Archive for category Architecture
Tips on Sustainable Architecture
Posted by admin in Architecture on December 23, 2011
One of the breakthrough concepts which emerged from the green construction is the idea of sustainable architecture. This simply means using Eco-friendly techniques and materials in the architectural field. The green building and green living techniques aims to create as little waste as possible. Sustainable architecture also promotes the use of clean and renewable energy with the use of building materials that do not damage the earth’s environment.
Sustainable architecture focuses largely on how energy will be used to provide the much needed power for the entire structure being built. To effectively conserve energy, the building must have an excellent insulation. Shutters, shades and awning are widely used in green building because these require no electricity for its operation and yet, they can be used as passive building coolers. Passive solar energy which is collected from windows which are strategically located is valuable in conserving energy as well. In terms of using renewable energy, solar panels can be used to capture energy from the sun. Solar energy can be used in providing energy for the home or structures.
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from cold outside air, and it delivers it inside the building or the house. These work like air conditioners in reverse. On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps can also use the warmth from underground to provide heat to a home or a building. Read the rest of this entry »
Professions In Construction – Architecture
Posted by admin in Architecture on November 24, 2011
This is among the main professions identifiable with the construction industry. The professional involved here is the architect. Most architects are trained at degree or post graduate level, although there are also diploma holders in the same field. Right under the architect is the draughtsman, who works as an assistant in the architectural office. Architecture is concerned with the design of buildings. They are the professionals that give a building its form, shape and all the facilities necessary for the building to fulfill its intended purpose.
For this reason, the architect is usually the first person that the prospective builder contacts for professional advice and service. Depending on the brief presented by the prospective builder, the architect develops the most probable design for the purpose. This is done in consideration with things like the environment, occupancy, statutory regulations et cetera. This design is usually a gradual process, starting with the broad outlook and zooming in until the most acceptable product is achieved. The architect is usually regulated by statutory bodies that ensure the design is in accordance to requirements, upon which it is approved.
After approval, the architect will either superintend upon the construction process or give the responsibility to a construction project manager. Where the architect leads the process, he will be in charge of hiring the construction team, including the quantity surveyor, contractor, engineer and others. He will be charged with the responsibility of heading the construction team throughout the construction period. The most notable task is leading site meetings. He acts as a link between the client and the contractor.a
The architect is usually paid a fee as a percentage of the total cost of the building and so the other professionals. They run architectural offices and are involved in a lot of paperwork. Drawing was previously by hand but with the introduction of Computer Aided Design (CAD) this is quickly shifting to the electronic side. The most common of these softwares are; Read the rest of this entry »