Week 10 - Reflection, Jonathan Yu-Sen Liu

While taking the Intelligent Buildings course, I was able to learn about the many different types of technologies that are available for the advancement of infrastructure. Intelligent technology such as automated robots or drones, database software, BIM software, 3D printing, and sensors are all examples of different things that could be used for the benefit of future intelligent infrastructure.

One of the most interesting thing that I've learned and thought about during this class was the use of automated robots or drones for the construction or maintenance of future infrastructure. One of the things I've talked to Professor Mitchell about during class was the possible use of drones to inspect bridges, dams, and other forms of infrastructure as opposed to sending out inspectors to see and maintain them in person. This could possibly save a lot of time and money, although, I think a lot more research and development would be needed for something like this to happen.

I believe that many of these new intelligent forms of technology allows our society to become more efficient with maintaining our infrastructure and could be something that makes our world a safer and more sustainable place.

For the final project, I was in a group that worked on a BIM project that allowed us to better understand the efficiency and difficulties of using a BIM software such as Revit. With this information and experience we were much better at using the program and we now know how useful it may be for future building projects such as connecting a 2 dimensional drawing and connecting it with a three dimensional world. Not only that, but Revit is a software that also utilizes the object oriented database concept that allows us to be specific and accurate at the same time without overlap.

But even with our experience with Revit, our group was able to find some difficulties with revit such as it's specific focus on building and infrastructure. Although, this may possibility be a result of not fully understanding the program to it's fullest extent.