ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Topics included in this unit are project phases, construction drawing, detailing, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), schedules, specifications, bills of quantities and information collaboration. On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to analyse scenarios, make decisions and produce drawings and specifications to achieve appropriate, creative and innovative home design proposals.  

Scarcity of resources, continuing demand of more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholders are driving the construction industry to provide buildings that facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance. This unit introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements from sub structure to completion by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations needed selecting the most suitable solution.

In this unit, you will explore the make-up and the impact of the construction industry on the environment and society. By exploring the roles and relationships of individuals and organisations in the construction sector, you will gain an overview of the organisational and the personal ways in which the construction sector works to continue to improve the built environment and limit its impact on the environment, while maintaining economic sustainability and growth.

This unit introduces the different types of law that are relevant to the construction industry throughout the development process. This includes applying for planning approval to undertake construction activities and using building control regulations to evaluate building design and alteration at the preconstruction stage. You will explore occupiers’ liability, contract and land law, including covering trespass, nuisance, sale and leasing processes. On successful completion of this unit you will be able to apply legal and statutory processes commonly used in the construction sector.

Achieving successful projects in the built environment requires a range of different types of information to describe the project, quantify the materials, provide clear instructions for assembly and allow for accurate costings. Throughout the process of design, construction and post occupancy, information is crucial. In this unit you will develop the skills needed to produce accurate and consistent construction information using industry-standard software.

Refurbishment is a broad term that covers adaptation, alteration and extension of buildings. Nearly half of all work in construction comes from work to existing buildings. This unit will give you the opportunity to analyse the underpinning concepts of refurbishment and use your construction knowledge from other units on a refurbishment project.  On successful completion you will be able to assess the suitability of a property for refurbishment.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an approach to information generation and management in a collaborative environment. BIM aims to endue better information is created, shared and kept secure for the whole duration of a building from cradle to grave. This includes all phases of construction from the initial design, during construction, operation and maintenance to the eventual decommission of a construction project. This unit will give you the background knowledge, terminology and understanding of BIM in construction as well as an understanding of the drivers and benefits associated with BIM.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the use of data in the planning, construction and operation of built assets has become commonplace for both large and small projects. The ability to manage projects throughout their lifecycle, using a common data set, has the potential to impact on the built environment in numerous ways such as supporting efficiency, reducing costs and driving sustainability.   While BIM is, effectively, a process of information management through a project lifecycle, it is most often based on the use of digital applications to generate project data. In this, the model is central in the process of designing and producing information that will facilitate construction and, later, the operation of the built asset. In this unit, you will explore the key processes in using digital applications to produce data and construction information that will enable the BIM process.