Teaching BIM as a Computational, Queryable, and Analyzable Model: A Project-Based Framework Integrating APIs, Programming, and Early Performance Reasoning

Abstract: Building Information Modeling (BIM) education in architecture, engineering, and construction remains largely tool‑centric, limiting students’ understanding of data quality, automation, and early performance reasoning. This paper presents a project‑based framework that treats BIM models as computational, data‑driven artifacts. Integrating programming fundamentals, API‑based model access, simplified energy and structural reasoning, and human‑in‑the‑loop LLM assistance, the approach fosters computational BIM literacy through learning‑by‑doing. Student feedback indicates improved awareness of modeling consequences, data quality, and performance implications. The framework addresses persistent shortcomings in BIM education and suggests reframing BIM instruction as data quality education through direct computation on models.