The rise of a profession within a profession: the development of the architectural technology discipline within the profession of architecture.

This thesis investigates the emergence of a new specialisation within the profession of architecture, namely that of the architectural technologist. The main original contributions from the research concern a deep understanding of how that emergence has been realised, and a study of the implications for buildings in the longer term. Using the UK and Denmark as examples it finds that this profession has existed for a long time, but until recently without formal recognition. It also finds that the consequences of the lack of attention are potentially major, and it suggests why recognition came so late. By researching literature the history of the building and architecture industries was investigated and it is shown how the architects were cooperating with well-trained craftsmen for many centuries. This is compared with the kind of cooperation with architectural technologists going on today, and what will most likely occur in the future. Questionnaires, to provide data about current architectural and architectural technologist education, were sent to groups of newly graduated professionals. After statistical treatment the resulting quantitative data were thoroughly analysed by discussing the possible interpretations. Focus groups of highly qualified professionals also interpreted the data and insights into the needs of industry in both the UK and Denmark were provided. Finally, the thesis concludes by identifying necessary means of improvement, and points at the serious risk of a further division of the construction industry into more consulting companies. This increases the risk of future architecture failing to properly integrate technology and design.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Robert Gordon University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Barrett, Niels

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Richard Alexander Laing and Graham J. Paterson

• The profession of architectural technology
• Architectural education
• Education of architectural technologists
• Education and position of master builders
• The position of building handicrafts
• The history of building design
• History of architectural education
• Research within architectural technology

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:248104

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:248104