Barrett, N (2011) The rise of a profession within a profession: the development of the architectural technology discipline within the profession of architecture. PhD thesis, Robert Gordon University, UK.
Abstract
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. 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.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Laing, R A and Paterson, G J |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | crafts; education; specialisation; architects; architectural technologist; graduate; professional; emergence; Denmark; UK |
| Index terms: | history, cooperation, Denmark, emergence, architectural technologist, questionnaire, architectural technology, specialization, focus group, construction industry, craft worker, profession, architect |
| Subjects: | institututions, practitioner, data collection methods, profession, business, architectural and construction history, psychology, Geography, design practice, industry analysis, systems engineering |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here