CONNECTING TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRY AND RESEARCH: A VERTICAL INTEGRAL PROJECT COURSE FOR BIM EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is utilizing CAD technology in a way that ultimately ties all the components of a building together as objects imbedded with information, and has been changing the way we design and build over the last 20-30 years. In Polytechnic Institute of NYU, there are four BIM courses offered which provide students with different levels of knowledge regarding BIM Technique, BIM Standards, BIM Guideline and Roadmap for Private and Public Implementation, BIM Application in Real Projects, the Cooperation of BIM and IPD for Public Works in New York City. With advanced BIM technology, BIM's integration into the construction process and its incorporation into project delivery systems, especially Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are the bridges between technology, industry and research. This paper presents an integrated BIM curriculum with three modules: 1) BIM functions and Bid Preparation; 2) Time-Cost Trade-off Analysis; and 3) Problems Solving in BIM/IPD Environment. In this project-based curriculum developed by the common efforts of academia, public agency and industry, the objectives are: (1) to provide the information and skills needed to successfully implement BIM into the construction phase; (2) to identify BIM's role in construction and the project delivery system; (3) to develop a module in conjunction with leading BIM into project delivery system, particularly coordination between BIM and IPD; (4) to connect technology and research into industry. The course assessment was conducted and the results indicate that it is a successful reform in construction management education.