4D Construction Learning Environment

Stephen Ward presents paper at AASA 'Applied Collaborations' Conference 2015

Monday, 12 Oct 2015

Stephen Ward attended the AASA ‘Applied Collaborations’ Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2-3 October 2015 where he presented early results from the project.

Stephen Ward (University of South Australia), Dr Chris Landorf (The University of Queensland), Associate Professor Graham Brewer and Kim Maund (The University of Newcastle), 2015. Immersive learning: A 4-dimensional digital multi-disciplinary learning environment

Abstract:

Working within the architectural and construction industries requires skills and knowledge which encompass design, structural and constructional systems, technical and environmental services, communication and management.  An essential part of a student’s education in the built environment is the integration and application of these core competencies, with learning traditionally enhanced through students visiting sites under construction.  However, the increasing complexities of building technologies and the growth of specialist environmental services offered by external consultants contributes to a general student perception that environmental science in the built environment is an area of specialisation rather than an integral component of practice. In addition, the ability for students to access construction sites is becoming increasingly problematic, and with it the ability to contextualise learning as a realistic experience.

This paper reports results from an Office for Learning and Teaching funded project that investigates this issue. The project involves the development of an interactive inter-disciplinary digital learning environment based on time-lapse 3-dimensional (4D) visualisation and other resources associated with the design and construction of the University of Queensland’s Advanced Engineering Building. The 4D environment provides a realistic context for the development of simulated problems that activate student learning using a collaborative problem-based approach to enhance critical thinking skills. This environment has been trialled with architecture and construction management students at the University of Queensland, University of South Australia and the University of Newcastle, and early results indicate that the 4D environment is flexible in terms of its use across different learning activities and disciplines, and that it enhances the learning experience in terms of developing observation, reflection and collaboration skills.