Penn State’s Interdisciplinary Collaborative Building Information Modeling (BIM) Studio, an initiative of the Stuckeman School for Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the Department of Architectural Engineering, has won its second award from the American Institute of Architects’ Technology in Practice BIM Awards Program. The studio is the 2012 winner in the Academic Program/Curriculum Development category.
“Based on our benchmarking, we believe this is the only university design studio that involves students from all of the major design and construction disciplines,” said Bob Holland, who has a joint appointment in Architecture and Architectural Engineering and leads the BIM Studio. “We are very proud that Penn State has become a leader in the teaching of collaborative design and BIM technology. This studio should help make our students strong candidates for entry into the rapidly changing fields of design and construction.”
Each BIM Studio student team includes representatives from architecture, landscape architecture and the four architectural engineering options. The students work in a collaborative environment using BIM technology. BIM incorporates 3D modeling technology to visualize complex geometry, allowing for better integration of building systems and the sharing of design information, as well as providing analytical tools to create more sustainable buildings. Additionally, the BIM Studio projects are “real projects” allowing for significant interface with the actual design consulting team and client. The BIM Studio has also been recognized with awards from Autodesk and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
The BIM Awards Program is administered by the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community and honors “best of breed” case studies that promote BIM technology and processes to further design, construction and project excellence. The award was presented on May 16 in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual AIA conference.
BIM Studio faculty instructors:
Bob Holland (Architecture and Architectural Engineering)
David Goldberg (Landscape Architecture)
Scott Wing (Architecture)
Jim Rodgers (Teaching Assistant: Architectural Engineering)
Discipline faculty support:
Ralph Kreider, (Teaching Assistant: Architectural Engineering–Construction)
Rob Leicht (Architectural Engineering–Construction)
Moses Ling (Architectural Engineering–Mechanical)
John Messner (Architectural Engineering–Construction)
Rick Mistrick (Architectural Engineering–Lighting/Electrical)
Kevin Parfitt (Architectural Engineering–Structural)
Ute Poerschke (Architecture)