Learning experiences by pilot projects in engineering education

Abstract

Learning by designing is generally considered as the most effective way to learn among engineers. Engineering learners may not be able to fully understand without additional explanations accompanied with some visualization. On the subject of construction technology, learners need to visualize materials and assembling of all components for a structural element. This paper presents the development and designing of an innovative timber-glass composite material. Structural elements such as beams, columns or shear walls made of timber-glass composite material can be included in the load-bearing system of the buildings. The main aim of this paper is to present conceptual examples of using load bearing timber-glass composite structural elements for practical application in buildings intended to enhance creative and innovative capabilities of engineering learners. Potential architectural design applications called “pilot projects” throughout will provide insights into the practicality and applicability of the developed composite systems in creating different design and application solutions. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the projects is also discussed.