Game on for next generation of construction professionals
Ulster University is helping to stimulate the interest in the construction industry among children with the development of an interactive computer game based on the globally successful Minecraft platform, which enables player to create and explore a virtual city. Called BeIMCraft, the game highlights the emerging role of technology in this traditional sector and ensures young gamers consider planning issues, health-and-safety risks, structural aspects, sustainability and cost when creating their 3D world.
The game closely aligns to aspects of the BIM (building information modelling) process.
David Comiskey, architectural technology research and lecturer at Ulster University (pictured with 10-year-old Carrage McConville from St Patrick’s Primary School in Mayobridge), said, ‘The aim of the game is to promote the relevance of construction-related professions to school children and inspire them to pursue further study and careers in the industry.
‘The university is working with local primary and post-primary schools to develop the BeIMCraft game further and will be including updates and additional features based on their feedback.’
The game is in the pilot phase and has been developed by university researchers in partnership with digital consultancy Ardvisory and education consultancy ImmersiveMinds.
