Use of the collaborative educational method for AEC supported by additive manufacturing

Abstract

Technological innovation is a recurring theme in the construction industry. As such, new technologies must be explored in education centers for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) professionals. Among several technologies with great disruptive potential, additive manufacturing (AM) stands out. In addition, there is a need for more interdisciplinary educational experiences at the undergraduate level, closer to the reality of the labor market. Based on this background and through Design Science Research, the MECA-AM  (Collaborative Educational Method for AEC supported by the use of Additive Manufacturing) was developed. It aims to encourage students' interdisciplinary learning in Architecture and Urbanism, Civil Engineering, and Graphic Expression through activities with a PBL (Project-based Learning) approach, prioritizing collaborative learning and using Additive Manufacturing to stimulate integration. In this work, we present two experiences of applying this method, carried out in 2021 and 2022, in 5-week workshops for teaching the subject "Constructive Architectural Details". The student's perception of the course was evaluated objectively and subjectively through a questionnaire, which revealed a high rate of application, showing a high acceptance and positive evaluation. It also highlighted the importance of the participation of Graphic Expression students in AEC multidisciplinary groups was also praised, since their skills in virtual modeling and handling 3D printing equipment contributed to the success of the proposed activities since Architecture and Civil Engineering students usually do not have any exposure to these contents in their current undergraduate courses.