Commercial Construction BIM Course Created for Academia

The need for building information modeling (BIM) in the commercial construction industry is increasing every day. Educational programs that focus on construction graphics are at the front of fulfilling this need. Companies are now looking for individuals straight out of college that are knowledgeable about computer graphics, and that have construction visualization and BIM skills.As of a year ago, Computer Graphic Technology (CGT) students at Purdue University who wanted to specialize in Construction Graphic Communication (CGC) were being taught residential construction processes with 2D drawings and 3D tools. However, there are many more opportunities in commercial construction for students that needed to be explored by the CGT department. Students lacking commercial construction education can ultimately have limited visualization skills and understanding of construction concepts, and limited career opportunities. Development of a course addressing commercial construction BIM education enables students to have hands-on training with 3D tools and increase their visualization of 2D information into 3D, their understanding of the coordination of commercial construction documentation and technology; their familiarity with current BIM technologies; and their ability to cooperate with architects, clients,
and partners.