Architectural Technology – What Does It Involve?

A Building Technology Assessment (BTIA) can assist you to leverage the power of modern technology to improve building safety, generate higher rental returns, and enhance profitability at your property. Increasing connectivity and digital coverage, from cell coverage and wireless internet to advanced security systems and smart-glass roofing, is an ever-increasing concern for property owners. With millions of people becoming Internet savvy and moving into areas experiencing an onslaught of crime, building security must be one of the top priorities on your mind. As technology improves, so does the need for effective, affordable, state-of-the-art protection for your property. An accredited Building Technology Association (BTAA) can provide you with the tools, information, and guidance you need to choose the most suitable technology for your property.

Installing the latest in security measures can be expensive and complicated. However, it is vital that you choose the right combination of techniques for the security of your building. Many buildings are designed and constructed with outdated or broken techniques, which can leave you exposed to theft and injury. Modern technology, which includes cutting-edge materials, innovative methods of construction, and state-of-the-art monitoring systems, is constantly being developed to create a safer, more secure building for everyone to live in. A BTAA will assist you in evaluating your current construction technology and determine which technologies can meet your specific needs.

With the increase of crimes such as burglary and vandalism in today’s society, safety is an ever more important factor in the construction industry. Safety and security in the construction industry have reached new highs with the development of eco-friendly construction, including energy-efficient buildings and reduction of waste, chemicals, water usage, and emissions. These developments are making it possible for smaller, less expensive buildings to fulfill the role of conventional office buildings and retail stores. A BTAA will assess the types of technical processes used in your current construction and will recommend strategies to reduce your ecological impact. The strategies will include improved energy efficiency, better building maintenance, reduced waste, and increased productivity.

In order to ensure that the structure of your buildings is strong and sturdy, your technical team will conduct an environmental assessment before any construction details are finalized. This assessment will assess the environmental conditions in the surrounding area, identify any environmental hazards, and identify mitigation options if required. This assessment will be required during the design stage and ongoing throughout the construction period. A BTAA will also examine the exterior of the building, identifying any issues that need to be addressed to maintain a safe and balanced exterior wall. This may include a review of the structural integrity of the exterior wall, looking for cracks or other damage, identifying any missing insulation, looking at alternative methods of insulation, and looking at other ways to reduce external temperatures.

The BTAA will also identify any deficiencies in the structural design of the buildings envelope walls or any weaknesses in the roofing systems, either of these systems could cause massive costs and risks to the building’s occupants. A further important area of building technology is that it can assist in identifying any issues with the structure’s structural stability, as well as any issues with the site conditions at hand. Some of the areas where a BTAA will conduct research are the site investigation, as well as the research conducted during the pre-development stage. Site investigation is concerned with ensuring that the site meets all the building specification requirements, including the planned erection, as well as any future alterations which may impact safety and functionality.

Finally, there are some areas of architectural technology that focus primarily on the documentation and detailing of buildings. A typical area of responsibility within the BTAA is the development and documentation of building plans and specifications. This will usually entail the generation of drawings and the preparation of the blueprints, it also involves producing regulatory documents and final reports to adhere to local and national standards. The final result of this documentation will then have an impact on the affordability of the project, the appeal to the general public, as well as the success of the operation of the overall project. As you can see, an important role in the BTAA is in supporting the creation of architectural masterplans and documentation for buildings and their sustainability, safety, and functionality.