Introduction
Teaching excellence in Civil Engineering is complex, as it encompasses a diverse range of theoretical and practical components. However, given that Civil Engineering is a vocational discipline, a hands-on approach that develops both direct and transferable skills is crucial. The DAD (Design, Assemble, and Dismantle) Project epitomises this ethos by providing students with an interactive learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. By engaging in this project, students refine their problem-solving skills and gain real-world engineering experience.
The DAD Project was initiated at the University of Surrey in 2014 and has since expanded internationally. Since its introduction in Malaysia at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah in 2022, the project has demonstrated significant success in engaging students in hands-on learning. Recognising its value, Tianjin University in China integrated the DAD Project into its Civil Engineering curriculum in 2023. These recent examples highlight the project’s effectiveness in fostering international collaboration, enabling students to experience cross-border teamwork and intercultural professional exchanges.
The value of hands-on learning and global collaboration
The DAD Project goes beyond merely constructing models. It simulates real-world engineering challenges by tasking students with designing structures that could be constructed by peers in another country. This exercise tests the clarity of engineering documentation, the constructability of designs, and the ability of students to communicate their ideas across linguistic and cultural barriers.
The project offers students their first exposure to full-scale construction, allowing them to appreciate spatial and practical challenges that traditional classroom learning may not fully address. The experience mirrors the real-world necessity for engineers to collaborate effectively, despite differences in professional language and approach.
Video of the 2017 DAD project