A Case Study on University Architecture Professors’ Experiences Teaching Building Information Modeling Technology

Abstract

This qualitative case study provided a comprehensive exploration of the experiences of architecture professors involved in teaching Building Information Modeling (BIM) design technology at a prestigious school of architecture in Los Angeles. With a focus on understanding the impact of BIM integration on students’ outcomes and professional preparedness, the research investigated the intricacies of teaching methodologies and best practices within the architectural program. Central to the investigation was the recognition of a significant shortage of qualified BIM professors, prompting an examination of the associated design technology challenges and the urgent need for globally standardized learning adoption of BIM. This study employed a multifaceted approach, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, to uncover the internal and external barriers faced by architecture professors and best practices in teaching BIM through inductive and typological analyses. The findings shed light on BIM educators' diverse challenges and unveiled their pedagogical strategies to overcome these obstacles, offering valuable insights into enhancing BIM education effectiveness in a school of architecture. The research, in its entirety, serves as a call to action, advocating for the embrace of BIM technology as a pivotal design tool element in creating a dynamic learning environment that equips architecture students with the essential skills demanded by the rapidly evolving Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.