Development of a Full Scale Simulation Lab with the Application of Participatory Tools of Teaching in Engineering Education for Better Understanding of the Building Services

Abstract

Building refers to a structure with enclosing elements such as Roof, Wall and Floor that is used for certain purpose and function. The basic function of a building is to provide shelter to its user and promotes comfort. Building Services plays a vital role in building design as it provides a controlled environment to the occupants in the building. A building with proper integration of building services has a structural soundness and which is related to the productivity of the user. In engineering education and architecture education, the building services subjects related to plumbing, water supply and sanitation, electrical services, fire safety etc. are taught in a theoretical approach. The theoretical approach of the building services subject for one semester gives limited knowledge about the building services and its application in building design, which finally results in poor performance of the building. The integration of the building services are also a difficult task to achieve with the theoretical exposure. The basic concepts are taught to the students in a theoretical approach using conventional teaching methods with chalk boards for teaching the basics and detailing through graphical representations, sketches etc. Then the students are requested to do case studies related to integration of building services in the building through industrial visits for better understanding of the basic concepts and detailing. There are various teaching models such as Black Box Approach, Glass Box Approach and Participatory Approach available in education of building design. These approaches require certain tools to execute the knowledge acquired in building services into the building design process. A study has been conducted to develop an effective teaching method to teach building services which enhances the capability of the students in better design and detailing of the various building services. The paper aims to explain the application of the participatory tools such as Full Scale Simulation Modeling and User Behavior Modeling for teaching building services through the Toilet Design in engineering and architecture education. This teaching method with full scale simulation tool can be considered as the alternative teaching methodology for the professionals in academics to teach building services and make better understanding of the knowledge of building services in the students.