Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 7

Final Reflection

Like a lot of my classmates have said, AE 410 was like no other class I have taken at Drexel. It covered topics I was only briefly introduced to and allowed me to explore them further. The class was interesting and relevant to my major without being computation based. Though geared towards the digital building concentration, I still found it helpful as a mechanical concentration—especially with the discussion of sensors and BAS. Spending several weeks talking about topics allowed for a well-rounded discussion of them.  The class structure allowed you to learn a lot about the subjects, present what you’d learned, and discuss with your classmates. I liked that we had time to discuss with our groups and work with others for the final project. It’d made the class more interactive and expanded my knowledge by using my classmates as resources.

The discussion of robots and AI was something I had only briefly learned about. Though incredibly interesting, I also find it worrisome. Robots and AI are such a powerful tool and we need to be cautious with how we use it. Though I already used Revit and other BIM software in other classes and at co-op, I had no experience with databases. That portion of the class was entirely new to me and gave me a perspective as to how they work and where they would be useful. With both BIM and databases, the class gave everyone a basic understanding that could be transferred into our classroom and other future experiences.

Not only is Professor Mitchell a wealth of knowledge, bringing in guest presenters to show their experiences with the topics was also helpful. It was cool to hear how this software impacts their jobs and where they see the future of the technology going. One point that I saw as a theme in the class is that this technology is ever-changing and that we need to be prepared to learn with those changes. Keeping that idea in mind while finishing up at Drexel and moving on to a career will be critical. Though the powers of Revit and BIM in general are amazing, it’s only a quick stop in the timeline of the technology—it will continue to expand in capabilities and user understanding.

Overall, I learned a lot in the class and looked at topics I was not familiar with. I was able to connect with my classmates through discussions and use them as resources in understanding what we were learning about the technology and the application of them. I initially took the class to check off part of the professional elective requirement, but ended up seeing how relevant it is in the design and construction fields today.

COMMENTS:

Allison Abad:

I agree that this class was a nice break from the computation-based classes we usually see as engineers, it was a nice way to see a different aspect of the field and hear from people already in the industry. Like you, the database was a challenge for me but was practical for our majors. The class was geared towards digital building concentrations, but it was still interesting and insightful as a mechanical concentration.

Brad DiGiovanni:

I agree that the class schedule was nice—we were able to take a couple weeks to dive into each topic. Prof. Mitchell is very knowledgeable in these topics and did a great job of spreading that knowledge to us. I agree that the class did open our minds to the ever-changing technology of our society, though it worries me. We must embrace the changes or be left behind, but if technology goes too far, we could be in trouble.

Lauren Kujawa:

Like you, I’m unsure how often I will use the database knowledge we learned in this class, but all the topics we discussed were interesting and could become relevant to our jobs as time progresses. Andrew and I also wrote our paper on the differences between green and intelligent buildings. I also have learned about green buildings from other classes so seeing the intelligent building side was a positive change.

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 5

Uses of databases in design offices

What is a database?

A database is a computerized system that stores information that can be easily searched and selected. It is a collection of records that contain one or more fields (pieces of data) about some entity (object). This can be used in many applications; like libraries keeping track of available and checked out books, or a company who’s stored all employee information. There are a few types of databases that can be used: flat, hierarchical, network, and relational. Though Excel can and is used for a plenty of projects in design offices (and beyond), using a database is more capable with respect to large, complex projects that contain a lot of data or pieces. Databases are also attractive because several people can access and edit information at the same time.

From a design office perspective:

From an architectural or engineering firm perspective, using a database could be helpful in several applications. A database could be created to keep all client information and the projects associated with them. From working in an engineering firm, I’ve seen that different clients have specific requirements for building design and construction. Having a database to contain all the client information and specifications would be helpful. Especially because you can search for distinct words/requirements in the database easily. The database, and thus the information, can be accessed remotely and files are easily backed up to prevent losing work and edits.

From an owner perspective:

With databases, it’s easier for owners to share information with design firms and track progress. It makes finding documentation on both ends easier. Besides having access to a database for the design process, owners could create a database to use once the building is construction and in use. Information about the performance of the building systems, building automation, or life cycle could be track by looking at past and present data.

From a general perspective:

Because databases are becoming more and more used, the sharing of information has gotten easier. Different firms and people can share their projects or technologies with the world through them, making processes easier and more efficient. Even throughout college, databases have made it easier to research for classes and papers. This is particularly seen from the Drexel Libraries system, which allows you to search thousands of articles and journals with just a few keywords. It can also be helpful from a marketing perspective because everything is easily accessible.

Sources:

 “Architectural File Management Systems and Database,” Human Service Solutions. Accessed 2/11/18. https://www.hswsolutions.com/work/case-studies/architecture-file-management-database/

“Database Definition,” The Linux Information Project. Accessed 2/11/18. http://www.linfo.org/database.html

“How to Better Manage Your Project Data,” Archsmarter. Accessed 2/11/18. http://archsmarter.com/manage-project-data/

COMMENTS:

Isaac Quelly:

It’s awesome that you got to look at the GSI project and database in its early stages. I see why it’s important for every step of the design and build process to be tracked and added to the database and how it could be troublesome if changes are made without the correct procedure. Do you think the PWD has done anything to keep this issue from occurring in projects? Do you think the implementation of this technology will continue? I know when I worked at the city people were hesitant to take on new procedures.

Luciana Tangari:

Like you, I know nothing about object oriented databases (I honestly barely understand the types of databases as a whole). The analogy you added to your post was very helpful in gaining a better understanding of OODMS and relational databases. It’s interesting that OODMS can handle such complex data but makes it easier to access. I’m still not completely sure I understand OODMS, but your post helped me at least gain a bit of knowledge on the topic.

Dung Tran:

Thanks for giving me an understanding of what a relational database is. I ready in Luciana’s post about OODMS so it was nice to read about the other side of the coin. It’s interesting that in this type of database tables can be defined with constraints or algorithms but also don’t have to be. The images you included also made your (and Darwen’s) explanation easier to understand.

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 4

Term Paper: Green versus Intelligent Building Technology

For the term project, Andrew and I are writing a paper about the difference between green buildings and intelligent buildings. We’re planning to look at the two through the scope of technology used to design the buildings and the technology implemented in the buildings. We also will look at how the technology used in both aspects affect the life cycle of the building and improve it. Our general definition for a green building is: a building that takes human health and environmental impact into consideration while an intelligent building is: building that utilizes systems that allow for automatic and centralized control of a buildings energy system (HVAC, lights, etc.). With research we plan to make our definitions more concrete. One goal for the project is to learn more about the current technology used in both types of buildings. Some examples of this are: solar panels, LEED considerations, energy analysis, high efficiency mechanical systems, lighting, and building automation systems.

This topic is interesting to me because I’m minoring in Sustainability in the Built Environment. The SBE minor focuses specifically on analyzing future design challenges from a sustainability perspective. In classes we’ve discussed integrated design processes, the LEED program, and other aspects of green buildings. The courses have made me think about how a building is designed to be “green” and focuses on the total building life cycle. The classes haven’t specifically discussed intelligent buildings and the technology associated with them. Thus, I haven’t had much exposure to intelligent buildings. This paper will allow me to gain a better understanding of the overlap and differences of features in the two.

Some challenges we might run into is whether our scope is too broad. As we continue to research the topics we may find that looking at both the design and implemented technology might be too much. If that’s the case, we’ll re-evaluate the paper and decide which path will be best for comparing and contrasting. One consideration to be made is that technology is constantly changing and current usage can become out of date quickly. This can affect the life cycle of the building.

COMMENTS:

Sarah Hollis:

Your paper sounds interesting! I’m interested in seeing what people in the industry say about BIM and what a “good workflow” is. I know in my experience I’ve seen how quickly tasks can be done because of Revit and AutoCAD. I worked for the city and saw the hand drawn plans and how tedious the process was. Now we have BIM and changes can be made with just a few clicks.

Cody Johnson:

 I honestly had never thought about the possibilities of a 3D scanner in both design and construction fields. Using them to map existing conditions would be incredibly helpful, especially if the structural or mechanical systems are very complicated. I saw Lucy commented about how helpful this technology would be for pharma labs. From working on HVAC systems for labs, I know the existing conditions can be complicated and difficult to show precisely on plans.  This technology would be incredibly useful in those scenarios.

Dung Tran:

Your project is super cool. I love that you’re taking this as an opportunity to expand your knowledge of BIM and the different systems that go into a building. I know next to nothing about creating structural systems in Revit so doing something like this would be beneficial for me too. I wonder if you could do a structural analysis of the building in Revit as well, just to learn another aspect of the software.

B4 - Intelligent vs. Green - Maita

For our project, Dee Dee and I are researching and comparing intelligent and green buildings. Intelligent and green buildings are both improvements on a normal building type but through different augmentations. Intelligent buildings are more catered towards improving the way the building can function through technological automation. Green buildings improve the building by helping reduce the harmful emissions and by-products produced by the building. Throughout many of the Architectural Engineering classes at Drexel, these subjects have been covered in various levels of detail. The main focus of this project will be to determine what exactly the two types of buildings are and research and explain the differences they have in design and implemented technology.

The paper will focus on the differences and compare the two but will also go in-depth on the different components of the systems. The subjects of intelligent and green buildings can be very broad topics. We decided rather than trying to do a general overview of both systems as a whole, we would focus on the specific design and implemented technology differences that go into each type of building and explain those. Although we know a decent amount of information on what goes into these systems, we are still doing extensive research to try and find all the information we can.

This project was chosen because we both had an interest in the topic of intelligent vs. green buildings. At first glance, many people may think that the two terms are interchangeable and at first, I shared that opinion. But through research, I found that there are a lot of clear differences that separate the two. Determining what exactly these differences are and comparing the two buildings types to see if they overlap at all is the goal of this project.

I think a challenge for this project will be staying on topic when writing the paper. As I stated before, the topics of intelligent and green buildings are broad. Although we have a plan on what we will be focusing on, I think situations are going to come up where we will have to explain topics that are not directly related to what we are talking about, but are relevant enough to include.

Comments
Dung T: I think that the topic of your project is an interesting one. Using a term-long project like this will be a really great way to help familiarize yourself better with BIM. You may want to think about adding more to your project since Revit has a lot of capabilities.

Carlos H: I like the idea of researching technology based on where it is available geographically, rather than as the field as a whole. I think it'll give you a really good understanding of how large of a technological gap there are between some parts of the world.

Mark and Zac: Combining this term project with your AE 391 project was a great idea since you guys won't have to worry about designing and making a whole new building and can do more advanced analysis on it.

B3

BIM tools have so many advantages. An advantage that I would like to first mention is the advantage of being able to provide 3D and prospectives drawnings in a matter of minutes even seconds, which is a great way an architect or a designer may communicate with the owner who might have no idea what a floor plan is. Other great advantages of BIM tools is that it allows engineers from different backgrounds and architects be able to communicate to achieve the wants and needs of a project owner in a timely manner through a single program or different programs which work together, and this is in some cases what is called an Integrated design system. The advantage of simulations that can be done through BIM tools makes it even more great and powerful, while being able to have the system run calculations to determine an appropriate system for a given building, which I believe is great for some aspects for a RFP "Request for proposal" since it's based on estimates and nothing precise is needed. 

B3: Revit v. Other Software

The links of the articles you added in your post are useful to especially the Revit Vs. AutoCad, which shows how autocad is still the number 1 tool for drafting floor plans. 

Maita - B3 Post

I agree with you about BIM tools can't replace the work of engineer especially if you have "high level analysis" as you stated but some tools are considered fair enough to perform design or simulations for analysis, but may be design in terms of a structural aspects still remain a mystery. 

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 3

Since you mentioned how BIM tools allow seeing how design are interconnect some business have become big on using virtual reality to allow the owner see how truly the architectural system of a building is interconnected.  

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 3

What are the current advantages of Revit/BIM?

BIM is the leading technology in not only in the field of architecture, but the engineering field as well. The software isn’t just for buildings; it’s for all disciplines. There is such a broad variety of programs and capabilities of the software. For building design, Revit is the most used and understood by the different disciplines.

Capturing reality

With BIM, a working model can be sketched in a matter of hours that easily conveys a design idea to other engineers or the client. You can show every view of the building including 3D views and interiors. Design elements can be changed quickly, as needed. You can see how all the design elements are interconnected. BIM allows you to simulate and visualize a variety of scenarios, like different sun angles with the change of the seasons. From that, you can also run energy performance simulations that give designers a way to quantify improvements.

Sharing of a model

The ability to share a model connects all disciplines and streamlines the design process. In my previous blog posts, I’ve discussed seeing this advantage firsthand at co-op. I was working in an MEP firm and we were working with external architects and structural engineers for a project. Whenever changes were made to the architecture model, those changes were shown in the structural and MEP models, and vice versa. This allowed design changes in all disciplines to be made quickly. It improved collaboration on the project. One other feature that was crucial to the design process was clash detection. With this technology, the system recognizes when an electrical receptor or ductwork or any other element is designed where they will run through each other. On-site clashes can be incredibly expensive and time consuming, so detecting them early is key. CBIM made it easier and cheaper to find clashes, thus improving the construction process as well.

There’s a huge economic benefit to using BIM for the reasons stated above. The software can be used at every step of the process, not just design. It can also be helpful for project managers and used throughout the construction process. In addition, it’s easy to create plans that can be sent to the client or city council to be approved. Overall, BIM, and Revit specifically, are making the design and build process of a building easier and faster than ever. As Kayleigh said, Revit might be at the forefront now, but there’s more to come.

Sources:

“Building Information Modeling for the Win: Top 10 Benefits of BIM.” Autodesk. https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/building-information-modeling-top-10-benefits-of-bim/

“Productivity Benefits of BIM.” New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, http://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/whats-happening/news/document-image-library/nz-bim-productivity-benefits.pdf

COMMENTS:

Lauren Kujawa:

I agree with what you said about AutoCAD. I’ve used both for projects, and though AutoCAD is great for creating line diagrams, it’s difficult to create an entire building in the software. I’ve used Revit for most projects and see both the advantages and disadvantages. We’ve been using it for our AE 391 project and it’s given us a lot of headaches. It’s an amazing software but also incredibly infuriating. I’ve never worked with MicroStation and wonder what sort of projects you have made in it for the transportation sector; I’m not very familiar with the discipline.

Allison Abad:

I agree that as time goes on BIM will continue to improve the collaboration between disciplines. I really hope that more projects will take on an integrated approach because of the continuing capabilities of BIM. I think with more integrated buildings, we would be on the way to creating more energy efficient and “greener” buildings. With the past and present ways of the building design process, the architect makes the design and everything is sequential from there, which isn’t efficient in design or construction—it can cause a lot of problems. I hope you’re right that BIM will continue to have advantages in the architecture and engineering fields.

Tyler Wicker:

I agree with what your friend Alex: Revit is great once you’ve been exposed to it and worked in it, but it’s not user friendly initially. Even after using it regularly, I still get frustrated with it. Sometimes you just can’t get the program to do what you want or you get an error that doesn’t make any sense. I like using AutoCAD for similar tasks because, though it is also made by Autodesk, it is easy to understand and manipulate. I agree that interoperability is important for the design process and project efficiency. Here’s to hoping developers see this need and work to fill it. 

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 2

BIM Handbook Chapter 5: BIM for Architects and Engineers

The chapter discusses the strengths and abilities of BIM software for architects and engineers. As an engineering student I have gotten a lot of exposure to this technology. I began using BIM software back in high school. I learned to use Autodesk inventor and SolidWorks, but mostly used Revit and AutoCAD for projects. From that experience and the usage of these technologies in classes and on co-op, I’ve learned a lot about the features and advantages of using this technology. I’ve seen firsthand that the software allows for better integration and collaboration of all disciplines working on a project. It allows for better communication between fields and overall can be used to create a better design. The software also breaks the barrier between the design and construction phases which can be a major source of inefficiency.

Because of the wide variety of BIM technology, the services they can offer range from a quick 3D sketch as a conceptual design tool (something like SketchUp) to mapping energy usage (eQuest and the like) to creating a full working model of a building (like Revit). BIM can be used to understand both the design and the performance of a building. It can run simulations for different location and design conditions and map energy usage, lighting, and other sustainability aspects.

For my second co-op, I worked at an MEP Engineering firm. One of the large projects I worked on used the central model function of Revit. Architects, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers each had a model of the building that could be altered and resynced with to the central model. This updated model would then show in the other models. With this, several people could be working in the model at the same time which improved efficiency and the design process. The architects changed the wall layouts several times, but with this system changes could be seen in real time and we could adjust our model based on that. It was also easier on the construction side to use BIM because the contractors could see the model, and creating actual construction documents and plans was easy in the software.

I was working on mechanical systems and used the built-in features of Revit for that discipline. For example, if you knew the airflow rate and the static pressure of a duct, the program can size it for you. It can automatically put in size transitions as well. It made it simple to map where equipment was going to be placed and whether it worked with respect to the other discipline’s work.

Besides these aspects, the chapter also talks about the ability to create objects and family libraries. You can make generic objects or partially specified that can be modified to fit the specific need. Pretty much anything used in the design of a building in Revit is a family—from wall type to room tags. There are also public sites that allow people to share different libraries they’ve created. Overall, the chapter connects perfectly to my experiences with BIM in both academic and work projects. 

Source: C. M. Eastman, “Chapter 5: 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, pp. 193-261.

COMMENTS:

Kerry Milligan:

I liked that the chapter went down to the basics of the software. I understand the BIM technology well, but reading about it in a more general sense gives me a better idea of how powerful of a tool it really is. I never really thought of it as the linking of objects together and the system automatically adjusting as things change. The overview of BIM as a tool and parametric modeling as whole gives me a more well-rounded understand of the tool I use almost daily.

Jordan Shuster:

I never really considered the fact that BIM could help with the language barrier seen between clients and designers as well as on construction sites. It makes sense that seeing a model and having a visual rather than a text document is better understood by all involved. I agree that BIM makes it easier in general for different groups of people (i.e. different engineers and architects) to understand and convey their ideas. I found it interesting to see yet another aspect of the design process that is improved with this software. 

Thomas Sisson:

I’ve seen firsthand interoperability work well and terribly for projects. Being able to bring a model from AutoCAD to Revit is incredibly easy because both are Autodesk products. Like you said, this makes the design process move more quickly and smoothly, which is an advantage in respect to deadlines and budgets. I’ve also seen the gap in models when two software do not have an easy transition, which is frustrating not only for the designer, but the drawbacks affect the client as well. With the direction technology is going, I could see companies like Autodesk begin to take over the marketplace because they do have so many programs that have interoperability. 

Dee Dee Strohl Term Project General Idea

Potentially looking at a building type now and its life cycle and what technology can change as time progresses.

AI/ Robot Implications on Construction Sequence - Dee Dee

If robots and AI begin to be used in construction and design, there would be more upfront time coding or teaching robots to do certain tasks to then be able to do the work on their own. When this process first begins, it might take more time to teach the technology in the setting. If the technology becomes well used in the field, the construction time will be comparable or even faster than construction time with human workers. 

Dee Dee Strohl - Intelligent Building Definition

I would define Intelligent Building as the use of the latest technologies throughout the life cycle of a building to improve its function and efficiency. This includes using BIM in the design of the building and building automation systems (BAS) while the building is in use. The building should consider energy usage, the occupants, and the surrounding environment. 

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog Post 1

HVAC & Sensors:

This is the article I discussed in my introduction blog post. It discusses the use of Keen Home’s Smart Vents. These vents have sensors for temperature and pressure which can be monitored and changed via an app. The vent is given a label in the system and is pre-programmed with the information of when the space is usually occupied. In this case, the vent is open and air flow and temperature can be adjusted if needed. When the room is in an unoccupied time, the vent closes. This technology cuts down the average run time of air vents by 22%. This technology can be partnered with other home gadget companies like Nest and Wink for a streamlined HVAC system in your home. Because I’m an AE mechanical concentration, these vents sound awesome to me especially because they can help with home energy efficiency. With the bonus of connection through an app, these vents are set to become popular in our future-centric society.

http://www.wired.com/2015/01/brilliant-air-vents-never-knew-needed/

AI, Database, & Future:

A computer system called PaleoDeepDive was tested against human scientists in the process of extracting data from scientific publications about paleontology and placing it into a database. The system worked as well, or sometimes even better than, the humans. The system was created using a probabilistic approach, meaning there isn’t always one correct answer. One of the creators explained that “computers often have trouble deciphering simple-sounding statements”. So, using this approach gives a high probability that the computer will store the data correctly. The computer scans articles and extracts relevant data to be placed in a relational database that could help scientists complete tasks more efficiently. Where the computer has an advantage is the fact that it can improve results as new information is added. Meanwhile, if the process is done by a human, the only way to check the process is to look at the articles again. To create this system a million hours of computer time was logged and access to tens of thousands of articles. At first the download volume was so immense that the system was slowed until more access was granted. The hope for the future of the project is to have a system that can quickly do the lifetime work of a paleontologist or geologist. Though the system sounds incredible and helpful, as a paleontologist, I would be worried that a computer would be taking over my job, which seems to be a common theme currently.

http://www.kurzweilai.net/software-equal-to-or-better-than-humans-at-cataloging-published-science-data

COMMENTS:

Andrew Maita:

I worked with 3D printers back in high school and it’s difficult for me to imagine that technology having the ability to print a house. I wish I had a better understanding of how the system works and what the printer looks like, because all I see in my head is the little MakerBot in my high school lab. It’ll be interesting to see how time wears on the printed structures and what we can expect for this technology for buildings in the future.

Lauren Kujawa:

Like you, I use Google every day, multiple times a day and know they are rapidly expanding their influence on society. To think that robots are going to be creating robots is a bit alarming to me; all I can see are the plots of sci-fi movies where robots take over the world. I also read an article about computers completing the jobs of professionals by quickly scanning information and creating a database. It’s daunting to think that this is the future of technology in so many fields of study.

Shuyuan Zhang:

I liked your post because it gave me a better sense of how AI is developed and how it works. Once the AI is initially built, I assume the process (both the discriminative model and generative model) cycles quickly and as time goes on, because it learns from each iteration, it begins to work even faster. Based on your post, I believe the AI discussed in the article I read used the GAN strategy to build the system. I want to learn more about each of the building methods and understand what applications they work best for. 

Dee Dee Strohl Intro Post

My name is Dee Dee Strohl, I'm a junior Architectural Engineering major with a concentration in Mechanical Systems and a minor in Sustainability in the Built Environment. In CAEE classes and on co-op, I have worked extensively with Revit and AutoCAD. I've worked in Excel as well but, besides that my database experience is limited. My expectations for the class is to learn more about databases and how to use them, as well as the impact of increasingly more intelligent technologies with respect to building life cycles. 

One Evernote article that interested me was about the Keen Home system and their smart vents. The system allows for better control of the airflow and temperature in the various rooms inside your house. The technology can also be changed via an app. It's interesting because HVAC equipment is usually kept hidden and isn't at the forefront of people's minds when it comes to their homes. But with this system, the vents and airflows are easily changed to better the environments they are in.

 

I would define Intelligent Building as the use of different technologies throughout the life cycle of a building to improve its function and efficiency. This could include using BIM in the design of the building and Building Automation Systems while the building is in use.

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