MCWHORTER SCHOOL OF BUILDING SCIENCE
vol. 31
// fall 2019
magazine
// THE AUBURN EFFECT How Two Auburn Alums Found Their Way Home— and Built a Hotel in the Process
04
12
14 18
03
MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL HEAD RICHARD BURT
17 FACULTY/STAFF NEWS LINDSEY MOTLEY
04
ALUMNI PROFILE BRIAN AND KIM WIRTH
18 ALUMNI PROFILE ALLEN FAMILY
11 UNDERGRADUATE UPDATE VALERIE BARRY
22 PROGRAM UPDATES MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMWORK
12 IEB HIGHLIGHTS JAY REED
23
14
RESEARCH PROFESSOR AZHAR’S PAPER AWARDED
IEB HIGHLIGHTS BILLY NORRELL
16 IEB HIGHLIGHTS MIKE THOMPSON // QUOIN Richard Burt / Head and McWhorter Endowed Chair Colleen Bourdeau / CADC Communications and Marketing Director Madison Champion / CADC Graphic Designer Brandon Clarke / Lead Administrative Assistant
// CONTRIBUTORS Latha Bhavnani / writer & editor Paul Holley / Director, Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration Miranda Nobles / Office of Communications and Marketing Karen Rogers / Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research
and Associate Professor
Cameron Westbrook / writer & editor
2 \\
// MESSAGE FROM the school head Welcome to the Fall 2019 edition of Quoin. I am writing this after returning from our first ever Industry Advisory Council meeting in Texas and watching the Tigers beat the Aggies. The visit provided me the opportunity to see the impact our alumni are making all over the country and it provided me the opportunity to keep our more remote friends up-to-date about the great things going on at BSCI. This was the fourth of these regional IAC meetings I have held this year; the others have been in Nashville, Atlanta and Birmingham. We are planning visits in Florida and Mobile for the spring. This past year has been incredibly busy. We have completed two major construction projects in the Gorrie Center. The renovation of the former demonstration lab to accommodate a new Construction Visualization Laboratory made possible by lead gifts from Miller and Frances Gorrie and Holder Construction. The Viz Lab, as it’s called, is equipped with an Oblong Mezzanine communication system, a 27-monitor video wall. This area also includes three competition room
This upcoming year will also be extremely busy. This spring we will
spaces made possible by gifts from EMJ Construction,
have our accreditation visit by the American Council for Construction
Caddell Construction and Atlanta Building Science Alumni.
Education (ACCE). This is an event that happens every six years.
We also completed renovation of Gorrie 303 into an
The accreditation process involves the submission of a self-study
Engaged Active Student Learning (EASL) classroom made
document at the beginning of December, followed by an on-site
possible through the support of 9 industry sponsors. We
visit in March. Following approval from the Board of Trustees in
are also currently completing the renovation of our outside
June, we will also find out later this year if our proposal to have a
field laboratory on Samford Avenue thanks to a generous
PhD in Building Construction has been approved by the Alabama
gift in kind from Robins & Morton.
Commission on Higher Education. If our submission is successful,
We have also been busy teaching more students. This fall we will have 567 undergraduates in the program; that is the most since 2008. At the same time, we will increase
we hope to admit students to this program in August 2020. This looks set to be an exciting year in the school!
our number of graduates per year from 120 to 152 in 2020. With so many students graduating we are glad to have our new Career Services Specialist, Lindsey Motley, on board to help our students as they transition into the workplace. You can find out more about Lindsey in this edition of Quoin.
Richard Burt WDE!
You will also be able to read about some of our Industry Executive Board members. The program is blessed to receive support from both the state’s Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) construction organizations. We have recently added their CEO and President, Billy Norrell, and Jay Reed to our Industry
In August 2020 the McWhorter School of Building Science will celebrate the anniversary of its first graduate, Barney Wilborn ‘45. As
Executive Board, and you can read about their experiences
we get close to this important milestone in
on the board in this issue.
the program, we would like to accumulate important events, special memories, and an image archive. We ask for your help in gathering these items by visiting the following link or QR Code.
aub.ie/share-bsci-75
4 \\
ALUMNI PROFILE
// Y’ALL CHECKING IN? A Glimpse into Auburn’s First Boutique Hotel
Brian
and
Kim
Wirth
hadn’t
intended on opening a hotel in Auburn. It was a Saturday like any other during football season on The Plains. Kim Wirth was in town on a recruitment trip when she saw that the historic Wittel Dormitory was up for sale. “She didn’t tell me anything about it,” Brian recalls. “All she said was, ‘You’re going to go look at Wittel Dorm before the game on Saturday.’” The Wirths met while students at Auburn
University
in
1991.
Brian
graduated from The McWhorter School of Building Science with a Bachelor’s degree in Building Construction. Kim studied Journalism in the College of Liberal Arts. They were introduced by mutual friends—a familiar beginning to many Auburn love stories. After graduation and getting married, the Wirths packed up and moved north. There, they both fell in love all over again—this time with historic homes. “We were some of the first participants in the renovation of the Capitol
Hill
recalls
of
neighborhood,” their
time
in
Brian D.C. // 5
Mr. and Mrs. Wirth went on to renovate
“The overarching thing for us was
several
spaces to gather—places you want to
more
homes
around
the
country—in Memphis, Auburn, and the
come to,” Kim says.
Gulf Coast. “We believe in respecting
Guests at The Collegiate will enjoy the thoughtfully outfitted rooms— each with a unique character and feel.”
the history of the building and the
Bar
context of the place,” Kim says. This
Collegiate will enjoy the thoughtfully
noble philosophy is apparent in The
outfitted rooms—each with a unique
Collegiate Hotel, formerly the Wittel
character and feel. The hotel boasts a
Dormitory and the Wirth’s latest project.
total of forty guest rooms, several of
Having been open since June 2018, the
aside,
guests
at
The
which are pet-friendly suites.
attractive structure has already found its home in the “Loveliest Village.”
Kim was responsible for sourcing the décor—almost all of it being original art
The lobby/parlor area serves as a gentle
or antiques that were in the old Wittel
introduction to the land of orange and
Dorm. During the weeks leading up to
blue. Plush furniture in muted tones and
the highly-anticipated grand opening,
beautiful, original artwork greet guests
Kim and Brian were contacted by Pat
as they enter. The real showstopper is
Wittel Tremaine, an Auburn local who
the giant eagle mosaic in the entryway.
grew
Comprised of thousands of round sequins,
dormitory. The Wirths were able to
it casts a shimmering reflection on the
purchase many antiques from The
opposite wall, weather permitting. The
Wittel’s family collection, and these
traditional wood floors lead guests to a
pieces add even more character and
large,
authenticity to the hotel.
marble-top
bar
outfitted
in
playfully retro décor. Brian and Kim wanted to create a space for everyone. 6 \\
visitors
up
in
the
historic
women’s
// 7
Comprised of thousands of round sequins, [the eagle mosaic in the entryway] casts a shimmering reflection on the opposite wall.�
8 \\
The overarching thing for us was spaces to gather—places you want to come to.” KIM WIRTH
Brian and Kim worked with Rebecca Conrad and Amanda Whitaker of ANF Architects in Memphis, TN. The architects, both Auburn alumni, were enthusiastic about the Wirth’s desire to create a boutique hotel that was steeped in a sense of place. Memphis contractor H. Montgomery
Martin,
of
Montgomery
Martin Contractors, was another key figure in the project. Mr. Martin graduated from the McWhorter School of Building Science in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Building
Construction.
The
renovation
process included many businesses and people with ties to the Auburn-Opelika community. While it may have been easier, less expensive, and taken less time to go with convention, doing things “the hard way” has really paid off. The Collegiate has been fully booked for every home football game weekend this year. // 9
Both Brian and Kim attribute their success
to
their
time
at
Auburn
University. “I didn’t come from a construction family, so the industry was new to me. It was always something that appealed to me; there’s a lot of satisfaction in building a project and seeing it through to completion,” Brian recalls. His favorite memories were from his days in The McWhorter School’s co-op program and getting a
the reception desk which is covered in
Most people spend four to five years trying to get out [of Auburn] and twenty years trying to get back.”
Glomeratas from years past. “We
BRIAN WIRTH
taste of the construction industry from the start. “I wholeheartedly believe that the connections you made in school made The Collegiate happen,” Kim says, looking at Brian. Their daughter, Hannah, is checking in some guests at
always agreed that we wanted to come back to Auburn one day,” says Brian with a smile. “Most people spend four to five years trying to get out and twenty years trying to get back.”
10 \\
UNDERGRADUATE UPDATES
// UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BARRY participates in the Kiewit Leadership Program Valerie Barry, a Junior majoring in Building Science, was selected to attend the
2018
Women’s
Construction
Leadership Seminar in Aurora, Colorado. The annual conference is a two-day event sponsored by Kiewit Construction and aims to “develop the leadership skills of collegiate women.” “Our 11th annual WCLS event was a great success due to the curiosity, confidence, and passion of the 50+ young professionals who attended,” said Lauren Collins, business partner at Kiewit. “Valerie was a
welcomed
attendee
with
her
eagerness to contribute and insightful collaboration with the other attendees.”
We work hard to ensure that all our students are able to receive an exceptional construction education, regardless of gender or background.” RICHARD BURT
Valerie says she has always been interested in working in construction because her father is an architect. “After graduation, I see myself working for a
During the conference in Colorado,
are today.” The McWhorter School
larger
Valerie had the opportunity to connect
of Building Science is dedicated to
an
with many successful women in the
being an inclusive learning environment.
internship lined up this summer with
construction industry. In recent years,
“We work hard to ensure that all our
Holder
have
construction firms have made efforts to
students
previously interned locally with Carter &
improve diversity in the field, but women
exceptional
Carter working in preconstruction.” She
still are very much in the minority,
regardless of gender or background,”
says some of her favorite memories
representing only about 10% of the
says
from Building Science stem directly
industry’s workforce. This is one of the
Richard Burt. “We were happy to
from the hands-on experience that is a
reasons why events like the Women’s
support Valerie’s participation in the
hallmark of the program. “I really enjoyed
Construction Leadership Seminar are
Women’s
shadowing the commercial construction
important, Valerie says. “It was great to
Seminar, as she represents some of the
competition team last fall and watching
hear from successful women in the
best qualities of our program.”
them win first place in Peachtree City.”
industry and how they got to where they
commercial
company,”
she
says.
Construction,
construction “I and
have I
are
able
to
construction
Professor
and
receive
School
Construction
an
education, Head
Leadership
// 11
IEB HIGHLIGHTS
// MEET IEB MEMBERS Reed and Norrell JAY REED President, ABC of Alabama Jay Reed is one of the newest members invited to serve on the Industry Executive Board for the McWhorter School of Building Science. In 1994, Reed graduated from the University of West Alabama with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing, and soon thereafter
he
started
with
the
Walmart Management Program. In 1996, Reed joined the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC of Alabama) in membership marketing, and rose through the ranks, reaching vice president. He currently serves as president. Reed manages approximately 700 construction-related companies at ABC. Over the years, he has participated in an assortment of assignments including publisher of Alabama Construction News and founder of the Alabama Employers for Immigration Reform. He was a member
of
Immigration
Governor Commission
Riley’s and
presently sits on the Board of the Alabama Council of Association Executives
and
the
Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act Board of Directors for Jefferson County.
12 \\
Q&A WITH JAY REED As President of ABC, what changes have
What have you learned as a member
you seen in the industry?
of the IEB for the McWhorter School
Technology! From the services available online
of Building Science?
in pre-construction to the actual use of
Getting
technology in the field, our world is different. A
across the industry can only make the
various
quick internet search shows a robot laying brick,
school better. As president of ABC of
a drone checking for roof repairs and even
Alabama, I get to interact with people
unmanned construction equipment. Despite the
from every sector of our industry. From
increased use of technology, the need for solid
a senior in high school attending our
relationships hasn’t changed. This business is
Academy of Craft Training, to the
about relationships and trust.
President
of
perspectives
one
of
the
from
Reed manages approximately 700 construction-related companies at [the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama].”
largest
Construction firms in America, to the end-users of what we build, they all see
What are the biggest trends in
our industry differently. I think listening
construction today?
to those views and bringing them to the
Pre-Fab/Modular construction is starting to
table in our meetings will benefit the
really
board and the college.
take
its
place
in
the
industry.
I also perceive collaboration, where the entire team comes together earlier and earlier in a
I have two principles that guide my
project. From architect to engineer to builder to
professional
trade contractors, I’m seeing them all get
contractors that I will enthusiastically
together much sooner than they did five years
and effectively lead the commercial
ago. The results of this are proving greater cost
construction industry to a better place
savings and on-time delivery.
every day. The second is to treat others
life.
First,
I
promise
the way you would like to be treated. The shortage of workforce is the biggest
Being kind to people is so simple.
challenge to building and construction. I’m seeing craftsmen shortages and wage reports in our industry projected by the end of 2019 that are staggering. Finding a solution to this labor shortage should be on everyone minds.
Getting various perspectives from across the industry can only make the [McWhorter School of Building Science] better.” JAY REED
// 13
BILLY NORRELL CEO, AGC of Alabama Billy Norrell graduated from Auburn in 1990 with a degree in Public Relations. After graduation, he moved to Washington D.C., where he worked for former U.S. House of Representatives member Bill Dickinson of Montgomery and U.S. House of Representatives member Sonny Callahan of Mobile. During his time in D.C., he learned “how government worked and about the issues confronting different trade associations.” In 1994, Norrell returned to Alabama to work
for
Auburn
University
in
its
Governmental Affairs office. Growing up in a family that operated a road construction
Q&A WITH BILLY NORRELL What is your biggest concern
In your opinion, what is the
looking forward?
main role of the IEB?
business in Greenville, Alabama sparked his
I believe the biggest concerns for the
As CEO of AGC, I have taken close
interest
construction
interest in helping students develop
in
Alabama
Road
Builders
industry
are
safety
and
Association (ARBA). His father, H. Grady
efficiency, two areas where the industry
connections
Norrell, owned G.W. Norrell Contracting
struggles. It is a dangerous business, but
student chapters. Auburn’s chapter is
Co. in Georgiana, Alabama. The company is
recent improvements have been made to
AGC’s crown jewel, and we are proud of
now in its seventh decade of operation and
increase worker safety. Wearables, devices
the work they do and the connections
third generation of Norrells. In 1998, he
that collect and deliver data about a
they make with the industry. These
became ARBA’s next executive director—
worker’s environment and activites, and
connections
the
drones, used for surveying sites, are slowly
meaningful career opportunities and the
being adopted.
perpetuation of Alabama AGC loyalty.
regularly interacted with the Alabama
Workforce development is one of the
As a member of the IEB, I will strive to
Associated General Contractors (AGC) on
measures AGC is working on, among
do what’s best for Auburn and its
legislative and regulatory issues and worked
others. The association will work with the
students. I have always enjoyed working
with longtime CEO of Alabama AGC, Henry
Department of Commerce to create more
with people, and the group always comes
Hagood, who recruited Norrell to follow him
scholarships
up with good solutions to challenging
when he retired.
interested in studying building trades.
same
organization
where
his
grandfather, G.W. Norrell, and his father
with
lead
industry
to
through
long-term,
had served as presidents. At ARBA, he
and
grants
for
people
problems. Studying at Auburn University is a tradition in the Norrell family: my father (1949), sister (1972), brother (1980), and
I believe the biggest concerns for the construction industry are safety and efficiency, two areas where the industry struggles. It is a dangerous business.” BILLY NORRELL
14 \\
several nephews and cousins went to Auburn. My oldest son is a sophomore, and I have two more boys that I expect to follow in the coming years.
I have always enjoyed working with people, and [the IEB] always comes up with good solutions to challenging problems.� BILLY NORRELL
// 15
IEB HIGHLIGHTS
// INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER Mike Thompson Many Alabamans are unaware of the construction industry’s
solution,” Thompson said. “There is a learning element to that
impact on the state’s economy. It’s significant: more than $10
approach that I believe is critical to personal development and
billion, annually. The individuals who lead the Alabama
growth within an organization.”
construction industry are committed to further growth and improvement—Mike Thompson, in particular.
Many of the lessons Thompson has learned come from his varied experience in the industry. Beginning his career immediately after
A 1982 graduate of Auburn University’s Building Science program
graduation as a field engineer for Robins & Morton, he was
and former Visiting Professor, Mike Thompson is the Vice
responsible for layout, quality control and management of trade
President of Operational Support and Planning at Robins &
partners for the construction of a medical clinic in Houston. Today,
Morton. Thompson says his interest in construction began at a
he says that experience was foundational to the rest of his career.
very young age, and he credits the Auburn Building Science program with expanding his interest through practical educational
“As Vice President of Operational Support and Planning, I am now
experience.
responsible for preconstruction services, VDC+C (Virtual Design and
Construction
+
Coordination)
and
other
operational
“The fact that many of the [Building Science] instructors came
technologies, scheduling services and corporate information
from industry added credibility to the instruction,” Thompson
technologies,”
says. “I like constant change associated with construction and
construction, he sees two areas of dramatic change. “Technology
the fact that no two projects are the same. Construction is the
will continue to disrupt our industry. The challenge is identifying
perfect industry to experience that type of environment.”
the solutions that provide real value and deploying those solutions
says
Thompson.
Regarding
the
future
of
in a timely manner. The other change is related to our industryA typical day for Thompson begins by coordinating with members
wide craft professional shortage. I think the continuing competition
of his team and reviewing the work ahead. In addition to his day-
for the limited numbers of craft professionals will force us to
to-day work, he ensures that his teams are properly trained,
elevate our pursuit of more innovative prefabrication solutions.”
developed and have the resources to allow them to perform at their highest level in support of the project team.
Despite a busy schedule and significant responsibilities, Thompson still manages to find time to devote to the Industry Executive
According to Thompson, solving problems and building
Board. “I have been in industry for 40 years and was a Visiting
relationships are both quintessential to the job, and he is quick to
Industry Professor for five years,” Thompson said. “Hopefully I can
highlight the most important aspect of accomplishing both
use both experiences to offer good advice when needed. I believe
challenges: communication. But to ensure the growth and
students should be open to new experiences, open to working in
sharpening of his team’s skills, he often communicates what
different regions, and always looking for innovative ways to solve
needs to be accomplished, not necessarily how to accomplish it.
problems. I simply want to do everything I can to help Auburn’s
“People have to develop their own way of solving problems and
Building Science program be the best it can be.”
dealing with issues so that they own the success or failure of the 16 \\
FACULTY/STAFF UPDATES
// A NEW ROLE for Lindsey Motley CADC’s Lindsey Motley has taken on a new role as the Career Services Specialist for the McWhorter School of Building Science. Beginning her career at Auburn University as an Academic Advisor for the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, Lindsey says she enjoyed helping students navigate the sometimes stressful journey to graduation. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know many of the students individually,” she says. Academic Advising in the CADC is somewhat unique in that it is required for all pre-professional students. This helps create the close-knit relationships that the CADC is known for. In her new position in the McWhorter School of Building Science, Lindsey acts primarily as the liaison between Building Science students/faculty and employers/industry partners. “Building and maintaining those relationships is crucial. The industry is booming, and there are currently more positions available than there are students to fill them. I’m excited to help our students look for the right opportunities for them and get set up for the future.” A native of Alpharetta, Georgia, Lindsey grew up with an interest in the construction world. “My dad is a residential home builder, so building has always been near and dear to my heart.” She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Secondary English Education and moved back to Georgia to teach for several years. Eventually, she decided to return to Auburn with her nowhusband, Matthew. “Going from teaching to advising to career advising—there’s so much overlap,” she says. “I love our students, and I love our program. I know I’m a little biased, but I think we have one of the best on campus.”
Lindsey acts primarily as a liaison between Building Science students/faculty and employer/industry partners.”
// 17
18 \\
ALUMNI PROFILE
// ALLEN FAMILY LAYS FOUNDATION to a Construction Legacy
A study conducted by Facebook in
When Judson entered the construction
2013 found that 28% of married
industry after graduating from Auburn
college graduates met their spouses
University, there were not many women
on a college campus. Bill and Judson
in the business. “Entering that workforce
Allen are part of that quarter segment of
was a challenge for a 22-year-old woman
couples, having met on campus in their
who had never set foot on a construction
Construction Safety class. Both Building
site. I was able to work with wonderful
Construction
Judson
role models. I tell young people that it is
graduated in the summer of 1986. Happily
a great career with endless opportunities
married, they live in Nashville with their two
in different sectors of the field. I would
daughters, Julia and Leah. Their eldest, Julia,
recommend a summer internship or co-op
is now a senior in Building Science at Auburn.
experience before entering the workforce.”
Judson Allen, an Opp, Alabama native,
Allen worked briefly with Wainwright
changed majors from Pre-Pharmacy to
Engineering in their Montgomery office
Building Science during her sophomore
assisting
year
that
construction after graduation. She then
I really enjoyed the Building Science
worked for the City of Nashville as a
curriculum. Continuing in the program was
project manager for construction in the
one of the best decisions I have ever
engineering department of Metro Water
made,” she added.
Services.
at
majors,
Auburn.
Bill
“I
and
found
with
In
airport
this
design
role,
she
and
was
responsible for the construction of new Judson
credits
program
with
graduates
to
the
Building
successfully enter
the
Science preparing
facilities as well as maintenance and
Judson [Allen] credits the Building Science program with successfully preparing graduates to enter the construction industry.”
repair of existing properties.
construction
industry. “The curriculum itself teaches
A Nashville native, Bill Allen came to
concepts of design, materials, and methods,
Auburn as a student athlete on the swim
and the professors add the real-life aspect
team. Although he was originally a
by describing actual situations that students
student of Mechanical Engineering,
will encounter on construction projects.”
Allen transferred to Building Science
She underscores the dedication of the
after his freshman year. This was better
faculty who made “student accomplishment
aligned with his family’s business,
their main priority. Their desire to help us
Southern Sales Company.
succeed at every level and fully reach our potential in the classroom, in the industry, and in life was clearly evident. This positive energy generated excitement for learning and made us want to do our very best.”
// 19
[Building Science] does a great job of applying classroom learning to real-life situations.” JULIA ALLEN
Southern Sales Company (a division of
Julia Allen chose to major in Building
Julia completed two internships: one
Tencarva
a
Science because of her affinity for both
with Skanska USA in Nashville, where
manufacturer’s representative dealing with
architecture and business. “When my
she was a field intern on the Cordell Hull
Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment
parents explained the versatility of
Project in downtown Nashville. The
and Pumping equipment. As Vice President
Building Science as a major and its
other was with Austin Commercial in
for Municipal Operations at the company,
potential career paths, I quickly became
Orlando and involved building a three-
Mr. Allen oversees 25 sales engineers who
interested,” she said. “I liked the idea of
story office structure for Universal
cover eleven states in the Southeast.
being able to look at a building and to
Studios employees. “These internships
see the different components within it,
helped me understand the sequence of
Bill also credits the Auburn Building Science
such as the structural steel, the roof, and
a
curriculum with providing practical content
the finishes. I also liked the social aspect
completion
that prepares students for real work. “It’s a
of the construction industry, and seeing
between owner, architect, and contractor
balance of civil engineering and business,
the finished product of your work.”
(OAC),” she recalls. Julia plans to
Machinery
Company)
is
and the faculty encourages collaboration
project
as and
they the
move
toward
relationships
work for a general contractor after
and what the real world is all about.” At the
Julia shares her mother’s appreciation of
graduation (either as a project engineer
company, he works closely with heavy civil
the Building Science program. “The
or in pre-construction).
contractors to install water and wastewater
school does a great job of applying
systems and with the engineers who
classroom learning to real-life situations
Leah, the youngest of the family, is a
design them. Auburn Building Science
that occur both on construction sites
senior at Harpeth Hall School. She is
trained
civil
and within the construction industry.
considering studying architecture and
construction—the sector most relevant to
him
to
fully
understand
The group projects facilitate collaborative
business and looking at Auburn as a
the family business. When asked what
learning,
possibility.
mindset or perspective was important for
experience with construction technology.
success in the construction industry, Mr.
A lot of the classroom assignments
“We loved the friendly atmosphere in
Allen replied that it required patience and a
directly correlate to work on jobsites,
Auburn and how the community truly
cooperative attitude. “There are a lot of
which I believe benefits the students in
embraced the students and supported
disciplines that come together to make a
the program. It’s also cool to have my
the university,” Mr. Allen says. “After I
project successful including engineers,
parents answer my questions about
graduated and moved away I began to
architects,
Thesis or other aspects of the program.”
truly appreciate what a wonderful place
subcontractors,
owners,
and
we
get
hands-on
suppliers and contractors.” The biggest
it was. There is a genuine sense of
challenge? “I understand that technology
family there that we have never found
drives the world today, but I cannot stress
anywhere else.”
how much face-to-face interaction can help you resolve problems.” 20 \\
I understand that technology drives the world today, but I cannot stress how much face-to-face interaction can help you resolve problems.� BILL ALLEN
// 21
PROGRAM UPDATES
// MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMWORK IN THE WORKPLACE An Accreditation Requirement ACCE
(American
Construction
Council
Education)
is
a
for non-
Leathem and Wetzel will use survey data
to
develop
learning
modules
governmental organization. Its mission
designed to teach students about the
is to be a leading global advocate of
multi-disciplinary
quality construction education, and to
profession. These modules will have
promote, support, and accredit quality
potential usefulness in the architecture
construction
programs.
curriculum as well as other building
Recently the organization made the
science degree programs. “We hope
decision to restructure their accreditation
this would be something that could be
model
to
adopted by other schools and possibly
outcomes-based in which programs
industry as a means of professional
must demonstrate student achievement
development,” said Leathem. “The
measured by a series of student
research, sponsored by a grant from the
learning outcomes.
Center for Construction Innovation and
from
education
prescriptive-based
aspect
of
the
Collaboration (CCIC), is planned to be Demonstration of the ability to work
completed this year.”
cooperatively on multidisciplinary teams is one requirement for accreditation.
ACCE conducts a review process to
With this challenging requirement in
determine if educational programs meet
mind, Building Science professors Tom
defined standards of quality. Once
Leathem and Eric Wetzel are conducting
achieved,
a survey of architecture and construction
periodically to ensure that the quality of the
schools across the country to get a
educational program is maintained.
consensus about how other programs aim to meet this objective.
22 \\
accreditation
is
renewed
RESEARCH
// PROFESSOR AZHAR’S PAPER AWARDED at an International Conference Organizers
of
the
applications of HMDs in the construction
Conference on Engineering, Project, and
construction
started
industry. Microsoft HoloLens is tested
Production Management (EPPM 2018)
adopting new technologies to help
as a potential visualization tool to
announced that Professor Salman Azhar of
improve quality and minimize time and
determine its usefulness and limitations
the McWhorter School of Building Science
costs
in comparison to traditional 2D sketches
and co-author Austin DaValle won the
Industries combining the use of virtual
Annual Best Paper award. The paper, “An
and physical data discovered that most
Investigation of Mixed Reality Technology
mistakes
for On-Site Construction Assembly,” was
between a user’s view of the real-world
Engineering, Project, and Production
selected out of 168 entries submitted from
and what they are comparing it to in 2D
Management
all over the world. Azhar made the keynote
sketches or a 3D model. The use of
platform for the discussion of innovative
presentation on September 26, 2018 at
Head Mounted Displays (HMDs), capable
research and practice and creative
EPPM, in Cape Town, South Africa.
of superimposing holographic images
cross-breeding of the multidisciplinary
into
being
fields of engineering and management.
Azhar is a J.E. Wilborn Endowed Professor
considered by several researchers and
Last year’s conference in South Africa
for Emerging Faculty and the Graduate
practitioners as a possible remedy.
was co-hosted by the Nelson Mandela
Program Chair at the McWhorter School of
“These advancements are leading us to
University
Building Science. DaValle graduated from
entirely new ways of thinking and
University of Technology, Free State
the
visualizing construction processes,” said
(CUT), South Africa.
Master
of
the
9 th
Building
International
Construction
program in 2017 and currently works at McShane
Construction
Company
According
to
the
associated
a
Azhar.
arise
pilot
has
with
due
real-world
“This
authors,
industry
to
space,
study
projects.
disconnect
is
or 3D models.” The
International
Conference
(EPPM)
(NMU)
and
provides
the
on a
Central
identifies
in
Chicago. Their paper was the outcome of research on investigating applications of mixed reality headsets in design and construction practice sponsored by a seed grant from the Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration (CCIC).
This pilot study identifies applications of HMDs in the construction industry.” SALMAN AZHAR
// 23
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