The University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building (DAB) is launching an Immersive Construction Environment (ICE) studio.

The university is to undertake a complete retooling of its undergraduate program in construction project management.

This includes the concept of developing the ICE studio to enhance student learning, facilitate research output and allow faculty members to demonstrate cutting-edge industrial interaction with professionals, particularly in the area of Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The ICE Studio features a 3D stereoscopic screen that can enable students to visualise and simulate building models and construction processes in 3D. This allows them to investigate and manipulate their designs in more detail than using a conventional computer. Students can utilise the lab for advanced small group work as well as presentations.

Autodesk, Inc has announced they will be industry partners with the new studio; UTS DAB staff and students will have access to Autodesk Building Design Suite and Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite products.

The partnership will allow approximately 300 students from the schools of Design, Architecture and Built Environment to benefit from the free software, education, training resources and career guidance through the Autodesk Education Community, as well as the ICE Studio every year.

Assoc. Prof. Heather MacDonald, Head of UTS’s School of Built Environment Design, Architecture and Building said: “By using the Autodesk software, UTS aims to facilitate a more integrated and visual method of teaching that reflects the continuing BIM-driven transformation taking place in the industry.

“Through this we can integrate, streamline and progress the learning of our students so they are equipped with the skills needed in the industry today.”

The UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building has developed its coursework using curriculum developed by Autodesk. This includes Autodesk’s “BIM Workshop” curriculum that boasts an abundance of learning materials, videos, exercises, designed to teach BIM, sustainable design practices along with integrated project delivery (IPD).

Brenton Wyett, Autodesk Education Program Manager, recently introduced a Student Expert Program with students from both Built Environment and Architecture Schools. The students have completed training in Autodesk solutions and have become assistants to the faculty and Autodesk solution “evangelists” on campus.

Rob Malkin, Autodesk Asia Pacific Industry Director for Architecture, Engineering and Construction said: “There is a real need in the industry for talented professionals who are skilled in 3D design and BIM. We are very pleased to be working with UTS to assist in the education of the designers, architects and engineers of the future. The state of the art ICE Studios at UTS will offer students the best of industry standard software solutions and practices that mirror the real industry environment.”