Learn to use the emerging method of virtual (computer-based) models in AEC design and construction. Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is the use of multidisciplinary performance models of design-construction projects, including the Product (i.e., facilities), Work Processes, Organization of the design - construction - operation team, and Economic Impact (i.e., model of both cost and value of capital investments) in order to support business objectives. This 4 unit laboratory and project class will introduce students to multidisciplinary modeling and analysis of AEC projects using VDC methods.

An important focus for the class is to give students specific theoretical and practical experience in addressing CIFE 2010 objectives, which are intermediate to the 2015 breakthrough objectives, both described in the CIFE mission.

Successful winter quarter class participation may allow students the opportunity for a 4-day mini-internship at a AEC company or agency over Spring break. Students who are interested and selected will do class projects with a small project with support of their sponsor. They will then test, extend and present their project models to their sponsoring partners during the mini-internship.

Since we learn best by having different learning experiences, the class will use the classic learn; do; teach method. Participants will be expected to participate actively to learn, apply and teach use of virtual models of building design and construction. The class is inherently multidisciplinary: it will explicitly consider issues of engineering and architecture, symbolic models, human-computer interaction, and business economics. The class is designed for both undergraduate and graduate students with curiosity about visualization, use and design of integrated symbolic and simple quantitative models in engineering practice.