Development of Teaching Tool for Building Construction

Abstract

This paper includes a review of past attempts to use models as a teaching tool. It also describes the development of the Building Systems Modeling, Assembly, Research, and Teaching Tool (BSMARTT) at the College of Architecture and Urban Studies of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). BSMARTT is a set of kits of small-scale building components for learning different processes and methods of construction. Different model materials are used such that the model kits and their components represent most of the common and important materials in today's construction environment. Each kit is accompanied by computer software which guides the user through the process of assembly and construction. With the aid of a modeling application, the computer software visually simulates the process of building construction and assembly, taking the user through putting a building together step by step. It can also focus on critical elements in the building system and help the student understand structural details.