Qualification Purpose
Design Engineer Construct! Level 1 is an introductory programme for learners looking to explore professional practice in the digital Built Environment and provides excellent foundation learning for progression to Level 2.
The Design Engineer Construct!® Learning Programme (now commonly known as ‘DEC’) has gained a solid reputation as “the most innovative, challenging and relevant curriculum development in recent years”, championed by respected leaders, and referenced in numerous national reports.
Project Overview
Learners design a small, community focused building – a highly sustainable and inclusive building that offers flexible use for diverse groups – with a brief to teach local communities about everyday environmentally friendly living.
Learners are empowered to take ownership of their own project and we recommend they are also given the opportunity to liaise with their ‘client’ – the local community itself – through the involvement of learners’ families, teachers and governors.
Where possible, we recommend learners are given access to professional volunteers, for example through the Class Of Your Own ‘Adopt A School’ scheme and Professional Body outreach programmes.
Learning Approach
The Level 1 qualification is an experiential learning programme – learners develop and deliver a fit for purpose, functional design, taking on the roles of key Built Environment professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyors and facilities managers.
A key objective is to develop the knowledge and skills required to define, develop and deliver a digital construction project from concept to handover, encouraging learners to focus on their impact on the end-user, the wider community and the environment, setting standards for resource efficiency, and committing to sustainable procurement.
Digital Design & BIM
Learners will understand the need for accurate technical information regarding the proposed site, and the constraints and challenges a site can present.
Using building information modelling (BIM) methodologies and software, the project will be developed from concept stage to feasibility and planning, creating a digital model that incorporates main architectural, structural and service details.
Learners will explore the lifecycle of the building focusing on operation and management, maintenance and cost.
Sustainability & Inclusion
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, the themes of social, environmental and economic sustainability run throughout Design Engineer Construct!® programmes, and learners discover how to minimise their own, and their community’s, impact on the planet through role play and project based learning.
They understand the value of inclusivity and diversity, designing for a world where everyone matters.