ARCT07027 2019 Professional Studies 1 and BIM

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of architectural professional practice including: the role of the architect in the design team, during construction, in the construction industry and in society more generally

Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, professional and statutory responsibilities of the architect, relevant laws and legal principles, industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating and integrating design concepts into planned built environments

Demonstrate authentic appreciation of the responsibilities of architects to clients, to building users and to all involved in the design and construction process

Discuss the management of documentation and data including BIM.

Describe a collaborative approach for implementing the BIM Execution Plan in a BIM environment, in accordance with international standards

Demonstrate competence in the use of architectural BIM software as applied to a simple building

Professional Studies 1 is taught using a combination of lectures, presentations, theoretical discussion and practical based tutorials. Both individual and group work modes are utilised throughout.

Formative assessment deliverables address the module learning outcomes. The assessment strategy focuses on the student's introduction to the subject Professional Studies 1 and BIM through:
 Research methodologies
 Information literacy skills
 Written composition
 Oral presentation
Modes: 100% Continuous assessment of course work

Repeat assessment will be dependent on failed components. This will be confirmed at formal exam boards.​

Part 1: Professional Studies

A series of lectures and seminars introduce students to the subjects of planning and building law, RIAI work stages, design management, data acquisition management and health and safety in building design, in construction and in use.

Lecture 1: The Construction Industry in Ireland – Context and Professional bodies.

An outline of the history and background of the construction industry in Ireland and how the architect is placed in the design team alongside other professionals.

Lecture 2: RIAI Code of Conduct

The lecture reflects in detail on the responsibilities/duties of architects to the public, clients / employers and their obligations to the profession. The lecture also focuses on performance against good practice, the requirement to recognise the limitations of knowledge and expertise, and the requirement for on-going professional development.

Lecture 3: RIAI Agreements between Client and Architect including Public Sector Agreements

The lecture covers the terms, scope, fees and responsibilities of Architect and Client of the Standard RIAI Agreements (private sector: domestic work, private sector estate housing, private sector apartment developments, commercial small works) and the procurement processes and Standard Conditions of Engagement for the appointment of Consultants for public sector Consultancy services. This lecture also outlines the requirements for separate appointments for the PSDP and Assigned Certifier for both private and public sector projects, and the Insurance requirements and liability for Architects.

Lecture 4: RIAI & Public Works Contracts Work Stages

This lecture outlines the project services, processes and procedures through the RIAI Work Stages 1-8 and Public Works Contract Stages 1-5.

RIAI: Inception / Outline Proposals / Scheme Design / Detail Design / Production Information / Tender Action / Project Planning / Operations on Site

Lecture 5: Management Practice

This lecture investigates the Architects Practice looking at Responsibilities, Leadership, Team Working and working with Design Teams.

The lecture also outlines Company Law and the principle types of architectural organisations: sole practitioner, partnership, Limited Liability Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies. The lecture will also discuss the responsibility/liability attached to these.

Lecture 6: Project Plan

The lecture outlines the requirements and issues to be addressed for brief preparation, the interpretation of the Clients requirements, and the preparation of the project programme, record keeping, and communications plan. It also addresses the requirements for resourcing projects, the issues surrounding Design Team appointments. The lecture also outlines the role of the Architect within the Design Team, as D.T. Leader and/or Employers Representative, and roles/ responsibilities and collaboration with other design professionals such as Structural/Civil/M&E engineers and Quantity Surveyors.

Lecture 7: Design Practice 1

This lecture outlines the design process and how it is monitored and checked to ensure that is complies with the brief and all statutory and regulatory requirements. It addresses the requirements of design reviews through the project stages in relation to design, statutory consents – Planning & Development, Building Control (FSC & DAC), BER, BCAR and specific requirements for specialist work such as Archaeology & Protected Structures.

Lecture 8: Design Practice 2

This lecture outlines the design process and how it is monitored and checked to ensure that is complies with Cost Planning, including cost reviews and value engineering through preliminary and detail design, tender preparation and site operations.

The lectures also addresses issues surrounding Risk Management through the project design stages

Lecture 9: Development Control

This lecture outlines the broad background to development control processes including the Planning Process (with an outline on Development Plan formulation), Building Control and the preparation of Fire Safety Certificates, Disability Access Certificates, BCAR – BCMS, and processes, roles for the Certification of work.

Lecture 10: Building Economics

This lecture introduces the general economic background to development, the relationship to the national economy and the stakeholders involved, and the role of Architects within that context.

The lecture investigates design economics, cost planning, feasibility studies, and the different methods of procurement including traditional, Design and Build, Management and Collaborative. The lecture will also explain the differences between single stage and two stage selective tendering. Outlines information on design economics, cost planning, value engineering and the role of the Quantity Surveyor and Bills of Quantities.

Lecture 11: Health and Safety and Environmental Legislation

Outline of the legislation concerning Health and Safety in the context of building. Key legislation discussed will be the Construction Regulations (2013) and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, including the Health & safety responsibilities with the Architects practice.

The lecture outlines the duties of Clients, Designers, the PSDP and PSCS in relation to the relevant H&S regulations.

The lecture also includes an outline of European environmental legislation, including the EPBD and its adoption into Irish legislation, requirements for BER Certificates etc..

Lecture 12: Law

Introduces Civil/Contract Law, Common Law, Tort and negligence, concepts of Statute of Limitations. This lecture will include several key examples of case law.

Part 2: Building Information Modelling

This module will provide an understanding of the BIM process and standards, including the essential elements for successful delivery of projects to BIM level 2 whilst utilizing a variety of digital tools such as REVIT, NAVIS works, ASTA Power Project.

This module introduces BIM as a process for creating and managing all of the information on a project before, during and after construction, and the output of this process as the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the constructed asset.

This module will cover the BIM project lifecycle and provide the learner with an introduction to the knowledge and skills required to manage the BIM process, including practical experience of the software.