every scenario.

One of my favorite presentations this term was about NavisWorks and the processing power it contains. I have never used it on coop but I knew of it due to conversations I have had with my peers, but learning more about it in depth is extremely informative. Personally, I’m not excited for the progression robotics has in the design industry due to the amount of jobs it could possibly take from thousands of skilled workers across the country. Bill Gates recently came out to say that if robots are taking our jobs, they should also pay taxes.

I really enjoyed the final project as we were allowed to choose the topic and our group partners. This influenced us to find a partner we work well with and do a project that allowed us to focus on what we found most applicable to what we wanted to do in the future. By doing so, I’m more informed on the differences between green and intelligent buildings as well as where they cross over.

All in all, the best part of this class was completing and commenting on our peers blog posts. This allowed us to educate ourselves and classmates on a particular subject. Ultimately, this course put me in a position to look forward into what is next, instead of what’s currently happening in the industry as having this kind of mindset will take you places where dreams can come true!

Nick P - I also had a preconceived idea that this course was going to be about how to analyze case studies. This course covered a much wider spectrum than I had anticipated and I was extremely happy about that fact! I also agree that the greatest take away I can say from this course is the knowledge of databases that I'm leaving with. As I discussed in my blog post, I didn't know anything about databases and only the role they play in buildings. Now I am able to speak the lingo and know what I need when I go to a software engineer looking to design a database.

Maria R - I found the Revit part of this course necessary but not an extremely interesting part as it covered essentials in the industry and not particularly the innovated role it plays. Revit allows multiple disciplines to come together on the same model to create a building that doesn't exist in the real world yet. The power of putting a representation in a three dimensional software can be looked over in today's world as it has become common or part of 'the process' of completing the design process. However, thinking about the past and how engineers used to convey their ideas to clients is a mystery to today's young innovative individuals.

Brandon M - By being in your AE 391 design group, I have had the luxury of seeing your final project first hand and I loved it! While I think about each of my coops, I haven't used Revit in the facet that involved creating multiple elements to put into a single family as you did. Do you think Revit will stop at making families at just kitchens? What happens when the 'ideal' net zero energy residential home becomes a family and all the different engineering design firms want to get ahold of that file because of the previous success it has had in terms of providing more energy than its creating. I also agree that the BIM aspect of this course will be the best take home part of this course but you shouldn't ignore the other aspects as they are extremely important. Being able to understand the future will only be able to put you in a better position to design buildings that will change the industry going forward.

Reflection on the course

When I signed up to take AE 410, I expected it to be more of a designing class that will teach more on how to work with SketchUp and AutoCAD. On the contrary, I learned very new concepts in this course which I think opened my eyes on very new topics for me in my major.

The course focused on Artificial Intelligence, BIM and Databases. Before taking this course, I had a very basic idea on how robots are constructing in big factories, but I did not realize how the robots are also being used in construction fields, and how intelligent they are programmed to overcome obstacles and receive commands for several tasks.

Another topic that I was expecting to learn about in this course and that we went through and understood very well was 3D printed buildings. Before taking this course, I really wanted to learn more about the 3D printed buildings advantages, how they are constructed and put together and whether they are used nowadays or are still being developed. We understood it very well from professor Mitchell’s explanation, and my peers’ blogs that introduced new information and have taught me a lot.

Reflection on my professional career and future:

I believe that AI plays a huge role in BIM, and have been and developing the industry in so many aspects. My plan now is to go back to Kuwait after I graduate and hopefully work in one of the Architectural firms. I am very sure that they use BIM and such developed technologies. I also know that in Dubai they are relying on 3D printed buildings, Kuwait work on many projects with Dubai as well as exchanging experiences, so hopefully after learning so much about the 3D printed buildings I can have a hand on one of the projects which I am very excited for.

Another useful tool we used was Microsoft Access creating Databases. Even though I faced few trouble and errors on the assignments, I have a clear idea on Queries and relationships which I really believe I would benefit from it in my professional career. I also learned very much about sensors which I didn’t have a clear background about before this class.

One of the most effective things in this course were the guest speakers that use what we are learning in their daily work. That showed me how important all the topics we learned are and gave me a push to read more about everything and, I was always interested in reading my classmate’s blogs to learn new aspects of the topic.

In conclusion, the class was much deeper in the topics than I anticipated it to be and very useful to me, my major and in my future career for sure. I believe that professor Mitchell’s useful presentation and videos were very helpful. The videos that were showed to us in class, especially the robots working on construction and overcoming obstacles to do specific tasks, in addition to the blogs and guest speakers were very helpful and taught us a lot. The course was very interesting, we had so much fun while learning the new topics, and hopefully we can use all that we learned in our future jobs.

Response to peers
Nick Pawlikowski : It is great that you knew about most of the topics in this course. To me even though I knew few topics, I was not familiar with the great deep information provided in the lectures and blogs by our colleagues. I as well had never worked on Databases and I enjoyed it and like working on it this course I really think it helped me a lot.

Joe Dressel : I agree with most of what you said about the course. I strongly agree that the guest speakers were very helpful, they brought us a lot of prospective as you said and shared their experience on the topics which helped us very much.

Ronald Herazo: I strongly agree that professor Mitchell did a great job teaching this course and really helped us a lot and made it so much fun for us. Most of the topics even though we had a basic idea about, deep information were shared, reading the blog posts helped introduce more information and finally the guest speakers also sharing their experience gave us the best idea possible. 

Uses of databases in design offices

Uses of databases in design offices

The basic uses of databases are to structurally organize and capture large quantities of data by inputting, storing, retrieving and managing information. A database is defined as a collection of data that is stored in a computer in today’s world. A database application is a program that can retrieve and store the data. It is an inevitable component of modern companies and offices and some of the popular database applications are Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft Access. I will specifically talk about some uses of databases in design offices.

Customer Management[2]

A customer relationship management database can help companies manage the relationship with its customers. The database stores the information about customers including accounts, contact information, orders, details of customer service calls and anything that the companies have contacted with.

Employee Database[2]

The employee database manages the information about the employees. The database helps the human resource department and higher managers to organize their teams. Companies apply the database to smoothly run their internal operations. Not only the simple information about employees such as name, birthday, salary and address but also an intelligent method to find the right people to do the right tasks could be provided by the database.

BIM[3]

Building Information Modelling is also a representation of an advanced database. It shows that databases are not only limited to words and number but also 3D models like Revit. BIM could store and repeatedly use parametric designs such as families. Working with other cloud service, BIM could even be used in mobile devices to easily present your ideas to different stakeholders.

Cloud Service

Cloud services such as Dropbox and iCloud become more and more powerful. Cloud service is an advanced database application. You could easily upload your works into the cloud and use it through all your devices. Sharing is another significant function for cloud service application. You could work together with your partner on the same document from wherever you get accessed to Internet. It could save tons of time and money.

Reference:

[1] http://www.herzing.ca/blog/winnipeg/the-importance-of-database-applications-in-the-office/

[2] http://smallbusiness.chron.com/database-uses-business-64298.html

[3] http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim/overview

Comments

Joe Dressel

Thank you for explaining what object oriented databases are. You also compared relational databases with object oriented databases. Now I understand the differences between these two types of databases and the benefits of using object oriented databases. I think BIM is a good example that contains a huge object oriented database.

Rachel Frank

The idea of organizational memory is very interesting. I like how organizational memory helps the construction industry to quickly process information from the past. Also, web-based databases are also a useful tool because they are easy to learn and use. However, you mentioned the security issues about using web-based databases as a disadvantage. What would you like to use if you are a construction manager?

Ronald Herazo

Thank you for describing relational databases in detail. Your pictures really helped me to understand the concept. Also, you talked about SQL in the end. I thought SQL is one type of databases before. Now I know that SQL is a language to manipulate relational databases. It is like a communication channel connecting databases.