Implementing virtual reality - building information modeling in the construction management curriculum

Abstract

As the industry transitions towards incorporating BIM in construction projects, adequately qualified students and specialists are essential to this transition. It became apparent that construction management programs required integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) into the curriculum. By bringing Virtual Reality (VR) technology to BIM, VR-BIM would transform the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and three-dimensional (3D) immersive learning can be a valuable platform to enhance students' ability to recognize a variety of building principles. The study carries out a methodology for implementing the VR-BIM in the construction management undergraduate program. Based on the previous literature review, in-depth analysis of the program, and accreditation requirements, VR-BIM will be implemented throughout the curriculum by combining stand-alone class and integration in the existing courses method. The challenges that may face the program planning to implement VR-BIM are discussed, and few solutions are proposed. The lab classroom layout appropriate for the applications is designed to be adjusted for several layouts to accommodate all learning styles and objectives. A comparison between different Head-Mounted Display (HMD) headsets is carried out to choose the appropriate equipment for the lab.