Thinking smart: Incorporating Smart Buildings design theory, Building Information Modeling, and Integrated Project Delivery into architecture design school curriculum

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methodologies are rapidly becoming fundamental core practices in the 21st-century architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. These two integrated industry design practices are the fundamental elements to the creation of Smart Buildings, the highest functioning efficient buildings in the world. The theory behind creation of these highly efficient structures is Smart Buildings design theory. Understanding the principles of Smart Buildings design theory assists architects in designing structures in a holistic way, beginning with the end in mind, establishing the role of responsible steward and practitioner towards a sustainable planet. In the United States, traditional buildings are responsible for 73% of electricity consumption and nearly 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Smart Buildings can help to conserve resources and protect the environment. Practicing architects and architectural students must be taught to think smart. One way to teach them is to evolve the architecture curriculum framework by inclusion of BIM and IPD, adapting modifications to an outdated approach to architecture education. This research project identified several key themes, both within and among the academy and the profession, relative to thinking smart and designing Smart Buildings. Technical software training courses are needed before such software finds its appropriate place in the architecture design studio. The AEC industry has an opportunity to transform its reputation as an industry of low technology and high inefficiency into one of high technology and extreme efficiency by shifting the existing paradigm and psychological mindset to BIM and IPD methodologies.