The Need and Challenges for Interdisciplinary Education in AEC

Interdisciplinary collaboration is becoming standard practice in the Architecture/Engineering/and Construction (AEC) industry. However, educational models in AEC have been slow to adjust to this rapid shift in project organization and execution. In recent years, industry leaders have expressed an increasing need for interdisciplinary professionals in the AEC industry. AEC education has great challenges ahead in order to address these needs. This paper explores the needs and challenges for interdisciplinary education in AEC and introduces initial efforts at the Georgia Institute of Technology to meet this need. The results of a survey of students, alumni and other groups are presented as well as the analysis of data from an on-line petition. Analysis of the data collected shows that there are conflicting views of the benefits of such an initiative. However, the results also highlight opportunities for enhanced collaboration through digital tools and greater inclusion of engineering departments in the process.