Architectural technology
Architectural technology, or building technology, is the application of technology to the design of buildings. It is a component of architecture and building engineering and is sometimes viewed as a distinct discipline or sub-category. New materials and technologies generated new design challenges and construction methods throughout the evolution of building, especially since the advent of industrialisation in the 19th century. Architectural technology is related to the different elements of a building and their interactions, and is closely aligned with advances in building science.
Architectural technology can be summarised as the "technical design and expertise used in the application and integration of construction technologies in the building design process."[1] or as "The ability to analyse, synthesise and evaluate building design factors in order to produce efficient and effective technical design solutions which satisfy performance, production and procurement criteria."[2]
History
Many specialists and professionals, consider Vitruvius's theories as the foundations of architectural technology. Vitruvius's attempt to classify building types, styles, materials and construction methods[3] influenced the creation of many disciplines such as civil engineering, structural engineering, architectural technology and other practices which are now and since the 19th century, forming a conceptual framework for architectural design.
In his published research, Stephen Emmitt explains that in our modern society, "The relationship between building technology and design can be traced back to the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution, period when advances in technology and science were seen as the way forward, and times of solid faith in progress [...] As technologies multiply in number and complexity the building profession started to fragment. Increases in building activities brought about social and cultural changes".[4]
Practice of architectural technology
Architectural technology is a component that spans architecture, building science and engineering. It is practiced by architectural technologists, architects and engineers.
Architectural technology includes, but is not limited to, the following disciplines:
- structural technologies;
- Architectural design
- building materials and methods;
- computer-aided design;
- environmental technologies applied to architecture;
- building management technologies;
- Building regulations and building standards.
- Planning
- Project Management
- Contract Management
- Building control
- Building science[5]
See also
References
- ↑ BSc (Architectural Technology) Level 8, Dublin Institute of Technology
- ↑ Architectural Technology BSc (Hons), Course Information (2012 Entry), School of the Built and Natural Environment, Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus
- ↑ "The Ten Books on Architecture", Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Ph.D., LL.D., Cambridge, Harvard University Press, London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, 1914
- ↑ Extract from: "Architectural Technology: Research and Practice", by Stephen Emmitt, published in May 2013 in the UK by Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-118-29206-8
- ↑ What is a Chartered Architectural Technologist ?
