Texas A&M University  -  College of Architecture

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ARCH 653 Building Information Modeling in Architecture

Course Description

Building Information Modeling in Architecture. (3-0). Credit 3. Building Information Modeling (BIM); principles, methods and applications in the building lifecycle with a focus on the design process; includes computer-aided design, parametric modeling, databases, web technologies, design performance simulation and visualization.

Prerequisites

Graduate classification or instructor approval

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students should gain knowledge of architectural computing methods centered at Building Information Modeling that they can apply in design studios, thesis work, research, and professional practice. Students should gain knowledge of basic and advanced Building Information Modeling technologies that can be used to model and retrieve building information in the building lifecycle from design to facility management.

The objectives of this course will be pursued by means of theoretical lectures, readings, practical exercises that address a given set of instructional targets, and projects.

Instructional Targets

  • To stimulate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge in the domain of Building Information Modeling.
  • To offer opportunities for training on the use of computing resources at both basic and advanced levels

Course Topics

The course will include the following components:
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD)   
  • Building Information Modeling
  • Parametric modeling
  • Information access using visual programming
  • Generative AI and BIM
  • Simulation and visualization
  • Applications

A timetable can be found in Lectures link on the left navigation area. The timetable may change in response to unforeseen pedagogic or logistic factors.

Performance Evaluation and Attendance to Classes

Grading will be based on performance on a set of quizzes, homework assignments, projects, and class participation using the following percentage distribution:

Quizzes: 8%
Class Participation: 4%
Projects (including Homework assignments): 88%

The final grade will be given by a letter based on weighted average points. Points and letters will be given by the following evaluation:

Letter grade Point grade (max 100) Quality of work
A points>=90 Exceptional work, above standards
B 90>points>=80 Satisfactory work, meet standards
C 80>points>=70 Unsatisfactory work, below standards
D 70>points>=60 Deficient work
F points<60 Failure, course needs to be repeated

Assessment grading will be based on the quality of the final product (defined as the relationship between assignment objectives and results), the quality of the procedural narratives (description of the procedure used during the assignment), workload, and class participation.

Requirements of assignments, assignment weights, and due days can be found in Assignments link on the left navigation area.

Please note:

  • All assignments should be individually developed, except those noted as "team" assignments.
  • Assignments normally due weekly.
  • Homework assignments during a project period will consist part of the project grade.
  • A project is given 90/100 as a basis for “Satisfactory work, meet standards”. Based on project requirements, errors will cause reduction of points and extra/exceptional work is awarded with extra points.
  • Except in the event of a University excused absence, late submissions will be penalized 5 points for each 24 hour period late.
  • The University views class attendance as the responsibility of an individual student. Attendance is essential to complete the course successfully. University rules related to excused and unexcused absences are located on-line at http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07.
  • The class participation grade is the instructor's subjective judgment of student performance. He will take into account such things as attendance and preparation for class as evidenced by informed classroom discussion.

How to Learn in This Class

Focus on the application tutorials, homework, and projects. Learn the theories behind the applications. Don't miss any tutorials or any part of a tutorial. All tutorials are important for completing the projects. The tutorials are designed not only to let you master the fundamental knowledge of computer applications, but also to introduce you systematic methods of design computing and BIM.

University, College, and Class Policies - See Simple Syllabus

Please read the policies on Simple Syllabus carefully. Note that this website contains up-to-date Course Schedule than Simple Syllabus.