Strategies To Incorporate Bim In The Architecture Learning Process: Case Studies

Didactic strategies adopted in the architecture teaching process are being altered to incorporate the possibilities offered by digital technologies. BIM (Building Information Modeling) emerges as a methodology that enables the accomplishment of collaborative and integrated project, from the architecture conceptual phase to facilities management. BIM adoption requires more than just the manipulation of tools, as it depends on skills and competencies that must be developed since the undergraduate course. In this sense, Brazilian’s Universities are discussing and implementing alternatives to include BIM in the learning process. BIM diffusion process in architecture undergraduate courses occurs through three different paths: top-down, bottom-up; and middle-out. This paper explores the pros and cons of each strategy to identify the best alternative. Results indicate that, although each course has specific characteristics, investment on new technologies is imperative to succeed in BIM implementation, and a mixed strategy must be considered to properly prepare future architects