Week 5 : Free Learning Materials

Dear DataDrivenAEC Subscribers,

In the fifth week of our data literacy for architects course, we went through some free learning materials for more in-depth data applications.

Day 21 of 100 Data Literacy for Architects: Yes, you can learn data analytics without a computer science degree!

When I first ventured into data analytics, I thought a computer science degree was essential. The idea of investing two years and a substantial amount of money seemed daunting.

But here's the truth:
The online world offers a wealth of opportunities, and many of the best courses are absolutely free!

For example:
At Khan Academy you can find courses about math and data analytics for free like this one https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/ap-computer-science-principles

At Free code camp you can find almost any intro to mid-level computer science topic for free. Here is their youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Freecodecamp

Take action:
Search for free online courses
Dedicate time daily to learning
Apply what you learn immediately
Remember, the path to data literacy is more accessible than ever. 🌐

Day 22 of 100 Data Literacy for Architects: Yes, you can supercharge your learning with ChatGPT

Are you still learning new stuff on your own? There's a way to 10x your learning experience—just by asking ChatGPT.

Whenever you hit a roadblock or need clarification, try this:
"Can you summarize this topic for me?"
"Can you explain this concept to me like I'm 5 years old?"
"Can you watch this YouTube video and explain what it's about?"

At PromptHero you can also find prompts for Stable Diffusion and Midjourney to create the best architecture images.
https://prompthero.com/architecture-prompts

As long as there's curiosity, there's a way to learn more effectively.

Take action:
Identify what you want to learn.
Ask ChatGPT for help.
Apply the new knowledge immediately.

Day 23 of 100 Data Literacy for Architects: Overcoming the fear of complex jargon

We are architects, not computer scientists. So, why and how should we understand jargon that we don't yet grasp?
If you can pass your architectural exams, you can navigate a new field. Almost any interdisciplinary field requires curiosity. It’s not about knowing all the answers but about exploring and asking questions.

Tips to overcome jargon fear:
Stay Curious: Treat new terms as puzzles to solve.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations.
Use Resources: Tools like ChatGPT can simplify complex concepts.

Remember, your ability to learn and adapt is your greatest asset. Embrace the unknown and keep asking questions.

Take action:
Identify jargon you don't understand.
Look up simple explanations or ask for help.
Apply new knowledge to your work.

Curiosity leads to growth. 🌱
Ask one question, and you'll be surprised at how much information you can gain.

Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/

Day 24 of 100 Data Literacy for Architects: Why is data literacy important?

In today's data-driven world, understanding data isn't just for computer scientists—it's essential for architects too.
But why is data literacy so important for us?

Informed Decisions: Data literacy empowers us to make better, evidence-based decisions.
Enhanced Designs: Analyzing data helps us create more efficient and sustainable designs.
Client Communication: Clear data insights enable us to communicate more effectively with clients.
Equity and Bias: Data-driven thinking allows us to identify and address biases we might otherwise take for granted.

Take action:
Start exploring data relevant to your projects.
Utilize tools and resources to interpret this data.
Apply these insights to improve your architectural designs.

For those looking to deepen their understanding, there is a systematic Data Literacy course by SAVI designed to help you make informed decisions.
https://www.savi.org/home/support-training/savi-training/

Day 25 of 100 Data Literacy for Architects: Data literacy is essential for business success

In today's data-driven world, data literacy is crucial for architects to make informed decisions and optimize projects.

Why data literacy matters:
Informed Decisions: Make evidence-based choices for project success.
Efficiency: Identify key areas to enhance design and performance.
Risk Management: Detect potential issues and biases early on.

Data literacy empowers you to work smarter, not harder. It enhances your ability to analyze data, understand ROI, and ensure project efficiency and profitability.
In this article, Tableau introduces the concept of data literacy in more detail and explains why it is one of the most important skills a business or individual can have. https://www.tableau.com/data-insights/data-literacy/what-is#challenges

Take action:
Embrace a data-driven mindset in your architectural practice.
Use data to evaluate and optimize design opportunities.
Continuously ask "why" to uncover deeper insights.

Next week, we will explore specific use cases of data and AI in architecture practice management. Stay tuned!

You can find all the previous articles here.