Overview
This foundational Building Modeling course introduces techniques for creating, managing, and applying building information models in the building design and construction process. The course covers processes and tools for creating, organizing, and working with 2D and 3D computer representations of building components and geometries to produce models used in architectural design, construction planning and documentation, rendering and visualization, simulation, and analysis.
Topics include:
- Accurately modeling building elements (walls, doors, windows, roofs, circulation, infill, etc.)
- to match construction techniques and practices
- Performance-based, analysis-driven design
- Rendering, animation, and visualization
- Time-phased design and design options
- Creating custom parametric model elements and geometries
- Model-based analysis (structural, energy use, model-based estimating, and construction planning)
Class Components
No Lecture Sessions
For this online class, there will not be any regularly-scheduled lecture sessions to present new materials. All of the learning materials are available as modules in Canvas, so you can view the class materials online and work at your convenience.
Design Projects
Each class module has a design project that gives you an opportunity to use your building modeling skills to develop and share a proposed design to meet the requirements of a realistic project.
Weekly Module Kickoff & Check-In Sessions
We’ll have weekly live module kickoff and check-in sessions - time TBD. These sessions will be recorded and available to view later if you cannot attend the live session.
Design Projects
There will be 8 design projects – each requiring about 8 to 10 hours of design and building modeling work.
Design projects are to be turned in by 11:59pm PDT on their due dates. As in industry, getting your project turned in on-time counts. Late submissions will be accepted for up to one week, but points will be deducted for late submissions.
Testing and Grading
There will be no mid-term exam or final exam. All design projects will be individually scored, and your class grade will be determined by those scores.
Class Schedule
WEEK 1 | Module 1
Course Overview | • Course Introduction
• Why BIM?
• Creating a Building Model
• Sharing a Building Model |
Module 2
Modeling Building Elements - Basic Models / Single-Story Buildings | • Project Environment
• Walls
• Doors & Windows
• Floors
• Roofs
• Components:
• Fixtures & Furniture
• Annotating Views | |
WEEK 2 | Module 3
Modeling Building Elements -Advanced Models / Multi-Story Buildings | • Topography & Site Features
• Multi-Story Buildings
• Curtain Walls
• Ceilings
• Stairs
• Railings
• Ramps
• Custom Components |
WEEK 3 | Module 4
Sharing Your Models | • Creating Views
• Setting View Properties
• Rendering Views
• Creating Immersive Experiences
• Creating Schedule Views |
WEEK 4 | Module 5
Modeling Time Phases & Design Alternatives | • Modeling Time Phases
• Modeling Design Alternatives |
WEEK 5 | Module 6
Conceptual Modeling | • Modeling Conceptual Masses
• Using Masses to Place Building Elements |
WEEK 6 | Module 7
Structural Modeling & Model Coordination | • Linking Building Models
• Modeling Structural Elements
• Model Coordination & Clash Detection |
WEEK 7 | Module 8
Collaborative Modeling | • Using Collaboration in the Cloud |
WEEK 8 | Module 9
Using Models for Performance-Based Design | • Energy Modeling & Analysis
• Model-Base Estimating & Quantification
• Construction Process Simulation |
Module 10
Course Wrap-Up | • Transformative Power of BIM
• What’s Next? |