Importance of Interdisciplinary Learning in Achieving AEC Industry Success
Publication: Journal of Civil Engineering Education
Volume 151, Issue 1
Abstract
Interdisciplinary learning plays a vital role in the education fields of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. According to the literature, interdisciplinary studies are often associated with professional skills that should be taught in engineering and other similar programs. Knowing the attributes and scope of interdisciplinary learning concurrent with the technical requirements of an engineering degree can set students up for career success. The objective of this study was to establish a deeper understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary education in AEC students’ success after they enter the industry. Knowing what makes students successful professionals, the link between interdisciplinary domains, technical domains, and metrics for professional success can offer guidance for programs to consider. To accomplish this, this body of work deployed a series of surveys investigating the importance of interdisciplinary learning on the graduates’ success to companies who hire architectural engineering students. Success was characterized through teamwork, satisfied clients, successful technical solutions, happy people, and making a positive contribution to the industry. The results show that both technical depth and breadth were valued in parallel with experience working in teams and collaborative environments to achieve these areas of success. Furthermore, this paper discusses and suggests curricular relationships between interdisciplinary factors, such as breadth of knowledge and collaboration within the Architectural Engineering Department, in promoting the success of graduates in the AEC industry.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge the help provided by PACE and the technical and support of professionals in the Architectural Engineering Department of Penn State. The authors would also like to show their deep appreciation to those survey respondents who provided data for this research.
References
Ali, A. K. 2019. “A case study in developing an interdisciplinary learning experiment between architecture, building construction, and construction engineering and management education.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 26 (9): 2040–2059. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2018-0306.
Aluko, O., and M. Mewomo. 2021. “Critical factors affecting quality of building projects: Professionals service providers’ perspectives.” J. Constr. Project Manage. Innovation 11 (2): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcpmi.v11i2.392.
Badawi, A. M., and M. R. Abdullah. 2021. “Interdisciplinary design education: Development of an elective course in architecture and engineering departments.” J. Eng. Appl. Sci. 68 (1): 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-021-00010-2.
Barison, M. B., and E. T. Santos. 2010. “BIM teaching strategies: An overview of the current approaches.” In Proc., ICCCBE 2010 Int. Conf. on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering. Montréal: International Society for Computing in Civil and Building Engineering.
Beaubois, T. 2021. “AEC collaboration: Crucial step for the building industry.” Accessed June 1, 2023. https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/aec-collaboration-crucial-step-for-the-building-industry.
Becerik-Gerber, B., and K. Kensek. 2010. “Building information modeling in architecture, engineering, and construction: Emerging research directions and trends.” J. Civ. Eng. Educ. 136 (3): 139–147. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000023.
BIM (Building Information Modeling). 2022. “Whole building design guide.” Accessed August 3, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20141016190503/http://www.nationalbimstandard.org/faq.php#faq1.
Braßler, M., and M. Schultze. 2021. “Students’ innovation in education for sustainable development—A longitudinal study on interdisciplinary vs. Monodisciplinary learning.” Sustainability 13 (3): 1322. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031322.
Breit, M., F. Häubi, C. Holliger, and D. Kündig. 2006. “ICT-supported, interdisciplinary project environments in AEC-Education for internationally composed teams.” In Proc., Joint Int. Conf. on Computing and Decision Making in Civil and Building Engineering, 14–16. Hanover, MD: Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
Carmichael, T., and Y. LaPierre. 2014. “Interdisciplinary learning works: The results of a comprehensive assessment of students and student learning outcomes in an integrative learning community.” Assoc. Interdiscipl. Stud. 32: 53–78.
Costa, A. R., M. Ferreira, A. Barata, C. Viterbo, J. S. Rodrigues, and J. Magalhães. 2019. “Impact of interdisciplinary learning on the development of engineering students’ skills.” Eur. J. Eng. Educ. 44 (4): 589–601. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1523135.
De Cresce El Debs, L., M. Shaurette, and D. M. A. Wilder. 2017. “Undergraduate opportunities for construction students’ multidisciplinary AEC collaboration and awareness.” In Proc., ASEE Annual Conf. and Exposition, Conf. Proc. Washington, DC: American Society for Engineering Education.
Delbridge, S. 2019. “Three reasons why interdisciplinary studies brings success to students.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.byui.edu/interdisciplinary-studies/three-reasons-why-interdisciplinary-studies-brings-success-to-students.
Demiris, G., K. Washington, D. P. Oliver, and E. Wittenberg-Lyles. 2008. “A study of information flow in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings.” J. Interprof. Care 22 (6): 621–629. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820802380027.
Du, J., Y. Shi, Z. Zou, and D. Zhao. 2018. “CoVR: Cloud-based multiuser virtual reality headset system for project communication of remote users.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (2): 04017109. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001426.
Evans, J. A., and J. G. Foster. 2011. “Metaknowledge.” Science 331 (6018): 721–725. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1201765.
Francis, K., M. Henderson, E. Martin, K. Saul, and S. Joshi. 2018. “Collaborative teaching and interdisciplinary learning in graduate environmental studies.” J. Environ. Stud. Sci. 8 (3): 343–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-017-0467-0.
Fruchter, R. 2004. “Global teamwork: Cross-disciplinary, collaborative, geographically distributed e-learning environment.” In Collaborative design and learning: Competence building for innovation, 265–297. New York: Quorum Books/Greenwood Publishing Group.
Glebe, R. 2020. “4 major benefits of a multidisciplinary approach in Educa…” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.goabroad.com/articles/degree-abroad/advantages-of-multidisciplinary-curriculum.
Golde, C. M., and H. A. Gallagher. 1999. “The challenges of conducting interdisciplinary research in traditional doctoral programs.” Ecosystems 2 (4): 281–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s100219900076.
Hire, S., S. Sandbhor, and K. Ruikar. 2022. “Bibliometric survey for adoption of building information modeling (BIM) in construction industry–a safety perspective.” Arch. Comput. Methods Eng. 29 (1): 679–693. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-021-09584-9.
Homayouni, H., G. Neff, and C. S. Dossick. 2010. “Theoretical categories of successful collaboration and BIM implementation within the AEC industry.” In Proc., Construction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice, 778–788. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Howard, H. C., R. E. Levitt, B. C. Paulson, J. G. Pohl, and C. B. Tatum. 1989. “Computer integration: Reducing fragmentation in AEC industry.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 3 (1): 18–32. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(1989)3:1(18).
Hubert, C. 2021. “Interdisciplinary learning and the effects on students.” Master’s theses, Master of Education, Northwestern College.
Irizarry, J., P. Meadati, and M. Gheisari. 2010. “The need and challenges for interdisciplinary education in AEC.” In Proc., Construction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice, 226–235. Reston, VA: ASCE. https://doi.org/10.1061/41109(373)23.
Jin, R., T. Yang, P. Piroozfar, B.-G. Kang, D. Wanatowski, C. M. Hancock, and L. Tang. 2018. “Project-based pedagogy in interdisciplinary building design adopting BIM.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 25 (10): 1376–1397. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2017-0119.
Jones, K., L. Mosca, J. Whyte, A. Davies, and J. Glass. 2022. “Addressing specialization and fragmentation: Product platform development in construction consultancy firms.” Constr. Manage. Econ. 40 (11–12): 918–933. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2021.1983187.
Kalyanaraman, N., Z. K. Rybkowski, J. L. Fernández-Solís, G. J. Mann, and A. Neeraj. 2016. “Identification of long-term learning outcomes and opportunities for improvement from an interdisciplinary course between architecture and construction science.” In Proc., 52nd ASC Annual Int. Conf. Proc., the Associated Schools of Construction. Provo, UT: Brigham Young Univ.
Karlqvist, A. 1999. “Going beyond disciplines: The meanings of interdisciplinarity.” Policy Sci. 32 (4): 379–383. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004736204322.
Kasvi, J. J., M. Vartiainen, and M. Hailikari. 2003. “Managing knowledge and knowledge competences in projects and project organisations.” Int. J. Project Manage. 21 (8): 571–582. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(02)00057-1.
Kezar, A., and S. Elrod. 2012. “Facilitating interdisciplinary learning: Lessons from project kaleidoscope.” Change: Mag. Higher Learn. 44 (1): 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/00091383.2012.635999.
Li, P. 2018. “Knowledge and meta-knowledge: From the generating of knowledge to the management of knowledge.” In Proc., 2018 Int. Conf. on Management and Education, Humanities and Social Sciences (MEHSS 2018), 73–79. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/mehss-18.2018.17.
Mayhew, R. 2023. “How to evaluate management training.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/evaluate-management-training-48172.html.
Mehran, D., A. E. Poirier, and D. Forgues. 2022. “Impact of fragmentation on value generation-towards a BIM-enabled lean framework.” In Proc., 30th Annual Conf. of the Int. Group for Lean Construction (IGLC30), 1165–1176. Edmonton, Canada: International Group for Lean Construction. https://doi.org/10.24928/2022/0229.
Mohd Nawi, M. N., N. H. Baluch, and A. Y. Bahaudin. 2014. “Impact of fragmentation issue in construction industry: An overview.” In Proc., MATEC Web of Conf., 01009. Les Ulis, France: EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/20141501009.
Nissani, M. 1995. “Fruits, salads, and smoothies: A working definition of interdisciplinarity.” J. Educ. Thought /Revue de la Pensée Éducative 29 (2): 121–128.
Rhee, H., J. Han, M. Lee, and Y.-W. Choi. 2020. “Effects of interdisciplinary courses on future engineers’ competency.” High. Educ. Skills Work-Based Learn. 10 (3): 467–479. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-05-2019-0071.
Römgens, I., R. Scoupe, and S. Beausaert. 2020. “Unraveling the concept of employability, bringing together research on employability in higher education and the workplace.” Stud. High. Educ. 45 (12): 2588–2603. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1623770.
Sinclair, M. 2016. “Why are survey goals and objectives important?” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.sparkchart.com/survey-goals-objectives/.
Slotina, K., M. Hensel, and E. Hjelseth. 2021. “Techno-anthropological inquiry into VDC impact on expert collaboration in the AEC industry.” In Proc., 39th eCAADe Conf., 151–160. Beijing: The Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research. https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2021.1.151.
Solnosky, R., M. K. Parfitt, R. Holland, and M. Ling. 2020. “Integrative multidisciplinary architectural engineering capstone with a student-centered team approach to open-ended projects.” J. Archit. Eng. 26 (3): 04020024. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000413.
Solnosky, R., M. K. Parfitt, and R. J. Holland. 2014. “IPD and BIM–focused capstone course based on AEC industry needs and involvement.” J. Civ. Eng. Educ. 140 (4): A4013001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000157.
Solnosky, R. L., and M. K. Parfitt. 2015. “A curriculum approach to deploying BIM in architectural engineering.” In Proc., AEI 2015, 651–662. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Spuzic, S., R. Narayanan, K. Abhary, H. K. Adriansen, S. Pignata, F. Uzunovic, and X. Guang. 2016. “The synergy of creativity and critical thinking in engineering design: The role of interdisciplinary augmentation and the fine arts.” Technol. Soc. 45 (May): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2015.11.005.
Sudderth, A. 2022. “A guide for interdisciplinary teaching and learning.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://xqsuperschool.org/rethinktogether/interdisciplinary-teaching-and-learning/.
Sujan, S. F., S. Wynford Jones, A. Kiviniemi, J. M. Wheatcroft, and B. Mwiya. 2020. “Holistically assessing collaborative culture in the AEC industry.” J. Inf. Technol. Constr. 25 (Apr): 272–286. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2020.016.
Tinsley, H. N., A. Eckelman, E. Chandler, and C. Martin. 2019. “Chapter two the role of interdisciplinary teaching in the honors curriculum: Insight from a public liberal arts university.” In Excellence, Innovation and Ingenuity in Honors Education, 9. Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Trivedi, U. B. 2016. “Interdisciplinary coordination is crucial across construction projects.” Accessed June 7, 2023. https://www.hitechcaddservices.com/news/coordination-in-architects-structural-crucial-across-construction-projects/.
Van den Beemt, A., M. MacLeod, J. Van der Veen, A. Van de Ven, S. Van Baalen, R. Klaassen, and M. Boon. 2020. “Interdisciplinary engineering education: A review of vision, teaching, and support.” J. Eng. Educ. 109 (3): 508–555. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20347.
Vanegas, J. A. 2021. “Leveraging the value of silos in the capital projects industry.” Energy Cap. Media. Accessed August 3, 2024. https://energycapitalmedia.com/2021/03/11/silos-capital-projects/.
Wang, Y., V. K. Thangasamy, Z. Hou, R. L. Tiong, and L. Zhang. 2020. “Collaborative relationship discovery in BIM project delivery: A social network analysis approach.” Autom. Constr. 114 (Jun): 103147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103147.
Warr, M., and R. E. West. 2020. “Bridging academic disciplines with interdisciplinary project-based learning: Challenges and opportunities.” Interdiscip. J. Probl.-Based Learn. 14 (1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v14i1.28590.
Zhao, J., H. Feng, Q. Chen, and B. G. de Soto. 2022. “Developing a conceptual framework for the application of digital twin technologies to revamp building operation and maintenance processes.” J. Build. Eng. 49 (May): 104028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104028.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Civil Engineering Education
Volume 151 • Issue 1 • January 2025
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 9, 2023
Accepted: Jun 4, 2024
Published online: Aug 26, 2024
Published in print: Jan 1, 2025
Discussion open until: Jan 26, 2025
ASCE Technical Topics:
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.