vcc.ca
DRFT 2101: Smart BIM: AI-Driven Project Design
Effective date
September 2027
Department
Drafting
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Building on foundational Building Information Modeling (BIM) competencies, students are introduced to working within a design team setting to create an integrated building model by applying the overall BIM project workflow, establishing project standards, and creating Project Execution Plans. Students explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance construction and design workflows, examining how AI-driven tools support model creation, coordination, clash detection, quantity takeoffs, scheduling, and decision-making across architectural, civil, structural, and steel construction contexts. Emphasis is placed on practical, industry-relevant applications rather than theoretical AI development.
Credits
9.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
DRFT 1374 or DRFT 1316 or DRFT 1391 or DRFT 1344.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the roles, responsibilities, and workflows within a multidisciplinary BIM project team, including the role of AI in supporting IDP (Integrated Design Process) and IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) processes.
- Apply AI-assisted tools to improve modeling efficiency and accuracy.
- Interpret and apply MEA (Model Element Author) and LOD (Level of Development) frameworks, using AI tools to assist in planning, validation, and data organization.
- Develop a discipline-specific Building Information Model using BIM software, incorporating AI-assisted modeling and automation techniques.
- Integrate and coordinate multiple discipline models into a federated BIM model, leveraging AI-supported coordination and clash detection workflows.
- Apply BIM and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
- Present and justify coordinated design solutions, demonstrating the effective use of AI and BIM to support integrated project delivery outcomes.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 72
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 108
Total Hours: 180
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 108
Total Hours: 180
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, handout materials, video presentations, case studies, seminars and project/problem based
learning activities are used
learning activities are used
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C-
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
Lab / Modelling exercises |
|
Assignments |
15 |
MEA & LOD Application Assignment |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Mid-Project Review |
|
Project |
40 |
Final Integrated BIM Project & Presentation |
Course topics
- Foundations of IBP (Integrated Building Projects), IDP (Integrated Design Process), and IPD (Integrated Project Delivery)
- Introduction to AI in BIM Workflows
- MEA, LOD, and Project Planning
- Discipline-Based Modeling
- Model Integration and Coordination
- Collaboration and Project Delivery
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.