Papers by Keyword: Architect

Abstract: Beginning from an analysis of the green building evaluation and labeling projects reviewed, this paper has a comprehensive analysis on the low content of green design and obvious “absence” of architects in the majority of evaluation and labeling projects by use of the theories of green architecture and economics. The author holds that such “absence” is originated from the external economy and technical complexity of green buildings and attributes the causes to two aspects: First, there is no sound and effective incentive mechanism in the environment in which the architects are, especially the lack of professional identity and motivation of green design in architectural design appraisal, award and review criteria; Second, architects are less self-motivated, mentally backward and poor in comprehensive quality. Targeted measures are expected to advance the concept changes in the architectural education community, promote architects to transform thinking and enhance capacity and boost the “green” development of green buildings.

Abstract: Traditionally the design phase was carried out by one single person – the master builder. Industrialization and technical development led to a split of the role of the design master into two: the architect and the engineer. Today, demands on functionality such as energy and cost efficiency led to an increasing need of functioning collaboration in large teams during the design phase; as well as a need of new work methods within the process. This calls for employees who are experienced in collaborating in interdisciplinary teams. To fulfill this demand a multidisciplinary course in “Advanced building design” has been developed at the Technical University of Denmark. The goal of the course is to provide training in teamwork at the final stage of the engineering education. The course has been carried out twice. It was held by a multidisciplinary team of professors in periods 2008/09 and 2009/10. The team of professors and the student teams had similar working conditions. These teams were subject of a questionnaire investigation on collaboration and team work. The study has the following findings. Collaboration can be learned and improves in time. It is shown that the team leader is not necessarily to be found within on specific profession. The team-structure was generally flat and decisions were mostly made in consensus. It is worthwhile to offer a multidisciplinary course and give engineering students experience in collaboration methods.