Course Reflection - Hillinger

Course Reflection - Hillinger

Carlos Hillinger -AE410 - B7

Final Reflection

          AE 410 has successfully given me a better perspective of not only intelligent buildings, but the construction world as well. I believe that teaching us different technologies and emerging systems in the present world, was like giving us the tools we need to have a better understanding of how the construction world is evolving and how we can evolve with it. I would also like to share that in my opinion the course is structured perfectly. We are given an introduction to Revit with an assignment, that will later help us understand the way BIM programs work. Then, we were asked to create a database in Access, which not only taught us a new software, but also served as a great introduction to database programming, and sensors. The database assignment helped us begin to understand how Intelligent buildings work, by having databases, sensors and a software that allow us to manipulate the building's constraints. 

          Adding on, the guest lecturers and the videos were all very interesting and helpful, they would relate to a certain topic introduced by Prof. Mitchell, and at the same time explain a whole new topic. I believe that no other class had given us an introduction to futuristic technologies like AE 410. Even though we might have heard of some of them, we had not really dug into topics such as concrete 3D printing, BIM, Drone Scanning, Artificial Intelligence, etc. If I had to choose my favorite thing about this course, I would certainly choose the Database assignment and the in-class videos. The database assignment introduces a not only unknown, but very practical topic for an engineer, and in-class videos provided vast explanations of the topics Prof. Mitchell introduced in class. On the other hand, if I could change something about this course, I would probably try to make the class more engaging and increase participation. For example, some in-class videos could be watched at home with a short reflection, and we could use that time in class for activities related to futuristic interesting topics. An example activity could be a breakdown sketch of how 3D printing concrete works. 

          All in all, I believe that classes like this are the ones that set Drexel apart from other universities. Most universities will teach you the same subjects with very few variations, but courses like Intelligent Buildings give Drexel students an advantage over other graduates, since it makes us aware of how the construction world is evolving, and how we can and should evolve with it. 

Main Source:

Carlos Hillinger: in-class experience.

Comments:

Joshua:

Joshua, Thanks for sharing your reflection with us. I see that you liked certain things about the course that I also included in my post, such as how green structures can be innovated. I also liked that you particularly mentioned energy capture for sustainability, it was certainly one of the most interesting topics over the term. Your post is very specific and self explanatory, good work.

Allison:

Allison, I believe that that your post is very honest and accurate. I also found Derek's lecture quite interesting, BIM is definitely one of the topics I was looking forward in this class and he made an excellent job explaining it. The online guest lecturer we had on intelligent building was also helpful to introduce the BIM topic to the class. I agree on your comments about the database assignments and how it relates to INFO 210. Great post!

Thomas:

Thomas, In my opinion your post was very accurate and specific. I like how you used your own real life example from  your future job to show how useful this class is and how the construction world is evolving. I agree, Dynamo is a tool that we will be using more and more, especially for structural members. Maybe it would have been helpful to have a short assignment related to Dynamo as a short intro to what we might encounter in our jobs. Thanks for sharing, great post. 

Amisial-B4: Current Advantages of BIM/REVIT

Current Advantages of BIM/REVIT

In our today’s world, BIM programs such as Revit has impacted the general construction industry considerably, and anyone would agree that most of the advantages span in all the phases of a project design and construction. Some people might even argue that there are more benefits that we have not yet conceived or taken advantages of. Thus, here is a glimpse of the current advantages of this program:

First, its application during the conceptual design speed up the process by giving basic information in terms of framework, massing, structure, and spatial layout. In addition, to this, it allows the conception of the project regarding its function, cost, construction methods and materials, environmental impacts, and building practices. Secondly, during the project design and analysis, it provides parameters with which the project could be manipulated using temperature control, ventilation and air flow, load distribution, lighting, pedestrian circulation, energy consumption, and water supply and waste water disposal.

Later during the planning and construction, it facilitates the production of automatically consistent set of drawing, 3D overview, and application schedules. Furthermore, special drawing could be developed for specific part of the construction which will decrease change orders, and save money in terms of materials, manpower, and time. According to this article cited below, the main advantages of using Revit could be summarized as follow: it is quicker meaning many of the drawing’s elevation, section, and perspective are automatically produced; The project information is automatically coordinated for the model i.e. there is a match plan for each drawing, and schedules match the quantities of element and type; The testing and the analysis could be done at an earlier phase meaning the coordination of all the elements of the project such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, structural are largely beneficial.

Source: C. M. Eastman, “Chapter 5-9: BIM for Architects and Engineers,” in BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors, 2nd ed., Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012.

 BIMscape, “What is Revit Architecture”, January 21, 2017

http://bimscape.com/module-1/what-is-revit-architecture/

Comments:

Cody,

Your writing on the BIM/Revit advantages was particularly informative. I found the implementation of the new feature such as the energy analysis is one the many that we should expect soon. I believe that by turning Revit into a more indispensable tool within BIM would be more advantageous for everyone since it is already a commonly used program in the industry.

Lauren,

Your comparison between AutoCAD and Revit was very detailed; it clearly stated the reasons why most firms prefer the use of Revit instead of other programs. Also, I had appreciate reading about MicroStation, since I have never heard or used it. In addition, there was one aspect between AutoCAD and Revit that you did not mention; I have previously used drawing made from AutoCAD to be completed in Revit. This concept has been widely in use, and I believe that it has some interesting concepts.

Sara,

I agree with two of your key issues regarding Revit; the lack of interoperability within itself requires too much time from the users to obtain a desired result, but some of the automatically produced sections could compensate, and some of the recent add-on features are addressing these issues. Also, after construction, there is not much of the Revit model of project, I think that this is one aspect that we should invest on because it changes the way we view the life span of a building and how we go about renovation of previous structure.

P1 Idea

Thinking about something along the lines of building technology and the actual implication of smart sources, was also slightly interested in understanding the interaction of robotics and building

Odorizzi: Impact of A.I. and Robotics on Safety in Construction Industry

I could envision A.I. having a prevalent impact on all stages of the construction industry.

In design phases, coded computers are already programmed to identify code violations. I could easily see A.I. becoming a virtual presence that guides designers through schemes of a building. Maybe a structural engineer develops a schematic design, but fails to realize that the safety factors for the region of the building are more stringent. A.I. could flag the problem and potentially solve it autonomously.

For construction, I think cameras could be used for A.I. to monitor and identify action being taken by construction workers that could be deemed dangerous, and direct the workers to resolve their situation. The use of robots inherently would eliminate that risk entirely. When cranes and machinery can all be remotely controlled (VR maybe), and humans don’t even need to be on site, that would be the safest for humans… but is also a scary thought.

Mark O - B1 Post

AI:

Wilson, Jim and Metz, Cade. “Busting the Myths about A.I. Invading Our Lives.” The New York Times. 2017 Dec. 13.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/13/technology/personaltech/busting-myths-ai.html>

I was attracted to this article based on the title - my mind instantly associates A.I. with robots gradually outsmarting humans and taking over the planet. Hence, it is refreshing to read a NY Times article assuring that the dawn of the A.I. anarchy will not be occurring soon. The article is written as a question and answer with a technology reporter, Cade Metz, who is located in San Francisco and reflecting on the tech/A.I. that he uses and has written about. Metz marvels at the advances in the voice assistants in the past five years, but his ultimate conclusion is that “the improvements have been enormous. But there is still a very long way to go.” He discusses that the goal of voice assistants to understand conversational speech, and the current assistants do a decent job at recognizing speech, but not understanding. With regard to visual A.I., Metz discusses that computer vision techniques can be flawed in recognition which is problematic if A.I. is to be used for security cameras or autonomous cars. As opposed to my initial fears of robot overlords (which is discussed in the article to a degree), the issue that Metz presses to be more urgent is the shift in job markets that will result from automation. We saw an example of this in class with the masonry-laying robot. However, what scares me most about A.I. ebbing into the workforce is the prospect of A.I. overtaking design positions. Structural engineers rely more and more heavily on structural analysis software, and although it is years away from fruition, the thought of software autonomously producing a complete set of design documents seems plausible to me and is very unnerving. I do not believe the construction industry will reach a point where A.I. is trusted enough to stamp and send out a set of drawings, but I do think A.I. will progress to the point of completing and detailing an entire design autonomously.

Computer:

Wod, Marcus.  “The Plan to Build a Skyscraper that Doesn’t Cast a Shadow.”  Wired.com.n  2015 Mar. 13.

<https://www.wired.com/2015/03/plan-build-skyscraper-doesnt-cast-shadow/>

Without saying, computers have become a stable in nearly all applications, especially in the field of engineering. Under the computer tag, an article was listed that discusses the design of a building that will reflect light in such a way to minimize/eliminate its shadow. What I found most impressive in the article is that the architects simply entered their desired restraints into a software, such as building area and maximized light to the ground. In turn, the software iteratetd through all the possible outcomes and spat out the viable shapes that satisfy the restraints. Design at the press of a button! I think this example shows the immense power that computers hold in crafting solutions to particular problems, especially with buildings.

Software:

Tanz, Jason.  “Andy Rubin Unleashed Android on the World. Now Watch Him Do the Same with AI.”  Wired.com. 2016 Feb. 09.

<https://www.wired.com/2016/02/android-inventor-andy-rubin-playground-artificial-intelligence/#slide-7>

Andy Rubin is an incredible developer who created Android and headed Google’s mobile internet efforts, until he left Google to start his own company. Tanz’s article largely recounts Rubin’s constant innovation and unwavering determination to bring his visions of the future into the realities of today. One of the more eye-catching aspects of the article to me was the included timeline that cites Rubin to be pioneering preliminary versions of social networking (1981), mobile phones (1992), self-driving cars (2004) all before the research and development of these technologies were mainstream. As the article calls him, he is an impatient futurist. Pairing with the discussion of AI above, Rubin foresees A.I. being the focus of the next technological era. However, Rubin is aiming to build his neural network database differently than the other tech players. His vision is to send a fleet of robots (sensing machines) out in the world to feed his A.I. database firsthand with immersive data. To do this, Rubin’s company, named Playground Global, invites developers to use Playground’s advanced engineering sensors and hardware to fulfill their ideas. With this setup, Rubin can fuel the creativity of other developers while sending his sensors out into the world to build his database of data. I am anxious to see the A.I. that is developed from Rubin’s platforms; his thoughts and goals sound good in theory, but I have yet to be convinced that they will work in reality. Regardless, it was quite interesting to read about a developer with such an excitement and vision for where tech can be in the future.

Future:

Metz, Cade.  “Building A.I. That Can Build A.I.”  The New York Times.  2017 Nov. 05

<https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/05/technology/machine-learning-artificial-intelligence-ai.html>

In the same A.I. spirit as the other articles, Metz writes about a prospective tool that is in development for the future of A.I. The article states that only 10,000 people in the world have the expertise required to develop A.I. - which is leaving the large tech companies to scramble for qualified developers. Hence, AutoML is a pursuit of some tech giants such as Google. ML is explained in the article to stand for machine learning, which means that AutoML would describe machines that are capable of coding A.I. This does not currently exist. The most prevalent concern discussed with A.I. was the automation of jobs, which would cause a shift the workforce. If AutoML becomes advanced enough, coders would be coding themselves out of a job. I appreciate that Google’s solution to the lack of qualified computer experts is: “we can code computer experts!” - however, coding computers with artificial intelligence to generate more computers with A.I. will propagate into a fleet of self-improving A.I. I find this to cross the line of what should be done with A.I.

Comments:

To Andrew Maita:

Most of the articles I read for this round of posting pertained to A.I., one of which focused on building a sensory database for robots to encounter and understand the world around them. I don’t know too much about the 3D printers used for buildings, but I believe they are typically stationed in one location and set up to print around themselves. I could easily see 3D printers advancing into a mobile system with sensors that allow the system to move around the footprint of the building and print as needed. I also think it will only be a matter of time until we can 3D print all of the materials needed for a complete building - I would not be surprised if eventually we can 3D print the rebar as the machine builds up the concrete.

To Zac Arnold:

Having programs with the ability to identify code violations is super useful in my eyes. I always envision designing my own house one day, but know that I would mess up something with the architectural codes and restraints. To the same effect, I agree with you that avoiding something that is obviously catastrophic in a design seems like an intuitive “decision-making” ability for the software.

As you say in your sociology section, some people welcome the automation and others have reservations. I typically have reservations. I think automation can easily be taken too far. One of the articles about A.I. that I read discussed how Google is aiming to develop A.I. that can program more A.I. I think this level of automation, where coders are coding themselves out of a job, takes automation too far; yet, it is the same effect as automating cars on the street and putting taxi drivers out of a job.

To Jordan Shuster

I agree with you that robotics and automation has the potential displace large quantities of people from their current jobs. As I have posted before, A.I. coders are trying to code computers that are capable of developing more A.I. software (AutoML). In the same effect as eliminating jobs from the unskilled and lower-class workers, programmers are trying to program themselves out of a job. From an objective standpoint, a well-coded software and machine would be the more efficient and economical option for many jobs. If we keep leaning into reliance on machines, I do not know what will happen to the workers who are displaced from their job. Who knows... as A.I. for business applications becomes more prevalent (as you discuss with your Google Cloud ML), perhaps everybody will have the business chops at their disposal to thrive as successful entrepreneurs.

Milligan - Blog Post 1

AI

https://www.americanbanker.com/news/one-virtual-assistant-to-rule-them-all-bankers-already-getting-prepped

My high school chemistry teacher instilled in all of his students the idea that everything is connected – and this article continues this idea on a technology-based level. Integrating technologies together will make them more efficient and ideally more useful to users. The advancements made in AI are already impressive as they stand, but the idea that the same artificial intelligence could span across multiple physical technologies takes the concept to a new level. The article discusses other methods of utilizing this technology that are far beyond just being able to talk to “Alexa” on multiple devices; it discusses reaching a level of a complete smart house. Seemingly ahead of its time, Disney released a movie in 1999, Smart House, in which the AI of a connected house continues to develop its own personality and takes over the family. This demonstrates that although utilizing AI will make our lives more efficient and streamlined, there are inherent dangers in creating something “smarter” than ourselves.

Computer

https://www.wired.com/2015/03/plan-build-skyscraper-doesnt-cast-shadow/

I found an interesting article under the Computer tag about the plan to build a skyscraper that doesn’t cast a shadow. Computers are integral to the field of architectural engineering in this era. Almost all firms utilize computer technologies for their design and construction processes, and those that don’t are often left in the shadows (no pun intended). This article is a great example of how computers can be used not just as a tool to streamline design, but to improve it in ways not previously possible. A firm in London used computer design software to design a pair of buildings that would reflect light off of each other in a way that minimizes darkness at their bases. This improves on traditional skyscraper design that results in large shadows and darkness near the lower floors and ground level.

Software

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uTUaK9k7_8

This video, which was found by searching under the Software tag, is very interesting as it discusses how to use software in the construction industry. Many people would attest to the fact that the software used on a construction project can make or break it. An efficient, powerful software can greatly improve the work flow of a construction project. However, on the other hand, a tedious and clunky software can create tensions, frustrations, and delays over the construction process. This video specifically talked about apps that can be used in different parts of construction. There are apps, which ideally can work together, to efficiently manage safety, daily reports, photos, and more.

Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV6zXmIR3Cg

This video discusses some technologies that could change the construction in the future. The six technologies discussed are: wearable tech, robotics, internet of things, virtual reality, UAVs, and 3D printing. Wearable tech could be used to monitor the location of personnel on site, or gathering other data from the wearer, such as temperature or heart rate. Taking this idea to a new level with the inclusion of virtual reality, it could even be used for augmented reality to understand from a design perspective what is happening on the construction site. Robotics aim to increase efficiency and safety of construction sites. The internet of things involves a high level of connectivity and data collection that can provide feedback to construction managers about the work flows and efficiency of their teams, and much more. All of the ways IoT can benefit construction are still being worked out. UAVs are often used for inspections and progress reporting, but their contribution to construction continues to grow. 3D printing has the potential to change construction completely. It allows for the design of new structures and shapes, and the construction ability of things that were never able to be build before.

Comments
Brad: The first article you posted about seems really interesting. It is really interesting to approach engineering problems from a non-engineering point of view. This reminds me of some of the articles I read regarding the connectivity of things. In this case, it is important for different schools of thought to be connected as well.

Chris: Your post does a great job of incorporating all of the topics you researched into one idea. Bringing sociology into the conversation of technological advancements really enhances your discussion of these ideas. You make a great point about security regarding the use of some of these technologies. While in banking these securities are absolutely valid and must be considered, we are at an advantage that security may not be as critical to utilizing these technologies in construction and design fields.

Jordan: The information you posted about regarding 3D printing and the future was extremely interesting. You make a great point about thinking outside of the norm that 3D printing is all about what it can make. As you point out, it is really important to consider what it can do. It is important, I think, to consider this point of view with all of the technologies we have been discussion. It is not just a matter of "what it does," but it is a matter of "what it can do."

Mark Odorizzi's Intro Post

Experience with Intelligent Buildings
I am a Junior pursuing a BSAE/MSCE with a structures concentration.

My experience with the topics in this course are mainly focused around Revit. I have worked in Revit during both of my co-ops and have seen it utilized to varying degrees of its capacity. I have mainly worked on Revit's structural side and used Revit to collaborate on a single file with my coworkers, as well as coordinate with other trades.

I do not have much experience with databases beyond Excel work. 


Expectations of the Course
In this course, I anticipate reading and exploring various technologies associated with building construction and functionality. After the introduction, I expect that we will read and discuss software and specific technologies that are being adopted for construction purposes, as well as software systems being integrated into building controls to increase energy efficiency.


Blurps from Evernotes
The articles that I read in Evernotes relate to new technology that I have recently acquired: a fitbit and a VR headset.

The first article correlated the personal use of a fitbit to the level of personalization that should be integrated to building monitoring systems. The bottom line was that increased efficiency can be achieved if occupants are made aware of building energy uses in the same way that people are increasingly wanting to be aware of their step count.

The last articles I read pertained to VR that is being developed to operate machinery. This is very interesting to me. The article showed a man using VR in Spain and operating a piece of heavy machinery that was in Switzerland. Having just recently used VR for the first time, I think this is super neat and seems like something that can be developed to be very useful. Whether it is necessary or not, I am not convinced.

Definition of Intelligent Buildings
I would define an intelligent building as one that includes technology for the use of construction, self-monitoring, or operation of the building.


Article Citations (not all articles from Evernote had authors listed):
"Five lessons the Building Industry Can learn From the Wearable Tracker Craze." (2015 July 09).
Kurzweil: Accelerating Intelligence.  "Teleoperating robots with virtual reality: getting inside a robot's head." (2017 Oct. 06). 
Cheng, Roger.  "Dig thise: I operated a giant excavator from 2,500km away." (2015 Mar. 5)

Allison Abad's Introduction

Background
I'm a Senior Architectural and Civil Engineering major with a concentration in Digital Building. I started my education here at Drexel as an Architectural engineering major. The major driving force behind my reason to pursue this major was because I was always fascinated with buildings as a kid. I grew up wanting to be an architect, and then discovered architectural engineering. In the future, I hope to blend my passion for the environment and my background in engineering to help foster more conscious design of buildings.

Expectations
My expectations for this class is to learn about how different technologies such as BIM, sensors, and databases can be combined to design an intelligent building.

Evernote
https://www.wired.com/2015/03/plan-build-skyscraper-doesnt-cast-shadow/
The most interesting article that I found while looking through Evernote was one that described the design of a skyscraper that cast no shadow. The building was designed so that light reflecting onto the building would bounce off and diffuse onto the pavement below, creating a light filled patio space for pedestrians. I found this to be an interesting way to create a more inviting public space.

What is Intelligent Buildings? 
I believe the term "intelligent building" means a building that uses multiple different technologies to be environmentally friendly and more efficient. Efficiency can be in terms of cost and construction or post construction.

Kerry Milligan's Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Kerry Milligan, and I am a senior BS/MS student in Architectural Engineering. My BS concentration is in Digital Building, which is why I am taking this class. Additionally, my MS concentration is in Building Energy, which I think makes this class a great fit for my studies here at Drexel. After taking the database class required for DB students, I feel pretty comfortable with databases and database systems, but unfortunately do not have too much experience with building modeling software, such as Revit.

From this class, I do hope to grow some of my experience with Revit, but most importantly learn about the wide varieties of technologies that can be used in our field, and how they are relevant to what we will be doing in our careers. In particular, I hope to understand how technologies can help design and build smarter, more energy efficient buildings.

The Evernote article that I found most interesting was Intel Labs Using Multiple Sensors at the City Scale, which I found by using the "urban" tag. This article talks about how Intel is using sensors and technologies to expand beyond the boundaries of a building and bringing it to the scale of a city.

My initial definition for an Intelligent Building is one that is active, as opposed to passive, and does more than just "exist."

About This Blog

AE-410/510 is a course for Seniors and Graduate Students in Architectural Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, USA.  We consider the uses of Information Technology on the Design, Construction and Operation of buildings, hence the course title: Intelligent Buildings.

This blog is created by students in the course responding to assignments and class exercises.  Use the "Labels" on the right to see the work of individual students OR the topics on which they've written.

The syllabus for the course is available from the "Pages" link.