Computer-aided Building Design Education: Simulating the Design Process in a Project-Based Learning Curriculum

Abstract

Teaching computer-aided building design (CABD) in a project-based learning environment is an idea derived from the broader problem-based learning movement. However, a project-based learning curriculum has rarely been implemented in building design education, let alone in CABD. The idea of teaching CABD through design-based approaches has been increasingly adopted over the past 20 years. However, most of the resulting experiments have been limited to specific courses within larger programmes. This approach has rarely affected a dedicated CABD curriculum. The development and implementation of a feasible project-based learning CABD curriculum is described in this paper. In this programme the emphasis is placed on the building aspects and/or objectives of the design process rather than on the different products of the design phases or even on software categories.