Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Interdisciplinary Senior Interdisciplinary Project Educational Model

摘要

This paper presents a new educational model, developed in Cal Poly Pomona, in a senior project to provide students in Architecture, Civil, and Construction Engineering, a full-rounded professional experience, in line with contemporary trends of various disciplines' integration in the construction industry. The main objective of the proposed model was to foster the potential benefits that arises from shared educational goals between different technical areas. Through coordination with an existing Architectural class, the project involved students in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Construction Engineering. The senior project mimics an Integrated Project Delivery process that simulates the complete development of a commercial building, from conceptual design to construction. Architecture students led the first phase of the conceptual design of the project, with Civil and Construction Engineering students setting constraints in term of structural efficiency, cost, and construction time. Engineering students then took the lead on developing the final design, and simulating construction by means of 4D (3D model + time) simulation software tools. Various assessment techniques, such as collaborative case studies, final project development, and perception surveys were used to assess the attainment of the model's educational objectives. Results of these assessment tools provides evidence that with such interdisciplinary experience, students develop an understanding of their roles, respective to other disciplines. It also fostered and enhanced communication among the three disciplines, allowing them to set common goals, and work collaboratively to achieve them.