Creation of innovative dashboards in lecture

Successful inter-university lecture on "Data Analysis in the Context of Construction" at the Technischen Hochschule Mittelhessen and the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

Interaction of two universities and professional support by the 5D Institut

On 11th July 2023 the time had come - the students of the TH Mittelhessen and the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar successfully presented their dashboards from the lecture "Data Analysis in the Context of Construction". As part of the module, the students gained insights into RIB's innovative online platform iTWO 4.0, which enabled them to record and maintain construction-related data. In order to be able to analyze this data further, they were taught the basics of relational databases and the SQL query language. The task was to design a dashboard that provided targeted information on a freely selectable topic. The results were impressive.

The goal of this cross-university course is to create an understanding of the data and information generated in the construction industry, as well as how it is prepared and made available to the users. Among other things, the cross-university collaboration strengthens the students' soft skills.

The lecture covers the Master's program in Civil Engineering with a focus on 5D BIM Virtual Design and Construction at the TH Mittelhessen as well as the Master's programs in Civil Engineering and Management (Construction Real Estate Infrastructure) at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

From goal setting to implementation

In close cooperation with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joaquín Díaz and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Melzner, Jan-Friedrich Köhle and Sebastian Seiß - both senior consultants at 5D Institut GmbH - designed the module and carried it out together. Important teaching contents are the understanding of relational databases, iTWO 4.0 and MS POWER BI. Students learn the basics of relational databases and can apply them to data analyses in the context of construction companies and construction sites and then visualize them with PowerBI.

The intensive collaboration across different universities provides students with valuable insights into other ways of thinking and teaching content. Sharing experiences with fellow students provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen personal and professional skills. In this context, the collaboration in remote represented an optimal preparation for real working environments.

The concept of the lecture is currently being tested to see if it can be established at other universities. We are proud to be part of this innovative project and look forward to supporting more students on their way to data analysis in civil engineering!

  • Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joaquin Diaz, TH Mittelhessen

    The introduction of BIM and the integration of relational databases in construction were ambitious goals that we set together. The students have gained valuable insights through the innovative iTWO 4.0 platform and are now able to perform data analysis in the context of construction companies and construction sites. The skills they have gained are valuable tools for their future careers. The cross-university lecture has not only strengthened the students' understanding of data and information in construction, but also developed their soft skill competencies. Exposure to other students and course content from other universities was enriching and prepared them for the demands of the working world.

    I thank the 5D Institut for their strong support and valuable collaboration. Together we have laid a solid foundation for data analysis in the context of construction and paved the way for further innovative projects.

  • Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Melzner, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

    The joint project with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joaquin Diaz and the 5D Institut was an inspiring experience. The introduction of iTWO and the students' introduction to data analysis and visualization were challenging tasks that we successfully mastered with the expert support of the 5D Institut. The students gained valuable theoretical knowledge and practical skills through the module, which they can now apply in real construction practice. The model-based approach and the integration of relational databases are essential for the future of construction, and I am proud that we were able to teach these skills to our students. The innovative teaching approach and cross-university collaboration have broadened students' horizons and strengthened their personal and professional skills.

    I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues at the TH Mittelhessen and the 5D Institut for their professional cooperation. Together we have set the course for a data-driven future in construction and made an important contribution to the further development of the BIM field.