ARCT40030

The intention of the Realising Built Projects module is to make students aware of the issues concerned with realising building projects, to arouse their curiosity, and understand the process accompanying a project from inception to completion. This knowledge should inform and enhance their studio work. The aim is to understand the process required to create a building project from a drawing or an idea; the steps from sketch to construction; and the life and maintenace of the structure thereafter. There is less focus on the 'talk and chalk' aspect of teaching, whereby student passively absorb the information, and more focus on encouraging students to actively think about, and question, their role in the project, and their responsibilities as architects or engineers. An orientation is given at the beginning of the trimester to introduce students to the module structure and a timetable for the subjects to be addressed. Themes will be explored in an interactive manner within the framework of selected studio projects, whereby different aspects will be reviewed. Headings include: client, brief, design team, planning and regulatory framework, cost estimation and management, tendering, construction, and post-completion issues. The module also servse as a vehicle to introduce 'soft skills' such as: interpersonal skills and teamwork. It is an introduction to the construction industry, and the economic and regulatory framework within which this operates. Students will become aware of the 'shared agendas' of the stakeholders within a project, understand the roles and responsibilities of the various players and the process to achieve succesful projects.