38 FEATURE: TECHNOLOGY FOR ARCHITECTS August 2014


to maintain the original design intent.”


The design of energy- efficient, high-tech buildings leads architects to call for an extensive range of state-of-the- art equipment across a wide range of technical solutions, none more so than in the areas of AV and lighting systems. The interiors and exteriors of modern buildings are highly stylised, with changing lighting, signage and comprehensive AV systems often linked to integral building management systems. It is the role of the consultant or integrator to advise on what can and cannot feasibly be done, risking unpopularity and resistance from architects who are generally keen to try any and every technique that will make their building stand out. “Working across a wide


portfolio of architectural, museum and hospitality projects, our role is to ensure that we offer independent advice, visionary design and practical solutions that are right for the end client,” says Jonathan Howard, director of DHA Designs, an independent consultancy. “Technology changes


rapidly, and often the architect will have seen or heard about something that they have latched onto which is clearly not suited to their project. We have to delicately dissuade them from pursuing it, without appearing to be too negative.”


Communication


between manufacturers or specialist advisors and architects can be greatly aided by familiarisation of architectural concepts and techniques. Howie explains: “We have an architectural technologist


within the consultancy to communicate in architectural language, rather than using our familiar system-oriented technical terms. It allows us to understand architectural concepts, configure responses in the correct manner and deliver drawings and workflow diagrams that are compatible with clients’ BIM and CAD systems. Architecture is a highly visual profession which relies on being able to comprehend and make


‘We deliver solutions based on experience of what works and what does not for each specific application’ Duncan Howie, Visual Acuity


sense of three-dimensional spatial images depicting the way that a space is laid out and used, so it is essential that this is communicated clearly.” The ability to communicate in architectural language and to explain the nuances of a complex system is gained from experience, while trust is built through relationships; both take time. Consultants and integrators will, as a result, often concentrate on specific market sectors, enabling them to become conversant in that field and to develop the appropriate contacts. Customers – whether a large public body such as for a museum, a main contractor for a one- off project like an airport or a general architectural practice – may have a set of pre-approved or preferred suppliers on an ‘framework’ list. In all cases the depth


of relationships and trust between participants is a crucial factor in the selection process. For service providers it is very often a case of word-of- mouth recommendation and general proof of expertise through previous work. For manufacturers, brand building and loyalty are extremely important.


Ongoing training Professional bodies throughout the world serve to extend the skills and professional competence of architects through ongoing training programmes. In the UK, the CPD (continuing professional development) programme of RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) lists technical innovations as one of its mandatory core curriculum subjects. Seminars and roadshows hosted at RIBA offices or architectural practices


provide an opportunity for manufacturers, integrators and trade bodies to present technical material and meet architects face-to-face. “The CPD programme


develops architects’ knowledge to enable them to understand the broad concepts of available technology and to develop their confidence in dealing with suppliers and system integrators and in drawing up safe specifications at an early stage,” explains Joni Tyler, head of CPD at RIBA. “Bringing together suppliers, integrators and trade associations with specifiers means that everyone in the industry benefits.” Lutron is a strong supporter of the CPD programme. Says Simmonds: “Architects are not control system specialists, but need to have a working knowledge of the technology available to them. We regularly present at CPD seminars worldwide to provide an update on recent product introductions and create the network relationships that are essential in this business to create business opportunities and gather feedback.” Once developed,


working relationships with architects can vary


Architects understand how they want a building to work and appear visually, but the complexities of making it work lie outside their sphere of interest


in their intensity during the lifetime of projects. Also, some architects will maintain a hands-off approach, while others will attend to every detail. In building design, the normal procedure is to hide away as much of the functional componentry as possible; however it may not always be feasible to do this, and so requests for customised designs or paint finishes on visible items such as light fittings and switches are not uncommon. Also to be expected are demands for the aesthetic but impractical location of audiovisual equipment – another reason for early and close contact on projects. The opportunity to


work and collaborate with architects is a critical element in the business process for participants in AV projects. It is one that should be fostered and developed through a number of approaches and at different levels. As ever, mutual trust and respect between the parties plays a large role.


www.lutron.com www.visual-acuity.com www.dhadesigns.com www.riba.org


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60