(An Approach to Introduce BIM into schools of architecture curriculum in Greater Khartoum)

Abstract

BIM is a highly collaborative process that is change construction industry operation globally, with capacity to increase efficiencies, improved performance, and enhancing productivities by increasing collaboration among AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) professionals and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. In view of the importance of teaching BIM concepts to architecture students, some schools of architecture in Greater Khartoum recognized the importance of teaching BIM for fulfilling educational requirements of the industry, but they are faces many challenges. The research proposes an Approach to introduce BIM into architectural curriculum in schools of architecture in Greater Khartoum, the Approach were created by the criteria that must be considered when planning a BIM course, also the preferred concepts and methodologies for introduce BIM into architecture curriculum, which assists in planning courses with BIM content. The research discusses the current global BIM education and establishing of BIM curriculum. Interview method was adopted for this research for the in-depth information, and the Content Analysis process was used to analyze the curriculums of some schools of architecture in Greater Khartoum that adopt BIM, to examine the current concepts and methodologies into introducing BIM and compared it to the proposed approach, also identify challenges in the implementation of BIM process and teaching. Findings reveal that the introducing of BIM into architecture curriculum in Greater Khartoum is still in a very primitive phase, there are Two universities and one college out of fifty schools of architecture in Greater Khartoum introduced BIM in their curricula, and they faces many of critical barriers such as, the lack of BIM awareness, Lack of skilled faculty staff to teach BIM, lack of BIM standards, internet weakness, cost and resistance to change such as: high cost of original software, cost of computers of special specifications. The information presented in this research serves as a guide to introduce BIM education, and also give faculty time to taking great skill of required BIM learning. The research suggests partnerships between universities and construction industry firms.