Emerging technologies have revolutionized the construction industry for decades now. The massive impact of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) is proof of this. However, with this change comes the need for architects, engineers, and others in the construction industry to be at par with the fast-evolving industry.
Professionals and construction companies that fail to do this would see themselves lose relevance in the industry. For more information on this subject, you can visit: https://bond.edu.au/files/5115/Saccardo%20report.pdf.
To stay relevant in this fast-changing industry driven by emerging technologies, professionals need to be well-groomed on the importance and application of certain software applications. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software applications are high on this list.
Navigating CAD & BIM Training for Architecture and Engineering
Some architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry know too well the importance of CAD and BIM. However, even such people can be faced with the challenge of properly navigating them. Well, here are some tips to ensure that the training and skill acquisition process is well navigated:
Have Defined Goals
There is a common theme for learning to use these tools but each learner has peculiarities. These peculiarities determine the needs that the learning process would meet. For example, some learners are supposed to gain basic knowledge, while some are supposed to advance theirs or attain proficiency in specialized areas.
You need to come to terms with the reason you need these tools. This would help you go about focusing on the right things even as you learn.
Learn How to Use the Right Software
There is a long list of CAD and BIM software applications. Some are more tailored to meet certain design and construction needs than others.
Furthermore, they all have their uniqueness in terms of functionality and navigation. As a result, you need to choose the one that is best suited for you. Some of the CAD and BIM software applications that can be learned include the following:
CAD –
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
- Fusion 360
- Rhino
- SolidWorks
BIM –
- ArchiCAD
- Tekla Structures
- Revit
- BIM 360
- Navisworks
- Allplan
- Revizto
It might also interest you to know that some are capable of performing CAD, as well as BIM tasks. Vector works is a prime example as it can do this and even has 3D capabilities. You can check here for more information on this.
However, some of such tools have restricted capabilities because of their multifaceted nature. The whole point is ensuring that you choose to learn the right one amongst the several options.
Choose a Suitable Learning Mode
Gone are those days when you could only present yourself in a training school to learn these kinds of things. While this is still a good option, there are other learning modes that you can consider. Online learning is equally an option.
Some training institutions are even flexible enough to teach you in your organization. This is usually provided you get everything set. That includes providing the needed amount of computers with the required software application uploaded on them. Just make sure to choose something that works best for you.
Regular Practice
There is no denying the fact that being well-taught is a major requirement. However, it is also essential that the learner is willing and committed to making the most of what is being taught. Learners who are not willing to do this would not likely see the desired results.
This means that you need to practice what you have been taught. Architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry willing to do this are more likely to get better at using these software applications.
Enroll for the Right Course
Your ability to grasp the concept of putting these software applications to good use is tied to how you are taught and who teaches you. To this end, ensure that you take CAD & BIM Training courses from the right institution. This is very essential considering how a good learner is a function of good teaching.
Finding out about the opinions of people who have undertaken such courses can help you make the right choice. The whole point is ensuring that you are taught properly.
Mastering Design & Collaboration
Many architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction businesses understand the need to have mastery of design. However, some of them play down the importance of collaboration. For the record, both are highly required, and here are some tips to ensure that you inculcate and make the most of both:
Be Familiar with Design Theory
Design theory comprises quite a lot of things. Design principles are one of the very important aspects of design theory and should be well understood. The same goes for design history as it can broaden your horizons and help you come up with remarkable designs.
Be Software-Savvy
There are software applications that can enable you to design easily and flawlessly. You should learn and make the most of them. CAD and BIM tools (as discussed above) are notable examples.
Feedback
Be willing to seek, receive, as well as offer constructive criticism when it comes to analyzing designs. This calls for collaboration with senior professionals, colleagues, and even subordinates.
Develop Communication Skills
Speaking, listening, and writing are must-have soft skills for architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry. It ensures that design ideas and other important details can be properly communicated and understood.
Project Management
These professionals should have working knowledge of how to use project management tools. These are tools such as Slack, Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Project.
Conflict Resolution
As much as conflicts should be avoided at all costs, there is always the possibility of conflicts arising during the execution of collaborative projects. For this reason, proper conflict resolution tactics should be learned and put to use when the need arises.
Conclusion
In this day and age, several things make for well-grounded architects, engineers, and professionals in the construction industry. Having a working knowledge of CAD/BIM tools and other essential software applications is one such.
Another is not negating the importance of design and collaborative skills. In light of this, architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry should make moves to improve themselves in these regards.
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