University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning faculty member Dr. Rui Liu, in collaboration with researchers from Florida International University, has received a $750,000 award from the National Science Foundation to advance artificial intelligence in construction education.
The project, titled “An Artificial Intelligence-Based Interactive Learning Support System for Improving Plan Interpretation Skills of Construction and Engineering Students,” will focus on developing AI-driven tools to strengthen students’ ability to read and interpret construction plans.
“It has been a true pleasure working with my brilliant and dedicated collaborators, Lufan Wang and Yanzhao Wu, over the past two years as we explore the role of AI in construction education,” Liu said. “We look forward to continuing this work and making a meaningful impact on how construction and civil engineering students learn and apply plan interpretation through innovative, AI-driven approaches.”
Plan interpretation is a fundamental skill in construction and engineering, shaping how professionals understand design intent, coordinate across disciplines and make decisions in the field. Through this work, Liu and her collaborators aim to create an interactive learning system that improves technical understanding while helping students apply those skills in real-world settings.
The project reflects a growing effort to integrate emerging technologies into construction education in practical and meaningful ways. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the research team aims to make learning more adaptive and responsive for students entering an increasingly complex industry.
For more information, visit the National Science Foundation award page: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2539636