ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY TEST

1. ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY
TEST 2 (10 marks)
(all questions are inter-related, and you may answer all questions as one)
1. Explain Advanced Architectural Technology as discussed in the class.
2. In the present context what are the appropriate roles of the
architects?
(answer in 1 sheet of A4 paper double sided)
(tips: broad and critical thinking)
1.
Advanced architectural technology is a discipline related to the design of buildings. It is a
new discipline which emerged from the practice of architecture and building engineering. It was
created as new technologies generated new design and construction methods. Advanced
architectural technology is related to the different elements such as science, technology,
innovation, society and environment. Technology is the innovation, change or modification of
the natural environmental in order to satisfy perceived human needs. The development of
technology need to understand the cultural, social, economic, environment and political as well
as the influence of history on technology. Technology bring a lot of benefits to the century as
increased production of goods and services, reduced injuries in the workplace, increase the
standard of living lifestyle, inspire innovation and others.
In discussion, we understand how buildings work by learning the science of their
materials, construction techniques and building services. Besides that, exploring contemporary
building methods and structural construction materials, interior and exterior finishes, building
services and mechanical systems. We were carrying out an architectural projects related to the
rehabilitation of and addition to existing buildings. Architectural design theory, sustainable
building technologies, and specifications are incorporated into the design process. We were
analyzing the existing materials, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, and prepare
drawings of existing buildings. Throughout the project, we were learnt from the precedent how
the architect to achieved the aesthetic value and the function in the limitation of technology on
building construction.
Site visit to learning institutions in Kukup, Johor to have better understanding about
Industrialized Building System (IBS). It is prefabrication and construction industrialization
concept in Malaysia. It was coined to shift from the typical paradigm of prefabricated systems. It
is a construction system that is built using industrialized construction and pre-fabricated building
components such as the wall, slab, beam, column and staircase. There are mass-produced either
in the factory or on the factory site under strict quality control and minimal wet site activities.
The manufacturing of the components is systematically done using machine, formworks and
other forms of mechanical equipment. It is manufactured offsite and once completed will be
delivered to construction sites for assembly and erection. The adoption of IBS among Malaysia
activities to reduce dependency on foreign labors, to improve construction’s quality and end
product, to reduce wasteful construction method, to become more environmental friendly, to
achieve design standardization and to boosts up and shorter the construction time.
2. How the architect coordinate the site work, give guidance to client, implement the new
material on the building design……… around 300 words ….[Thanks.<3]

2. For the past centuries, architect used to address as master builder, where he was totally
involve and oversee in all phases of erecting a masterpiece, from conceptual, architectural design
to building construction. As time goes by, the process of design and building getting more
complicated, master builder has evolved become architect, which it is a profession that specialize
in architectural design, and the construction traits would be another profession. In the current
context, where almost anything is possible and doable, the role of an architect has been
redefined. As an architect, he should know very well that his role does not just involve in design-technical
aspect, but also to lead and organize a team of professionals and technology in order to
achieve the ultimate design goals. With such leadership, the architect is able to build and
maintain better communication among professionals from all different fields, where even there is
a disputes, it can still be resolve in the quickest time.
The current market has become competitive, that being niche in designing is not
adequate, hence the architect now should be competent enough to take up the role as a
Superintending Officer. A superintending officer is engaged by the client as a coordinating agent
on the construction site, as well as a certifier that certified the completion of work. When an
architect is the superintendent, he have to work hand-in-hand with the project manager to ensure
the operations on the construction site are going on effectively with good quality control.
As mentioned, the architect act as an agent to the client, thus besides running the day-to-day
responsibilities on construction site, he have to be the main consultant to client. In this case,
it means an architect have to advise and provide guidance to his client in terms of the contractor's
services and performances, as well as considering the client's need and accommodating the
client's needs with the budget given. They are the key person who custom design the spaces
based on clients requirements, also to advice and convince the client regarding the society and
environmental impact that could affect the building of the architecture.
In the generation of globalization and innovation in technology, many new technology
ideas has been innovated and introduced in the building industry. Architect on the other hand
also act as a specifier, who specify products to be implemented in the building construction. In
the process of bringing the client's dream to reality, with time and budget constraint, building
material is one of the major factor. So, with new technology or product available in the market, it
is either the architect have to be hardworking to keep researching and update the master
specification lists, or the building materials company got to be having a strong approach to
promote and educate about their technology or product to the architect. It is the architect's vision
specify the relevant product as long as it meets the design requirements and provide incredible
value per project.