Innovation and digital transformation in teaching to valorize the resilience and environmental potential of the built heritage

In this study, we present our experiences and results on the use of building information modeling (BIM) as a teaching mechanism for MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems design at university level studies, focusing on construction engineering. Moreover, we expose the need to modify chart-based teaching models of MEP systems, for a pure numerical teaching system supported as well by current regulations (UNE 149201:2017). The study, which focused on construction engineers, is based on a cooperative project-based learning (PBL) strategy. This methodology will not provide a unique exercise solution and based on the work of the professor, but rather a complex solution based on the problem-solving approach carried out by the students. The results indicate that the use of BIM modeling systems not only favors the learning process of the MEP system design itself, but also through visual aids and automated calculation processes, providing feedback in each of the steps carried out by the student. Furthermore, this approach promotes the need to understand and organize every element that form a MEP system, during the different construction phases. Additionally, this experience has revealed the need to adopt a pure numerical calculation methodology for MEP systems teaching, as opposed to lookup tables or standard charts currently used in certain cases. This change in the calculation process, on one hand, implements a process more accurate to that implemented by the CTE (Código Técnico de la Edificación) regulation, and on the other hand, facilitates the understanding of the calculation carried out by automated systems (Revit MEP, Dynamo, etc.) and helps to understand the need to use standardized, and commercially available, physical components during system sizing processes.