Architectural technology

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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; it is closely aligned with advances in building science.

Contents

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' theories as the foundations of architectural technology. Vitruvius' 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, now and since the 19th century, form a conceptual framework for architectural design. According to Stephen Emmitt, "The relationship between building technology and design can be traced back to the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution, a 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." [4]

Until the twentieth century, the materials used for building were limited to brick, stone, timber and steel to form structures, slate and tiles for roof coverings, lead and sometimes copper for waterproofing details and decorative roofing effects. The Romans used concrete, but it was virtually unknown as a building material until the invention of reinforced concrete in 1849. [5] Modern construction is much more complex, with walls, floors and roofs all built up from many elements to include structure, insulation and waterproofing often as separate layers or elements.

Architectural technology in practice

Architectural technology is a discipline that spans architecture, building science and engineering. It is informed by both practical constraints, and building regulations, as well as standards relating to safety, environmental performance, fire resistance, etc. It is practiced by architects, architectural technologists, structural engineers, architectural/building engineers and others who develop the design/concept into a buildable reality. Specialist manufacturers who develop products used to construct buildings, are also involved in the discipline.

In practice, architectural technology is developed, understood and integrated into a building by producing architectural drawings and schedules. Computer technology is now used on all but the simplest building types. During the twentieth century, the use of computer aided design (CAD) became mainstream, allowing for highly accurate drawings that can be shared electronically, so that for example the architectural plans can be used as the basis for designing electrical and air handling services. [6] As the design develops, that information can be shared with the whole design team. That process is currently taken to a logical conclusion with Building Information Modeling (BIM), which uses a three dimensional model of the building, created with input from all the disciplines to build up an integrated design.

See also

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Architectural engineering or architecture engineering, also known as building engineering, is a discipline that deals with the engineering and construction of buildings, such as structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, environmental, climate control, telecommunications, security, and other areas. It is related to both architecture and civil engineering, and distinguished from architectural design, as an art and science of designing buildings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architecture</span> Product and process of planning, designing and constructing buildings and other structures

Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. The term comes from Latin architectura; from Ancient Greek ἀρχιτέκτων (arkhitéktōn) 'architect'; from ἀρχι- (arkhi-) 'chief', and τέκτων (téktōn) 'creator'. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architectural drawing</span> Technical drawing of a building (or building project)

An architectural drawing or architect's drawing is a technical drawing of a building that falls within the definition of architecture. Architectural drawings are used by architects and others for a number of purposes: to develop a design idea into a coherent proposal, to communicate ideas and concepts, to convince clients of the merits of a design, to assist a building contractor to construct it based on design intent, as a record of the design and planned development, or to make a record of a building that already exists.

Valery Samuilovich Shmukler was a Ukrainian engineer, an expert in the field of construction, reconstruction, the theory of structural systems, information technology, calculation and design of structures, and methods of optimization and rationalization of the scientific theory of rationalization building constructions. He was an academician of the Academy of Construction of Ukraine (1999), doctor of technical sciences (1997), professor (2001), winner of the State Prize of Ukraine in the Field of Architecture (1995), Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in the field of science and technology (2020), Honored Scientist of Ukraine (2015), emeritus professor of Kharkiv National Academy of Urban Economy (2014), chief of the department of building construction of Kharkiv National Academy of Urban Economy, a member of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures IASS (1980), and a member of the American Concrete Institute (1997).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of architectural engineering</span>

Architecture has been closely associated with engineering in the history of the building construction. The engineering for buildings was determined empirically in the early periods; later, scientific calculations for structures were developed in the 17th century, and engineering was taught as a separate course in the 18th century. Architectural engineering was established as a discipline in the formal realm of engineering in the late 19th century when the University of Illinois became the first of many universities to offer an architectural engineering program. The university with the longest ABET accreditation is Pennsylvania State University, which received theirs in 1935.

References

  1. BSc (Architectural Technology) Level 8 - Dublin Institute of Technology
  2. Architectural Technology BSc (Hons), School of the Built and Natural Environment, Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus
  3. "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
  4. 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
  5. The History of Concrete and Cement [ permanent dead link ]. Inventors.about.com (2012-04-09). Retrieved on 2013-02-19.
  6. What is a Chartered Architectural Technologist ?