The IPD/BIM Thesis turned out to be an extremely valuable learning experience, one that I am not sure can be matched through a typical thesis project. Throughout the past two semesters, I have learned to work together with individuals from other disciplines as a team to produce one integrated project. I was able to see the motivations behind mechanical, electrical, lighting, and construction decisions and adapt my design to meet a larger goal.
However, everything I learned was not related to working as a team. I also gained a great deal of structural knowledge through my meetings with industry professionals and thesis advisors; this project also gave me confidence in my own abilities as a structural engineer. I previously had no experience with high-rise construction, and the New York Times Building showed me and all of the IPD/BIM students the additional considerations that go into the design and construction of high-rise projects.
CPEP Reflection
The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP), created to display and log the work we were doing on thesis, proved to be an essential tool. It provided a professional outlet for displaying up-to-date thesis progress while allowing easy access to information. Not only was I able to share my work with friends and family who would otherwise not have seen it, but I was also able to share it with industry professionals for interview and career considerations. As a result, I obtained a full-time position through my work displayed on this website with a great company over 1400 miles away.
| ABET Outcomes | Outcome not able to be assessed | Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable | Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated | More than minimum level of ability demonstrated |
| for AE 481W/482 | (Score of 0) | (Score of 1) | (Score of 2) | (Score of 3) |
| a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering | x | |||
| b. An ability to analyze and interpret data | x | |||
| c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs | x | |||
| e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems | x | |||
| f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility | x | |||
| g. An ability to communicate effectively | x | |||
| h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context | x | |||
| i. An ability to engage in life-long learning | x | |||
| j. A knowledge of contemporary issues | x | |||
| k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice | x | |||
| o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program | x | |||
| p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects | x |
senior thesis | the pennsylvania state university | architectural engineering | contact erika bonfanti
last updated 04.20.10 by erika bonfanti. this site hosted by the AE department © 2009.
USER NOTE: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Erika Bonfanti. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.
The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP) is a web-based project and information center. It contains material produced for a year-long Senior Thesis class. Its purpose, in addition to providing central storage of individual assignments, is to foster communication and collaboration between student, faculty consultant, course instructors, and industry consultants. This website is dedicated to the research and analysis conducted via guidelines provided by the Department of Architectural Engineering. For an explanation of this capstone design course and its requirements click here.
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