Applying BIM to sustainable performance evaluation in design projects: An educational approach for architecture programmes

The merits and potential of Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been promoted for several years; however, its widespread adoption and development may potentially stagnate on account of a technical skills shortage, with insufficient personnel having the capabilities to successfully deliver projects. This shortfall covers all aspects of BIM, and building performance and life cycle analysis in particular. Programmes such as Ecotect, Revit, Green Building Studio, and Project Vasari, have transformed data capture and analysis, enabling architects and systems engineers to visualise site analyses and to test preliminary designs. As BIM is a relatively new process which continues to develop rapidly, Higher Education Institutions need to respond to currency and change while striving to provide graduates with the advanced skills to satisfy the needs of the building industry. This work presents a case study of the application of Autodesk’s Building Performance Analysis Certificate (BPAC) as a driver for learning in support of the integration of BIM into the architectural curriculum.