Building Literacy: A Simulated Environment to Learn Building Technology

This paper reports on the development of two consecutive projects. The initial project, “A Comprehensive Approach to Teaching Structures through Advanced Media,” was completed in 2005 and the second project, “Building Literacy: The Integration of Building Technology and Design in Architectural Education,” is in its final year of completion. Both projects aim at improving technology curricula in architecture programs by harnessing the interactive capabilities of digital technologies including dynamic modeling, simulation programs, interactive images, animations, and audio narration to help students. These projects have collaborative and involved faculty at various disciplines and institutions.