Abstract
FOREWORD
I am delighted to be able to present the proceedings of the 2018 ICAT
conference in Belfast. The conference theme articulates the evolving nature
of the issues that face architectural technologists and associated professionals.
Change is constant in the modern construction industry. Challenges and
opportunities seem to grow at every level from local to global. The roles and
responsibilities of individuals and organisations diversify and change even
while associated issues are debated. There are dire predictions with regards to
skills shortages in the construction sector in many countries. At the same time,
the proliferation of new technologies provides a wealth of practical and viable
solutions. Innovative methods and practices are emerging that will help to
address the challenges and problems with further alternatives to be explored.
All the while collaboration and digital processes are fundamentally altering
the way the industry operates.
Architectural technology arguably finds its roots in the traditional role of the
master builder. A variety of roles have emerged in recent centuries including
that of the architectural technologist. Architectural technology is right at the
core of the industry, where the interplay of challenges and opportunities
provides fertile ground to enhance and influence construction, the economy
and society. Varied factors meet at different interfaces and our academics,
professionals and students have the opportunity to lead in the enhancement of
the built environment. The proceedings of ICAT 2018 highlight some of the
excellent and innovative work currently being undertaken in the discipline of
architectural technology. In line with the intentions of ICAT, the congress is
a vehicle to disseminate research, education and practice related to
architectural technology. I trust that each who participates in the congress, or
peruses the proceedings, will be caused to engage with further innovations at
the frontline, or as it were the interface.
Gareth Alexander, Conference Chair
Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment
I am delighted to be able to present the proceedings of the 2018 ICAT
conference in Belfast. The conference theme articulates the evolving nature
of the issues that face architectural technologists and associated professionals.
Change is constant in the modern construction industry. Challenges and
opportunities seem to grow at every level from local to global. The roles and
responsibilities of individuals and organisations diversify and change even
while associated issues are debated. There are dire predictions with regards to
skills shortages in the construction sector in many countries. At the same time,
the proliferation of new technologies provides a wealth of practical and viable
solutions. Innovative methods and practices are emerging that will help to
address the challenges and problems with further alternatives to be explored.
All the while collaboration and digital processes are fundamentally altering
the way the industry operates.
Architectural technology arguably finds its roots in the traditional role of the
master builder. A variety of roles have emerged in recent centuries including
that of the architectural technologist. Architectural technology is right at the
core of the industry, where the interplay of challenges and opportunities
provides fertile ground to enhance and influence construction, the economy
and society. Varied factors meet at different interfaces and our academics,
professionals and students have the opportunity to lead in the enhancement of
the built environment. The proceedings of ICAT 2018 highlight some of the
excellent and innovative work currently being undertaken in the discipline of
architectural technology. In line with the intentions of ICAT, the congress is
a vehicle to disseminate research, education and practice related to
architectural technology. I trust that each who participates in the congress, or
peruses the proceedings, will be caused to engage with further innovations at
the frontline, or as it were the interface.
Gareth Alexander, Conference Chair
Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 15 Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- Architectural Technology
- architectural practice
