Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most significant developments in architecture and civil engineering in recent years, therefore it becomes increasingly important to promote its integration into university education. Currently, several universities worldwide offer BIM courses in architecture and civil engineering programs, while many others are under the process of integrating BIM into their curricula. The goal of this research is the implementation of BIM into higher education (Széchenyi István University, Hungary) by integrating the architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering disciplines. An important advantage of the university is that the architecture and civil engineering programs belong to the same faculty, which allows students to work together on common projects. A new course was performed in the previous semester, in which the students are designing contemporary buildings as case studies. In this paper, the results of the integration process are presented and evaluated based on the trainers’ and students’ experiences.

The proper selection and planning of building materials are crucial tasks in architectural design, as they fundamentally impact the functioning of the structure. In traditional design processes, this information is recorded in text form, typically using word processing software. However, this approach hinders the integration with modern, data-driven design methods and is incompatible with the increasingly popular building information modeling (BIM) processes. To address this, two new methods have been developed: one database-like method in the form of an Excel spreadsheet and the other as a dedicated web application. This article introduces and compares these methods based on pilot projects conducted by university students and an expert. Based on the results of the study conducted among students and expert, the database-like method proves to be the fastest. For students, creating a composite structure took an average of 14–20 min, while for experts, it took an average of 1.2 min. According to the evaluation of participants, the traditional method does not facilitate automatic communication with BIM, while both the database and web solutions promote it. The web-based solution, with its dedicated layout and functionality, offers additional advantages in this regard. The research underscores the importance of structured data in BIM and proposes new methods to streamline composite documentation processes during the design phase.

In the era of digital transformation, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly prevalent in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. With the emergence of AI ca-pable of text generation, the AEC industry is actively seeking opportunities for its application, leading to the development of specialised software for various tasks to facilitate automation. Following the literature, this article presents the evolution of artificial intelligence and its key characteristics. Furthermore, the study explores the potential applications of AI in the AEC sec-tor, categorising different solutions based on their intended use and delving into their applica-bility, usability, and key values. The article presents solutions available in text generation, image creation, design optimisation, sustainability and simulation, and within the field of Building In-formation Modeling (BIM). In addition to these possibilities, the article focuses specifically on analytical solutions and provides a more detailed insight into their functioning. After outlining the possibilities, it discusses the integration of AI into the design process. The article highlights notable examples of the rising popularity of AI in the construction industry and discusses their utility in various stages of the design process.