On reflection, I found working through the blogs on a weekly basis quite interesting, because most of the subject areas we had focused on, I never really considered being part of collaboration. Before doing these blogs, I thought collaboration was just a group of people working in a team on a particular subject or area of interests.
While this is true, I discovered that it is a lot more, areas that I wouldn’t have even considered like deplane, record, knowledge, remuneration, intent, planning and context to be part of the collaboration process. However, during my weekly research, I found out that these are as just as important to the collaboration process as conflict, hierarchy, planning and discipline.
While my research only touched the surface in this process, I did learn the fundamental basics of collaboration, and with this I now have a fundamental understanding of what goes on in business. I hope by learning these basics, I can have a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes during collaboration.
When I have completed our course and go into the real world, I will be collaborating with various people, companies and groups on a daily basis. I feel after researching the areas of collaboration during this course it would at least have helped me to understand how collaboration works within the business world.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Conclusion
Collaboration is seen by most, as working together as a team, and while this is true, there is a lot more. Throughout these series of blogs, nine areas of collaboration within the architectural industry were looked at and how it affected and influenced the collaboration. While all nine areas are vastly different from each other, each are affected by one another.
As discussed throughout the blogs, collaboration is seen as the most vital component to the success of a business. If the collaboration process fails such as planning, conflict, record etc, the success of a business will collapse as collaboration is always happening within a business, and if people can’t get along, then failure will almost be certain. However, if collaboration works, then success is almost assured.
Collaboration occurs daily and by reading each component through these blogs, a basic understanding will be achieved. Knowing what happens behind the scenes helps everyone involved to understand what goes on, why teamwork is necessary and how collaboration helps to build a better team.
Overall collaboration is a tool that everyone should use throughout their working lives and by just working together in a team is only a small part of the collaboration process. To understand the other components helps to understand what occurs in collaboration.
As discussed throughout the blogs, collaboration is seen as the most vital component to the success of a business. If the collaboration process fails such as planning, conflict, record etc, the success of a business will collapse as collaboration is always happening within a business, and if people can’t get along, then failure will almost be certain. However, if collaboration works, then success is almost assured.
Collaboration occurs daily and by reading each component through these blogs, a basic understanding will be achieved. Knowing what happens behind the scenes helps everyone involved to understand what goes on, why teamwork is necessary and how collaboration helps to build a better team.
Overall collaboration is a tool that everyone should use throughout their working lives and by just working together in a team is only a small part of the collaboration process. To understand the other components helps to understand what occurs in collaboration.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Week 12 – Conflict
As collaboration is all about working together as a team all working for a common goal and/or purpose, conflict between team members is bond to happen. Conflicts can range from war between countries to a small argument between siblings. However the dictionary explanation stats that conflict are 1a. State of opposition b. fight, struggle, 2. Clashing of opposed interests, principles etc. [1]
Conflict can be external (between one or more people) or internal (within oneself) and occur in many stages, be that on the political stage and within the workplace (this can lead to stress and unsetting within a company) [2].
Conflict in the workplace can lead to serious problems for a business and some of the consequence for a business could include:
· miscommunication resulting from confusion or refusal to cooperate,
· quality problems,
· missed deadlines or delays,
· increased stress among employees,
· reduced creative collaboration and team problem solving,
· disruption to work flow,
· decreased customer satisfaction,
· distrust,
· split camps, and
· office gossip.
So what leads to conflict within a workplace? This is quite a hard question to answer as each conflict is very different all with very different circumstances. However, some circumstances are all very similar and this could be the workplace environment, personality clashes be that management and/or fellow employees, different options and/or poor communication and even office romances. According to the Australian government, conflict occurs within the workplace, when people’s ideas and decisions are different to other people own ideas [3].
Within a work environment, conflicts can occur in small groups such as committees, task force or workgroups. Conflicts within groups can occur because of position, freedom and resources. People who want a lot of power will try and dominate other people with a group, and therefore try and make life hell.
While conflict can be all negative and lead to a war between varies parties, in some respect, conflict can be very positive in a collaborative environment. This is because conflict can lead to members of a team to think and work harder to make sure it can lead to an agreement amongst team members [4]. However, if conflict continues, negotiation will need to happen amongst team members so a resolution can be resolved.
The principle of negotiation and resolution should be left only to a small collaborative group but can be conducted throughout the whole organization and in 1976; Thomas and Kilman address some of these.
Avoidance – trying to a postpone or ignoring a possible dangerous situation can be very useful, by just leaving, changing a subject or buying time.
Collaboration – this works in a small group and should also work in a large group as well, however it can be very time consuming Collaboration will never work if conflicts have gone on for too long whereby their isn’t any trust, respect or no communication. If this is the case, then trying to resolve the conflict will never happen.
Compromise or negation – having a negotiator or an independent person to sit in the middle and work out a compromise is in my opinion the best way to go. This is because all involved have a say. Comprise can take a long time and can last anywhere form hours too many months, but the conclusion is the same, where all parties agree and are happy with the result.
Giving up – If are conflict continues for too long with a person either higher above you or has a more dominant personality, then giving in to them and agreeing may be the only way to go. I personality don’t agree with this because these people think that they can not only dominant other people, but make there life hell. Everyone knows someone like this and having a conflict with them may not be an opinion as you are likely to lose, and trying to compromise with them doesn’t work and they refuse to listen. [5]
Managers can also do a lot when conflicts occur, by trying not to blame one person (if there is a personality clash between the two) and avoid any excuses. Managers need to recognize any early warning signs though various interactive behaviors amongst varies employees and if there is any disharmony between people a manager should come in and prevent any potential conflicts [6]. If they do not, a small conflict will grow into a massive one and then all hell could break lose and then everyone will suffer. Managers should view this as an opportunity as if future conflicts are avoided, it should lead to greater harmony and this leads to a improved and happier working environment.
Conflict is a situation that everyone has faced, is facing or will face in a workplace and how to handle it, will be different each and every time it occurs. But how it has/was handle is the key to success be that through collaboration, conflict resolution or negotiation.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_conflict
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_conflict
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_conflict
Image 1 - http://www.irishentrepreneur.com/latest_articles/07_04/workplace_conflict.asp
Image 2 - http://www.life2point0.com/2007/05/never_be_afraid.html
Conflict can be external (between one or more people) or internal (within oneself) and occur in many stages, be that on the political stage and within the workplace (this can lead to stress and unsetting within a company) [2].
Conflict in the workplace can lead to serious problems for a business and some of the consequence for a business could include:
· miscommunication resulting from confusion or refusal to cooperate,
· quality problems,
· missed deadlines or delays,
· increased stress among employees,
· reduced creative collaboration and team problem solving,
· disruption to work flow,
· decreased customer satisfaction,
· distrust,
· split camps, and
· office gossip.
So what leads to conflict within a workplace? This is quite a hard question to answer as each conflict is very different all with very different circumstances. However, some circumstances are all very similar and this could be the workplace environment, personality clashes be that management and/or fellow employees, different options and/or poor communication and even office romances. According to the Australian government, conflict occurs within the workplace, when people’s ideas and decisions are different to other people own ideas [3].Within a work environment, conflicts can occur in small groups such as committees, task force or workgroups. Conflicts within groups can occur because of position, freedom and resources. People who want a lot of power will try and dominate other people with a group, and therefore try and make life hell.
While conflict can be all negative and lead to a war between varies parties, in some respect, conflict can be very positive in a collaborative environment. This is because conflict can lead to members of a team to think and work harder to make sure it can lead to an agreement amongst team members [4]. However, if conflict continues, negotiation will need to happen amongst team members so a resolution can be resolved.
The principle of negotiation and resolution should be left only to a small collaborative group but can be conducted throughout the whole organization and in 1976; Thomas and Kilman address some of these.
Avoidance – trying to a postpone or ignoring a possible dangerous situation can be very useful, by just leaving, changing a subject or buying time.
Collaboration – this works in a small group and should also work in a large group as well, however it can be very time consuming Collaboration will never work if conflicts have gone on for too long whereby their isn’t any trust, respect or no communication. If this is the case, then trying to resolve the conflict will never happen.
Compromise or negation – having a negotiator or an independent person to sit in the middle and work out a compromise is in my opinion the best way to go. This is because all involved have a say. Comprise can take a long time and can last anywhere form hours too many months, but the conclusion is the same, where all parties agree and are happy with the result.
Giving up – If are conflict continues for too long with a person either higher above you or has a more dominant personality, then giving in to them and agreeing may be the only way to go. I personality don’t agree with this because these people think that they can not only dominant other people, but make there life hell. Everyone knows someone like this and having a conflict with them may not be an opinion as you are likely to lose, and trying to compromise with them doesn’t work and they refuse to listen. [5]Managers can also do a lot when conflicts occur, by trying not to blame one person (if there is a personality clash between the two) and avoid any excuses. Managers need to recognize any early warning signs though various interactive behaviors amongst varies employees and if there is any disharmony between people a manager should come in and prevent any potential conflicts [6]. If they do not, a small conflict will grow into a massive one and then all hell could break lose and then everyone will suffer. Managers should view this as an opportunity as if future conflicts are avoided, it should lead to greater harmony and this leads to a improved and happier working environment.
Conflict is a situation that everyone has faced, is facing or will face in a workplace and how to handle it, will be different each and every time it occurs. But how it has/was handle is the key to success be that through collaboration, conflict resolution or negotiation.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_conflict
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_conflict
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_conflict
Image 1 - http://www.irishentrepreneur.com/latest_articles/07_04/workplace_conflict.asp
Image 2 - http://www.life2point0.com/2007/05/never_be_afraid.html
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Week 11 – Planning
According to the Oxford Dictionary, planning or plan has many different definitions, but the one that is closely related to collaboration are 1. Method or procedure for doing something; design, 2 intention, and 3 aim at; intend (1). In general, it is all about looking ahead into the future. In order to plan ahead, particularly in a business environment, collaboration is almost essential.
Planning is important because it helps to maintain and create a plan for the future. For this to be achieved, a thought process through collaborative meetings needs to take place. During these meetings, discussions could focus on creating or defining a plan, and should include preparation of various scenarios through forecasting and what to do when one of these scenarios comes into being. This collaborative planning is essential for the success of a business, because without planning for various and different scenarios, a business will fail.
Not one person should organise a plan as a plan is too big for one person to achieve. It is important to have many ideas so all can have a say in preparing for the future and all we have ideas when various scenarios occur.
During these collaborative meetings, they should outline realistic expectations and should include short, medium and long term plans (2)
.
While planning a plan through meetings is seen as vital within a business, but businesses do business with other businesses, and this is called Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment or CPFR for short. CPFR is used to help and enhance collaboration between businesses through the sharing of information to enhance the supply chain. Information on customer demands and planning for changing in them and helps to update any necessary changes.
A CPFR model helps to maintain focus through a basic framework of information, goods, and services. These models usually consists of three or more rings where the centre is the customer or client and the middle ring is the main company providing the service and the outside ring provides the service for the company where we go and visit. These outside rings can have arrows in a circular pattern to indicate the many collaboration arrangements like business plans, forecasting and orders.
While one may see that the CPFR plan only related to the retail or manufacturing industry, this plan can be changed to reflect the architectural industry. The inner ring will be the customer, the middle ring is the company that provides the service for that customer and the outside ring is all the builders, engineers, and any other consultants that help with the entire design and construction of a particular building (3).
The CPFR plan I see as a necessity in today business community because working with other businesses is a guaranteed to occur with the hiring of professional consultants is seen as important for the successful of a building. By having a plan between one or more businesses, they all have a focus on the job at hand running from the start of the design to completion when the clients move in and should include everything throughout the life of a design.
This plan helps with all communication and the flow of this information needs to be gathered and spread amongst all companies involved. Without a rigid plan, anything can happen (i.e. Chinese Whispers) and miscommunication will occur between all involved. This will lead to problems and the collapse and ultimate stop to a design.
Finally, a business plan and CPFR plan helps all to focus and plan for any scenarios that may arise in the future, because without it, everything will fail and a lot of money will be lost.
Planning is important because it helps to maintain and create a plan for the future. For this to be achieved, a thought process through collaborative meetings needs to take place. During these meetings, discussions could focus on creating or defining a plan, and should include preparation of various scenarios through forecasting and what to do when one of these scenarios comes into being. This collaborative planning is essential for the success of a business, because without planning for various and different scenarios, a business will fail.
Not one person should organise a plan as a plan is too big for one person to achieve. It is important to have many ideas so all can have a say in preparing for the future and all we have ideas when various scenarios occur.
During these collaborative meetings, they should outline realistic expectations and should include short, medium and long term plans (2)
.While planning a plan through meetings is seen as vital within a business, but businesses do business with other businesses, and this is called Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment or CPFR for short. CPFR is used to help and enhance collaboration between businesses through the sharing of information to enhance the supply chain. Information on customer demands and planning for changing in them and helps to update any necessary changes.
A CPFR model helps to maintain focus through a basic framework of information, goods, and services. These models usually consists of three or more rings where the centre is the customer or client and the middle ring is the main company providing the service and the outside ring provides the service for the company where we go and visit. These outside rings can have arrows in a circular pattern to indicate the many collaboration arrangements like business plans, forecasting and orders.
While one may see that the CPFR plan only related to the retail or manufacturing industry, this plan can be changed to reflect the architectural industry. The inner ring will be the customer, the middle ring is the company that provides the service for that customer and the outside ring is all the builders, engineers, and any other consultants that help with the entire design and construction of a particular building (3).
The CPFR plan I see as a necessity in today business community because working with other businesses is a guaranteed to occur with the hiring of professional consultants is seen as important for the successful of a building. By having a plan between one or more businesses, they all have a focus on the job at hand running from the start of the design to completion when the clients move in and should include everything throughout the life of a design.
This plan helps with all communication and the flow of this information needs to be gathered and spread amongst all companies involved. Without a rigid plan, anything can happen (i.e. Chinese Whispers) and miscommunication will occur between all involved. This will lead to problems and the collapse and ultimate stop to a design.
Finally, a business plan and CPFR plan helps all to focus and plan for any scenarios that may arise in the future, because without it, everything will fail and a lot of money will be lost.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
Image 1 - http://www.despair.com/planning.html
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Week 10 – Remuneration
The definition of remuneration goes as far back as 1470-1480 from the Latin word remuneracion. The website, Dictionary.com states that remuneration is 1. Something that remunerates: reward; pay, and 2. Payment or compensation received for services or employment. This would include any base salary and bonuses made along with other economic benefits made of an employee or executive during their employment [1].If one looks at the definitions and they will realizes that remuneration revolves around money. As we deal with money every day and with remuneration being part of it, we need to break down the definition into a handful of examples as to understand what it is. Despite the following example coming from Canada, they are pretty much universal.
salaries and wages
bonuses, commission and other similar payments
holiday pay, taxable allowances and benefits
directors' fees
payments for casual labour
amounts paid by an employer to 'top up' benefits, and
advances of salaries and wages. [2]
Commission based remuneration is used to reward sales people on good work. These rewards are usually worked out as a percentage of the total sales price. [3]
So how is this related to collaboration? As we all have learned working together as a team, involves collaboration, and in the professional environment, this can bring rewards and benefits to the team in the way of greater respect and greater acknowledgment to the wider community. This respect, will grow if the team designs a building that wins national and international awards. By winning major awards, this will lead to the possibility of designing bigger and greater buildings, leading to larger commissions meaning more money for the team. By winning an awarded, the team, should increase the reputation of the company they work, leading to more clients and greater profits.With the whole world and our daily lives revolves around money and how we use it, remuneration is seen as an important issue. As we have seen, everyone gets some form of remuneration be that rewards, salaries or commissions. Overall, we need remuneration makes the world go around.
References
1.Dictionary.com (remuneration), viewed on 17th May 2008
2.www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/taxes/eht/faq_remuneration.html viewed on 17th May 2008
3.http://eng.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remuneration
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Week 9 – Context
Sorry, for being a bit late, i have been flat out and forgot.So here is my week 9 blog - Context.
How often do we hear on the news or radio and/or read in the newspaper that when someone has said something and it was reported incorrectly, and a day or two later they stated “they were taken out of context!”, then its definition is definitely not taken out of context. The Australian Oxford Dictionary explains that context is 1. parts that surround a word or passage and its meaning. 2. Circumstances relevant to something under consideration (must be seen in context) 1.
How is this related to collaboration within an architectural firm?
As collaboration is all about communication amongst members of a team or within a company, any communication will need to be explained carefully and without conflicting messages. This is seen as important as miscommunication will lead to the message being taken out of context and will do a task completely wrong or have a “Chinese Whisper” affect, whereby messages will be conflicting. If a message is taken out of context and misunderstood, it will cost money, time and possibly jobs, so therefore it is vital, messages are explained clearly. This form of context is described as being a verbal context 2.
While not verbal, another form of context could be in the form of body language and expression. This is probably just as important as the spoken word as how we present ourselves in the form of expression through body movement, may be different to what we are saying through our mouths. In other words, the body is saying one thing and or mouth is saying another. If someone is reading one body language and listening to what that person is saying, they may misinterpret one of these forms of communication and get a task wrong. So it is important that what is said is expressed in the body language, because if it isn’t, then problems in miscommunication will occur.
Apart from verbal context, there is also social context, whereby it is related to class, gender etc 3. This may not seem as important collaboration, but I think it should be. The reason for this will be that if everyone is from the same background, then communication and collaboration will be easier. For example, a team of scientists will have better communication when in a team, then say if a team comprised of many different deplanes, but this doesn’t mean it won’t work, it just means it may take some time.
In conclusion the use of context is very important because if something is “taken out of context”, it leads to miscommunication and finally will lead to many problems not only for a company but the people involved.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Context_(language_use)
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Context_(language_use)
Image - http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/o/out_of_context.asp
How often do we hear on the news or radio and/or read in the newspaper that when someone has said something and it was reported incorrectly, and a day or two later they stated “they were taken out of context!”, then its definition is definitely not taken out of context. The Australian Oxford Dictionary explains that context is 1. parts that surround a word or passage and its meaning. 2. Circumstances relevant to something under consideration (must be seen in context) 1.
How is this related to collaboration within an architectural firm?
As collaboration is all about communication amongst members of a team or within a company, any communication will need to be explained carefully and without conflicting messages. This is seen as important as miscommunication will lead to the message being taken out of context and will do a task completely wrong or have a “Chinese Whisper” affect, whereby messages will be conflicting. If a message is taken out of context and misunderstood, it will cost money, time and possibly jobs, so therefore it is vital, messages are explained clearly. This form of context is described as being a verbal context 2.While not verbal, another form of context could be in the form of body language and expression. This is probably just as important as the spoken word as how we present ourselves in the form of expression through body movement, may be different to what we are saying through our mouths. In other words, the body is saying one thing and or mouth is saying another. If someone is reading one body language and listening to what that person is saying, they may misinterpret one of these forms of communication and get a task wrong. So it is important that what is said is expressed in the body language, because if it isn’t, then problems in miscommunication will occur.
Apart from verbal context, there is also social context, whereby it is related to class, gender etc 3. This may not seem as important collaboration, but I think it should be. The reason for this will be that if everyone is from the same background, then communication and collaboration will be easier. For example, a team of scientists will have better communication when in a team, then say if a team comprised of many different deplanes, but this doesn’t mean it won’t work, it just means it may take some time.
In conclusion the use of context is very important because if something is “taken out of context”, it leads to miscommunication and finally will lead to many problems not only for a company but the people involved.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Context_(language_use)
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Context_(language_use)
Image - http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/o/out_of_context.asp
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Stuffed Computer
Hi team, my computer packed it again early yesterday, meaning i won't be able to do any max stuff until at least tomorrow or tuesday night.
SORRY.
SORRY.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Week 8 – Hierarchy
The definition for hierarchy is a simple and easy one. The Australian Oxford Dictionary states that hierarchy is a “system in which grades of status or authority are ranked one above the other” 1. There can be many types of hierarchy being used in companies, but many use the traditional pyramid structure commonly known as “social hierarchy” or “chain of command”.
However this rigid system may be good for some, but many companies are seeing this as being unworkable. The system many use now is whereby people work in smaller teams and then work together to achieve a common purpose and this system is known as creative collaboration. These teams can be small or large in size and usually consists of people having the same or similar disciplines2.
Social hierarchy use of a pyramid structure has an apex at the top of the pyramid with the structure being used by the business community and is also used by churches and the army. At the top of this apex is the most powerful person within an organization and is commonly known as the boss or CEO. The use of this structure is usually questioned by analysis as they consider having power over others doesn’t work and shouldn’t be used as a standard model3.
The level or flow of communication is where the collective power of a company is delegated by a board of directors, and the day to day running is conducted by the managing director or CEO4. Below the CEO, are in some cases known as heads and they provide or give information to a person who is lower than they are, and this information will then go down the line of command until it reaches the bottom person5. As one may realise, this sort of structure is not very ideal for collaboration as one is above another. In my opinion, and the system our team uses, is whereby we are generally all on the same level or tier and this means there is greater teamwork and communication.
By having everyone on the same level, no one is above the next person meaning we are all equal. This type of hierarchy is now being used and goes by the name of a flat organization.
A flat organization is whereby there are no or very few tiers, with management doing little intervening. This type of hierarchy structure states that if all workers are an expert in their chosen field or industry, making it is a lot more democratic, and all employees can be more directly involved in all the decision making, rather than having orders being barked at them or being watched with a fine tooth comb by the many layers of management.
The problem with this system it only works for small organizations or with smaller teams in a large one. If an organization grows, they can keep this structure but it could lead to lower productivity.
This structure promotes greater decision making by all members of the organization and this leads to greater collaboration, as everyone can have their say. This basically means there is a greater need for managers to communication with their employee 6.
As one may realise, one hierarchy style may work for one business but not the other. It all depends on what they feel comfortable using and deciding what style works for them.
References
1.Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2006/07/human_hierarchy.html, blog entry - Tuesday, July 11, 2006, David Armano viewed on 4th May 2008.
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_hierarchy viewed on 4th May 2008
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierarchical_organization viewed on 4th May 2008.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_command viewed on 7th May 2008
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_organisation viewed on 7th May 2008
Image - http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2006/07/human_hierarchy.html
However this rigid system may be good for some, but many companies are seeing this as being unworkable. The system many use now is whereby people work in smaller teams and then work together to achieve a common purpose and this system is known as creative collaboration. These teams can be small or large in size and usually consists of people having the same or similar disciplines2.
Social hierarchy use of a pyramid structure has an apex at the top of the pyramid with the structure being used by the business community and is also used by churches and the army. At the top of this apex is the most powerful person within an organization and is commonly known as the boss or CEO. The use of this structure is usually questioned by analysis as they consider having power over others doesn’t work and shouldn’t be used as a standard model3.
The level or flow of communication is where the collective power of a company is delegated by a board of directors, and the day to day running is conducted by the managing director or CEO4. Below the CEO, are in some cases known as heads and they provide or give information to a person who is lower than they are, and this information will then go down the line of command until it reaches the bottom person5. As one may realise, this sort of structure is not very ideal for collaboration as one is above another. In my opinion, and the system our team uses, is whereby we are generally all on the same level or tier and this means there is greater teamwork and communication.
By having everyone on the same level, no one is above the next person meaning we are all equal. This type of hierarchy is now being used and goes by the name of a flat organization.
A flat organization is whereby there are no or very few tiers, with management doing little intervening. This type of hierarchy structure states that if all workers are an expert in their chosen field or industry, making it is a lot more democratic, and all employees can be more directly involved in all the decision making, rather than having orders being barked at them or being watched with a fine tooth comb by the many layers of management.
The problem with this system it only works for small organizations or with smaller teams in a large one. If an organization grows, they can keep this structure but it could lead to lower productivity.
This structure promotes greater decision making by all members of the organization and this leads to greater collaboration, as everyone can have their say. This basically means there is a greater need for managers to communication with their employee 6.
As one may realise, one hierarchy style may work for one business but not the other. It all depends on what they feel comfortable using and deciding what style works for them.
References
1.Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2006/07/human_hierarchy.html, blog entry - Tuesday, July 11, 2006, David Armano viewed on 4th May 2008.
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_hierarchy viewed on 4th May 2008
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierarchical_organization viewed on 4th May 2008.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_command viewed on 7th May 2008
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_organisation viewed on 7th May 2008
Image - http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2006/07/human_hierarchy.html
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Week 7 Team Question.
What kinds of intentions do sketches (in terms of drawings, ideas and writing) capture well and not so well?
Sketches are seen to be a VERY important part of any architectural project. The intention of sketches is to develop and change any ideas created throughout the design stage of a project. These sketches usually are very rough to begin with and then develop to more detailed sketches during the entire design phase.
These very rough sketches are usually very hard to understand or comprehend (possibly only understood be the designer themselves), but the intention of his/her design is there to see. These sketches show what the designer wants in their design, even though changes will occur, but there intention will always be there. These intentions will be different for every designer and these intentions will also need to reflect what the client wants as well.
Even though all intentions are different, some they all have there own interpretation on universal intentions. They would include:
· Layout
· Exterior/interior design
· Movement
· Lighting?
Sketches are used by designers themselves so they can express there ideas and intention in a pictorial format, rather then boring and mundane words. Designers think and express their ideas as pictures, and sketches are used so they can view their own ideas on paper. Some sketches done by designers can expand a whole sketch book, full of ideas, inspirations and intention they wish to explore in their design. Sketches help to express and communicate these ideas that only pictures can do. We must remember the saying, a picture can tell 1000 words, and this is so true with sketches. One can only image if their we no sketches to express one’s ideas.
Even though sketches are seen as helpful, they can cause problems.
Because sketches are just that, sketches, some people may not be able to understand or comprehend what the intention of the designer is. If I was someone who was seeing a piece of paper with lines or over the place, I would think more then likely they will not understand what the designer is doing. I would compare to to an artwork with lines going everywhere, most people will just look at it and think what’s is going on in this person head, while others will understand what the intention of the artist is, be that an expression of ones self or making a statement. So to are sketches in architecture. Only people with enough training will understand what the intention of the designer is when seeing a sketch for the first time.
But despite this, sketches are very important and are necessary. Without them, no one will understand what the thinking or intention of the designer is.
I know this only scratch the surface of what is a very large topic area and I could go on for ever, but I hope this helps to understand sketches in connection with intent.
Sketches are seen to be a VERY important part of any architectural project. The intention of sketches is to develop and change any ideas created throughout the design stage of a project. These sketches usually are very rough to begin with and then develop to more detailed sketches during the entire design phase.
These very rough sketches are usually very hard to understand or comprehend (possibly only understood be the designer themselves), but the intention of his/her design is there to see. These sketches show what the designer wants in their design, even though changes will occur, but there intention will always be there. These intentions will be different for every designer and these intentions will also need to reflect what the client wants as well.
Even though all intentions are different, some they all have there own interpretation on universal intentions. They would include:
· Layout
· Exterior/interior design
· Movement
· Lighting?
Sketches are used by designers themselves so they can express there ideas and intention in a pictorial format, rather then boring and mundane words. Designers think and express their ideas as pictures, and sketches are used so they can view their own ideas on paper. Some sketches done by designers can expand a whole sketch book, full of ideas, inspirations and intention they wish to explore in their design. Sketches help to express and communicate these ideas that only pictures can do. We must remember the saying, a picture can tell 1000 words, and this is so true with sketches. One can only image if their we no sketches to express one’s ideas.
Even though sketches are seen as helpful, they can cause problems.
Because sketches are just that, sketches, some people may not be able to understand or comprehend what the intention of the designer is. If I was someone who was seeing a piece of paper with lines or over the place, I would think more then likely they will not understand what the designer is doing. I would compare to to an artwork with lines going everywhere, most people will just look at it and think what’s is going on in this person head, while others will understand what the intention of the artist is, be that an expression of ones self or making a statement. So to are sketches in architecture. Only people with enough training will understand what the intention of the designer is when seeing a sketch for the first time.
But despite this, sketches are very important and are necessary. Without them, no one will understand what the thinking or intention of the designer is.
I know this only scratch the surface of what is a very large topic area and I could go on for ever, but I hope this helps to understand sketches in connection with intent.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Week 7 - Intent
inIntent is seen as having a purpose and be determined to resolve an issue or problem 1. However intent has a slightly different meaning in an architectural sense. In architecture, it is known as design intent, meaning the designers have provided information on the reasons why they made certain decisions on their design and the justification for it but also specify any amendments made to their design. There is a number of different software that use design intent, especially 2D CAD system. These systems allow for a designer to provide information about their design intent easier, through capturing tools. These tools allow for easier communication through improved collaboration, learning and documentation.
Today, designers need to provide more information to their designs. Gone are the days when all they needed to provide was geometric information, but they now need to provide more specific information, such as their design intent, any design constraints along with important and necessary specifications like manufacturing knowledge. The need for additional information means that faster computer systems need to be used as to handle this increase of new information, so critical during the design phase. Major companies and government agencies view these design intent systems as a way to improve all aspects of the design phase such as the development process and current design data, all presented as 2D drawings. These systems need to be consistently upgraded to allow for a greater intelligence to allow for better design intents.
One of the main problems with using 2D drawings for design intent is that it contains limited information, as it only contains graphical information like lines, texts and symbols. Attempts have been made to merge this 2D information into a 3D format, but merging geometric, volumetric and structural, the systems have a lack of understanding of this information and these attempts are done usually during the design stage. Research has taken place in this area, with most results indicating because the geometry can’t be recognized; with only supporting symbols indicating it may work. However, research also indicates that these symbols such as dimensions, arrowheads, hatching lines and text are extremely valuable pieces of information that add intelligence and plays are major role in design intent capture.
With so many different interpretations on the meaning what design intent is, there are some common aspect to the meaning though. These would include the following:
indicates that design intent is more than just geometry
helps to justify decisions made on a design
can be viewed as a historical record for future analyses and processes
it can be modified and evolve our the lifetime of a design
describes what the space in a building is designed for.2
Overall, design intent is indicating to people your intention to a design and what outcomes you want from it.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://www.cadanda.com/CAD_A_3_1-4_28.PDF, Design Intent in 2D CAD: Definition and Survey, Ganeshram R. Iyer and John J. Mills
Today, designers need to provide more information to their designs. Gone are the days when all they needed to provide was geometric information, but they now need to provide more specific information, such as their design intent, any design constraints along with important and necessary specifications like manufacturing knowledge. The need for additional information means that faster computer systems need to be used as to handle this increase of new information, so critical during the design phase. Major companies and government agencies view these design intent systems as a way to improve all aspects of the design phase such as the development process and current design data, all presented as 2D drawings. These systems need to be consistently upgraded to allow for a greater intelligence to allow for better design intents.
One of the main problems with using 2D drawings for design intent is that it contains limited information, as it only contains graphical information like lines, texts and symbols. Attempts have been made to merge this 2D information into a 3D format, but merging geometric, volumetric and structural, the systems have a lack of understanding of this information and these attempts are done usually during the design stage. Research has taken place in this area, with most results indicating because the geometry can’t be recognized; with only supporting symbols indicating it may work. However, research also indicates that these symbols such as dimensions, arrowheads, hatching lines and text are extremely valuable pieces of information that add intelligence and plays are major role in design intent capture.
With so many different interpretations on the meaning what design intent is, there are some common aspect to the meaning though. These would include the following:
indicates that design intent is more than just geometry
helps to justify decisions made on a design
can be viewed as a historical record for future analyses and processes
it can be modified and evolve our the lifetime of a design
describes what the space in a building is designed for.2
Overall, design intent is indicating to people your intention to a design and what outcomes you want from it.
References
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://www.cadanda.com/CAD_A_3_1-4_28.PDF, Design Intent in 2D CAD: Definition and Survey, Ganeshram R. Iyer and John J. Mills
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Week 6 – Knowledge
As the old saying goes, “knowledge is power”, and this statement is true given its definition. The Australian Oxford Dictionary has a number of 
definitions. They state knowledge as 1 awareness that is gained by experience, 2 a person’s range of information1 and the English Version states knowledge as [1] the expertise and skills that a person has acquired through experience or education and an understanding of a subject, 2 what is known in a particular field or in total or 3 the awareness or familiarity gained through experience. However, these definitions have been of great debate among philosophers.
Knowledge in a business sense is called knowledge management and is seen as a management theory started in the 1990’s. This theory is seen as a way to understand people within organizations through the creation and sharing of knowledge. This theory has produced two models of knowledge, the DIKW model and Nonaka's reformulation of Polanyi's distinction between tacit and explicit knowledge. The DIKW model involves places knowledge, data and information in a pyramid. Both models are under threat as new schools of thought are emerging.
The goal of knowledge management indicates that the right information is received by the right person, so they can execute the correct decision. Recently, management has looked at how knowledge is being flowed and the exchange of knowledge rather than just focusing on knowledge itself [2].
Knowledge management is a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands of books, professional and academic journals and university degrees dedicated to the subject. The objectives are to improve the organisations performance, have a competitive advantage, create innovation, developmental processes, and create greater development of the collaborative process.
It has been acknowledged that knowledge management has always been around, but in the last 10 years, this has been enhanced courtesy of modern technology.
Knowledge management can be seen as being in three stages: before, during, or after knowledge-related activities, however some think it has a life cycle.
An example of knowledge management would be an effective management method in a architectural company. When a project is about to begin, an architect may want to learn and gain knowledge from a past project similar to their current one, gain any information during the design stage when problems arise and finally get information after the design stage or when the project has been completed to get advice on problems arisen from its completion or from any completed activities. Lessons will be learnt during the whole design stage and should be recorded so they can gain knowledge and learn from any mistakes that had arisen from this project [3]
So, this can be seen as an effective way to conduct knowledge within an architectural company. By using knowledge, architects can go back and view and look at buildings from the past and this will provide them with enough knowledge for future designs.
How this works in collaboration will be quite simple. As people work together in a team environment, they will be able to share knowledge and experiences meaning the team will learn from one another, creating a productive environment. In a team environment, the team will be able to view from past projects, to understand and gain knowledge from these past projects, so it can be used on their current project. This way, they won’t make the same mistakes again.
This is currently the case on our team, as not everyone knows 3D modeling, but will all share our skills and knowledge to achieve the final goal. If we didn’t do this, our team will likely fail.
Finally, knowledge is a wonderful thing, and if you use it, be that individually or in a team, it can take you places. Learning from the past, present or from mistakes is very powerful and that is what knowledge is all about.
References:
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge viewed on 20th April 2008.
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_Management, viewed on 21st April 2008.
definitions. They state knowledge as 1 awareness that is gained by experience, 2 a person’s range of information1 and the English Version states knowledge as [1] the expertise and skills that a person has acquired through experience or education and an understanding of a subject, 2 what is known in a particular field or in total or 3 the awareness or familiarity gained through experience. However, these definitions have been of great debate among philosophers.Knowledge in a business sense is called knowledge management and is seen as a management theory started in the 1990’s. This theory is seen as a way to understand people within organizations through the creation and sharing of knowledge. This theory has produced two models of knowledge, the DIKW model and Nonaka's reformulation of Polanyi's distinction between tacit and explicit knowledge. The DIKW model involves places knowledge, data and information in a pyramid. Both models are under threat as new schools of thought are emerging.
The goal of knowledge management indicates that the right information is received by the right person, so they can execute the correct decision. Recently, management has looked at how knowledge is being flowed and the exchange of knowledge rather than just focusing on knowledge itself [2].
Knowledge management is a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands of books, professional and academic journals and university degrees dedicated to the subject. The objectives are to improve the organisations performance, have a competitive advantage, create innovation, developmental processes, and create greater development of the collaborative process.
It has been acknowledged that knowledge management has always been around, but in the last 10 years, this has been enhanced courtesy of modern technology.
Knowledge management can be seen as being in three stages: before, during, or after knowledge-related activities, however some think it has a life cycle.
An example of knowledge management would be an effective management method in a architectural company. When a project is about to begin, an architect may want to learn and gain knowledge from a past project similar to their current one, gain any information during the design stage when problems arise and finally get information after the design stage or when the project has been completed to get advice on problems arisen from its completion or from any completed activities. Lessons will be learnt during the whole design stage and should be recorded so they can gain knowledge and learn from any mistakes that had arisen from this project [3]
So, this can be seen as an effective way to conduct knowledge within an architectural company. By using knowledge, architects can go back and view and look at buildings from the past and this will provide them with enough knowledge for future designs.
How this works in collaboration will be quite simple. As people work together in a team environment, they will be able to share knowledge and experiences meaning the team will learn from one another, creating a productive environment. In a team environment, the team will be able to view from past projects, to understand and gain knowledge from these past projects, so it can be used on their current project. This way, they won’t make the same mistakes again.
This is currently the case on our team, as not everyone knows 3D modeling, but will all share our skills and knowledge to achieve the final goal. If we didn’t do this, our team will likely fail.
Finally, knowledge is a wonderful thing, and if you use it, be that individually or in a team, it can take you places. Learning from the past, present or from mistakes is very powerful and that is what knowledge is all about.
References:
1. Edited by Bruce Moore, The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary – Fourth Edition, 1996, Oxford University Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge viewed on 20th April 2008.
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_Management, viewed on 21st April 2008.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Record – Week 5 task
Record in terms of a business sense is an act of taking down information and notes for everyone to know what’s going on within the business. These would include meetings, conferences, online message boards (such as Grouphub) and general conversations. These conversations could be daily, one/twice a week or once a month.
This form of communication is a very important part of collaboration, as all forms of communication is recorded in a written format be it electric, hand written or from a word processor. This form of communication as with all collaboration is important because communication between all persons within a business environment a vital to the successful running of a business. Without it, communication within the business will fail and so too will the business.
Taking notes is the most important part of any meetings. Either one or two people usually perform this note taking and they keep a record of what is said by all members attending the meeting. The reason why a record must be keep is for a number of reasons. They are:
Required by law
For legal reasons (if any lawsuits occur)
Apart from the legal reason, there are other reasons why records need to be taken during these meetings. They are:
Keep track of the finances
To notify all of the direction in which the business is heading
Goal setting
Notes for the next meeting
To address any problems
Historical (it may be necessary to view meetings notes in years to come on any decision made by the business)
Without any of these recordings, problems will occur. These would include:
Employees will have no idea of what is happening within the business
Will also lead to confusion
Miscommunication
Will lead to legal difficulties and problems
Mistakes
No structure
No guidance
So overall, record is a very important part of collaboration as it keeps everyone focused and it meets all the necessary legal requirements. Everyone needs to keeps these notes and meetings need to be recorded as it they don’t; it will create problems both legally and professionally.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Disiplane 2
The digital architectural model maker is a important person within an organisation. They must model all the designs in a 3D format. While some may consider this to be a job when a design is complete, then you would be mistaken. The digital model makers, like their cousins (the physical model makers), need to work along side the architect, as they must physically build the model in a 3D format, so clients and other specialise within the team can fully understand what is going on.
Not everyone can understand a 2D working drawing , so not only do specialise like engineers and interior designer need the design to be explained more clearly, a 3d digital model can explain the design to them a lot more easier.
The problem with models made in balsa wood is that you can get in the model and explore it as you would if you were inside it. A digital model can allow this to occur.
The digital architectural model maker would not only create the physical 3d digital model and then take certain screenshots, but they would also create a fly-though/animation of the building and the edit it a video editing software. This is handy for the architects as to see their 2d drawings in an animated format. By viewing the animation and screen shots, the architect and their team can discuss if changes are required.
Another advantage that architects will find working along side this model markers is that they both can work on important issues as in lighting. This lighting can be natural or artificial. In regards to natural lighting, an architect can decide by the digital models whether to place any light blockers such as louvers and eaves. By being able to see what they can do, the architect can decide how much light they would like within the building. This can only be done on a 3d modelling program.
In regards to artificial lights, the model marker can work along side not only the architect but also alongside a electrician. A electrician knows everything about artificial lighting and they can help with how much artificial lighting is required to light up a room, whereas an architects may not known everything there is to know about how a room should be lit. By working along side the electrician, the model marker can experiment with lighting on the 3D models.
An interior designer also needs to work with an model marker as they need to know how their design ideas affect the whole feel of a room. By seeing if a chair or table is better in one place then another, a 3D model of a room needs to occur. By seeing a final render of a room, an interior designer can therefore work out, what looks good and what doesn't.
The most important job of a digital architectural model maker is the presentation. They must create a presentation that not only looks good, but must impress the client and show off the wonderful design. In order for this to be achieved, some knowledge of video editing is required. This helps to place all the animation that the model maker has done and put it all together, to make a wonderful marketing tool. The model maker, needs to work along side all team members as they need to make sure they have their design in wonderful light.
Overall, a digital model marker, consider everything in 3d, by taking 2d drawings and making them into beautiful 3d models. They must have a number of different skills and knowledge, from being a lighting engineer, to an interior designer and a architect. Without this knowledge, the model will look pretty ordinary and won't create a realistic look that the design team and the client is asking for.
P.S- Sam can you check the grammer of this blog. Thanks !!
Not everyone can understand a 2D working drawing , so not only do specialise like engineers and interior designer need the design to be explained more clearly, a 3d digital model can explain the design to them a lot more easier.
The problem with models made in balsa wood is that you can get in the model and explore it as you would if you were inside it. A digital model can allow this to occur.
The digital architectural model maker would not only create the physical 3d digital model and then take certain screenshots, but they would also create a fly-though/animation of the building and the edit it a video editing software. This is handy for the architects as to see their 2d drawings in an animated format. By viewing the animation and screen shots, the architect and their team can discuss if changes are required.
Another advantage that architects will find working along side this model markers is that they both can work on important issues as in lighting. This lighting can be natural or artificial. In regards to natural lighting, an architect can decide by the digital models whether to place any light blockers such as louvers and eaves. By being able to see what they can do, the architect can decide how much light they would like within the building. This can only be done on a 3d modelling program.
In regards to artificial lights, the model marker can work along side not only the architect but also alongside a electrician. A electrician knows everything about artificial lighting and they can help with how much artificial lighting is required to light up a room, whereas an architects may not known everything there is to know about how a room should be lit. By working along side the electrician, the model marker can experiment with lighting on the 3D models.
An interior designer also needs to work with an model marker as they need to know how their design ideas affect the whole feel of a room. By seeing if a chair or table is better in one place then another, a 3D model of a room needs to occur. By seeing a final render of a room, an interior designer can therefore work out, what looks good and what doesn't.
The most important job of a digital architectural model maker is the presentation. They must create a presentation that not only looks good, but must impress the client and show off the wonderful design. In order for this to be achieved, some knowledge of video editing is required. This helps to place all the animation that the model maker has done and put it all together, to make a wonderful marketing tool. The model maker, needs to work along side all team members as they need to make sure they have their design in wonderful light.
Overall, a digital model marker, consider everything in 3d, by taking 2d drawings and making them into beautiful 3d models. They must have a number of different skills and knowledge, from being a lighting engineer, to an interior designer and a architect. Without this knowledge, the model will look pretty ordinary and won't create a realistic look that the design team and the client is asking for.
P.S- Sam can you check the grammer of this blog. Thanks !!
Week 4 - Discipline
Digital technology has dramatically changed the way we work within business and this is particularly true in the architectural industry. This digital technology has allowed for new career opportunities, each having specialized disciplines 1. One such person is the digital architectural model maker, a career that didn’t exist some ten years ago.
Over these ten years, people involved with creating these digital models have taken advantage of the increasing processing power of cost-effective and advanced software programs. While drawing 2D diagrams on CAD programs have been around longer then 10 years, it has been the emergence of 3D modeling and animation software like 3DS studio Max courtesy of the gaming and entertainment industries 2.
The digital architectural model maker is usually involved in creating two forms of digital visualization, one is disciplinary and the other is interdisciplinary.
Disciplinary, involves the model maker to construct 3D models, renders and animations to have help explore, understand and communicate the architectural information in new ways. This form of digital visualization has helped digital architectural model makers be a more mainstream and important job, and they change the way a building can be presented.
In interdisciplinary digital visualization, is an increasing and rapidly growing area, with many model makers getting increasing involved in this area. The model makers create artificial architectural environments in computer programs/games such as in Unreal Tournament 3. This form of visualization is almost exactly what we are doing for our assignment, by creating an artificial environment of the Dam Theater in UT3 3.
Digital architectural model maker are one of many specialist collaborating in a team environment either being permanent or temporary employees, as well as specialist consultants contracted from outside 4.
The digital architectural model maker works along side all members of the design team, as it helps the team with a more graphical representation of a building allowing them to understanding the overall scheme and design of the building. This of course can’t be achieved in the 2D world and by seeing it in 3D; it allows the architects and the clients to view their building in a realistic real world environment.
References
Over these ten years, people involved with creating these digital models have taken advantage of the increasing processing power of cost-effective and advanced software programs. While drawing 2D diagrams on CAD programs have been around longer then 10 years, it has been the emergence of 3D modeling and animation software like 3DS studio Max courtesy of the gaming and entertainment industries 2.
The digital architectural model maker is usually involved in creating two forms of digital visualization, one is disciplinary and the other is interdisciplinary.
Disciplinary, involves the model maker to construct 3D models, renders and animations to have help explore, understand and communicate the architectural information in new ways. This form of digital visualization has helped digital architectural model makers be a more mainstream and important job, and they change the way a building can be presented.
In interdisciplinary digital visualization, is an increasing and rapidly growing area, with many model makers getting increasing involved in this area. The model makers create artificial architectural environments in computer programs/games such as in Unreal Tournament 3. This form of visualization is almost exactly what we are doing for our assignment, by creating an artificial environment of the Dam Theater in UT3 3.
Digital architectural model maker are one of many specialist collaborating in a team environment either being permanent or temporary employees, as well as specialist consultants contracted from outside 4.
The digital architectural model maker works along side all members of the design team, as it helps the team with a more graphical representation of a building allowing them to understanding the overall scheme and design of the building. This of course can’t be achieved in the 2D world and by seeing it in 3D; it allows the architects and the clients to view their building in a realistic real world environment.
References
- http://www.acadia.org/ACADIA_whitepaper.pdf, Digital Technology & Architecture - White Paper : Digital Pedagogy- Digital Foundations: Building a Base for Digital Futures by George Proctor, written by various authors, edited by Julio Bermudez & Kevin Klinger, viewed on 3rd April
- http://scan.net.au/scan/magazine/display.php?journal_id=45, Digital Architecture, by Alex Munt, viewed on 3rd April.
- http://www.acadia.org/ACADIA_whitepaper.pdf, Digital Technology & Architecture - White Paper: Digital Visualization by Julio Bermudez, written by various authors, edited by Julio Bermudez & Kevin Klinger, viewed on 3rd April
- http://liquidnarrative.csc.ncsu.edu/pubs/jogd.pdf, Teamwork Constructs in Architectural Design, written by Bharat Dave (Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne), viewed on April 6, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Seating
The seating rendering will be up within the next couple, with a number of different options/views. I will merge the seating in with the existing threate test by Monday.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Week 2 – Other Asynchronous communication
WEB PORTALS
A web portal is a website with the single purpose for visitors to gain information from a range of different sources at the one location. Businesses use portals as a collaboration tool to better communicate with employees within the organization.
Portals use a centralized application linked to other applications within the same organization, which can share information across all these applications. People within an organization who use one application can gain access to another application from this one central application.
With this sharing of information across different applications, communication can be rapid allowing for collaboration to occur between different people using different application working together in varies groups within the business2.
MAIL
Mail is probably the oldest form of asynchronous collaboration while still in use has been overtaken by faster ways of delivering information in the last 10 years or so. Unlike digital communication like email, mail or snail mail, can be delivered as small packages or letters destined for local, nation or international distribution taking overnight to days, whereas email is delivered instantaneous.
The problem using mail as a form of collaborative communication is that it isn’t instant, because in modern business time is money. However, mail is still used (for jurisdictions and etiquette reasons) if documents need to be delivered in large packages such as large detailed drawings or particular samples (carpet, tiles, woods, materials etc) for a design, and this can’t be achieved through emails.
If this is the case, then mail can be an effective form of collaborative communication, be able to view and examine technical details or samples more closely and effectively making better decisions. This can’t be achieved as a soft copy via an email attachment.
Even though this form of communication is not a modern way in the past it was the only form of collaborative communication2.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail viewed on 21st March 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_portal viewed on 21st March 2008
A web portal is a website with the single purpose for visitors to gain information from a range of different sources at the one location. Businesses use portals as a collaboration tool to better communicate with employees within the organization.
Portals use a centralized application linked to other applications within the same organization, which can share information across all these applications. People within an organization who use one application can gain access to another application from this one central application.
With this sharing of information across different applications, communication can be rapid allowing for collaboration to occur between different people using different application working together in varies groups within the business2.
Mail is probably the oldest form of asynchronous collaboration while still in use has been overtaken by faster ways of delivering information in the last 10 years or so. Unlike digital communication like email, mail or snail mail, can be delivered as small packages or letters destined for local, nation or international distribution taking overnight to days, whereas email is delivered instantaneous.
The problem using mail as a form of collaborative communication is that it isn’t instant, because in modern business time is money. However, mail is still used (for jurisdictions and etiquette reasons) if documents need to be delivered in large packages such as large detailed drawings or particular samples (carpet, tiles, woods, materials etc) for a design, and this can’t be achieved through emails.
If this is the case, then mail can be an effective form of collaborative communication, be able to view and examine technical details or samples more closely and effectively making better decisions. This can’t be achieved as a soft copy via an email attachment.
Even though this form of communication is not a modern way in the past it was the only form of collaborative communication2.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail viewed on 21st March 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_portal viewed on 21st March 2008
Week 2 – Asynchronous communication: Submission blog
Asynchronous communication is one form of collaborative communication, whereby communication between two people or more, two companies or a group of people is not instant. Examples of asynchronous communication are facsimiles machines, blogs, emails and forums.
FACSIMILE (FAX)
A facsimile machine is a communication device that scans documents digitally through telephone lines then prints them out on another facsimile machine 1.
Previously faxes were used more often then mail as they would be received instantly saving time and money. However, faxes have decreased as emails are becoming the preferred method of instant communication. If you have access to an internet fax, email or a Web browser, faxes via the internet can produce good facsimiles. They work much the same way as a fax, but they send and receive documents via the internet as a PDF or TIFF file through emails and requires no phone line 2.
BLOGS
Blogs are a new form of asynchronous communication courtesy of faster digital technology allowing users to share opinions on particular subjects or events.
Businesses use internal blogs to enhance collaboration between the employees or externally such as marketing known as corporate blogs3. During 2006 the number of large companies using corporate blogs increased from 35% to 70% 4.
Companies who set up internal blogs will discover that it’s simple and cost effective creating an atmosphere where employees participate in the company’s future vision by expressing new ideas, through debates creating better participation and spontaneous collaboration in a team. These create greater outcomes and objectives for the business 5.
However, some people consider blogging not an effective collaboration tool, most notably Nancy Garman stating in her article ‘Blogs, Collaboration & Community’ that the use of blogs is a self-publishing phenomenon where individuals publish their own content, rather than as a handy collaboration tool which have been tagged as helping in the business environment. Nancy indicates that blogs may help to enhance communication between employees but this certainly doesn’t make it collaborative, but also has stated that a collaborative blog can’t create a community and a community can’t ensure a successful collaborative blog 6.
External blogs are used so anyone outside the company to allow them to interact with the target markets, by creating a more personal interaction though promotions of products and in turn creates a collaboration of ideas between the client and business 7.
Types of Corporate Blogs
EMAILS
Email or Electronic mail is an electronic communication system that allows the user to store, forward and send messages from one computer to another instantly, allowing for better workplace collaborations.
The use of emails can be traced back to 1965 when multiple users could communicate between one another via a time-sharing mainframe computer but in 1966, communication of simple messages could be achieved from one computer to another, allowing for the first form of collaboration communications via computers.
The business community quickly took up emails, as it was a very simply way to communicate between businesses, and it was quickly dubbed the “e-revolution”.
Some of the pros for emails for businesses are:
· Problem with logistics:
In business, communication between people and/or organizations who are of considerable distance can prove costly and time consuming for meetings to occur in a specify location, but the exchange of information can now be instant and this saves money.
· The problem of synchronization
If real time communication is needed, making sure everyone is gathering at the same time and same place can be very difficult, but emails allows the receiver to view the information that was sent to them in their own time.
However there are some cons. They are:
· Time
20% - 50% more time is spent viewing emails and with increase use of emails as a collaboration tool due to globalization, this can prove costly to businesses.
· Inconsistency
Emails can repeat and duplicate information, and if a team is collaborating on a project, this can cause problems 8.
Types of Emails
FORUMS
An internet forum allows for online discussions and postings by anyone in the world, and contains views and options on a certain topic. They are posted by members of these forums over a certain time period. Forums are different from blogs, as blogs are by an individual, whereas forums are a discussion by a community on a topic.
Forums allow for effective discussion and communication by all members of a team using online meetings to express views and options, to resolve a problem in a short and/or real time, without the expense of everyone meeting at one location or sending emails between team members. Emails lead to miscommunication by team members and can’t solve problems in real time 9.
Types Of Forums
REFERENCES
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax viewed on 21st March 2008
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_fax viewed on 21st March 2008
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog viewed on 21st March 2008
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_blog viewed on 21st March 2008
5. http://www.globalprblogweek.com/2005/09/19/dutto-internal-blogs, Internal blogs: How to design powerful conversations that open possibilities for action and collaboration within blogs by Matías Fernández Dutto on September 19th, 2005,
viewed on 23rd March 2008
6. http://www.infotodayblog.com/2005/12/02/observations-from-nancy-garman-on-blogs-collaboration-community/, Observations from Nancy Garman on Blogs, Collaboration & Community. ITI Bloggers December 2nd, 200, viewed on 25th March 2008
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_blog viewed on 21st March 2008
8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email viewed on 21st March 2008
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forums viewed on 21st March 2008
FACSIMILE (FAX)
A facsimile machine is a communication device that scans documents digitally through telephone lines then prints them out on another facsimile machine 1.
Previously faxes were used more often then mail as they would be received instantly saving time and money. However, faxes have decreased as emails are becoming the preferred method of instant communication. If you have access to an internet fax, email or a Web browser, faxes via the internet can produce good facsimiles. They work much the same way as a fax, but they send and receive documents via the internet as a PDF or TIFF file through emails and requires no phone line 2.
BLOGS
Blogs are a new form of asynchronous communication courtesy of faster digital technology allowing users to share opinions on particular subjects or events.
Businesses use internal blogs to enhance collaboration between the employees or externally such as marketing known as corporate blogs3. During 2006 the number of large companies using corporate blogs increased from 35% to 70% 4.
Companies who set up internal blogs will discover that it’s simple and cost effective creating an atmosphere where employees participate in the company’s future vision by expressing new ideas, through debates creating better participation and spontaneous collaboration in a team. These create greater outcomes and objectives for the business 5.
However, some people consider blogging not an effective collaboration tool, most notably Nancy Garman stating in her article ‘Blogs, Collaboration & Community’ that the use of blogs is a self-publishing phenomenon where individuals publish their own content, rather than as a handy collaboration tool which have been tagged as helping in the business environment. Nancy indicates that blogs may help to enhance communication between employees but this certainly doesn’t make it collaborative, but also has stated that a collaborative blog can’t create a community and a community can’t ensure a successful collaborative blog 6.
External blogs are used so anyone outside the company to allow them to interact with the target markets, by creating a more personal interaction though promotions of products and in turn creates a collaboration of ideas between the client and business 7.
Types of Corporate Blogs
EMAILS
Email or Electronic mail is an electronic communication system that allows the user to store, forward and send messages from one computer to another instantly, allowing for better workplace collaborations.
The use of emails can be traced back to 1965 when multiple users could communicate between one another via a time-sharing mainframe computer but in 1966, communication of simple messages could be achieved from one computer to another, allowing for the first form of collaboration communications via computers.
The business community quickly took up emails, as it was a very simply way to communicate between businesses, and it was quickly dubbed the “e-revolution”.
Some of the pros for emails for businesses are:
· Problem with logistics:
In business, communication between people and/or organizations who are of considerable distance can prove costly and time consuming for meetings to occur in a specify location, but the exchange of information can now be instant and this saves money.
· The problem of synchronization
If real time communication is needed, making sure everyone is gathering at the same time and same place can be very difficult, but emails allows the receiver to view the information that was sent to them in their own time.
However there are some cons. They are:
· Time
20% - 50% more time is spent viewing emails and with increase use of emails as a collaboration tool due to globalization, this can prove costly to businesses.
· Inconsistency
Emails can repeat and duplicate information, and if a team is collaborating on a project, this can cause problems 8.
Types of Emails
FORUMS
An internet forum allows for online discussions and postings by anyone in the world, and contains views and options on a certain topic. They are posted by members of these forums over a certain time period. Forums are different from blogs, as blogs are by an individual, whereas forums are a discussion by a community on a topic.
Forums allow for effective discussion and communication by all members of a team using online meetings to express views and options, to resolve a problem in a short and/or real time, without the expense of everyone meeting at one location or sending emails between team members. Emails lead to miscommunication by team members and can’t solve problems in real time 9.
Types Of Forums
REFERENCES
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax viewed on 21st March 2008
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_fax viewed on 21st March 2008
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog viewed on 21st March 2008
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_blog viewed on 21st March 2008
5. http://www.globalprblogweek.com/2005/09/19/dutto-internal-blogs, Internal blogs: How to design powerful conversations that open possibilities for action and collaboration within blogs by Matías Fernández Dutto on September 19th, 2005,
viewed on 23rd March 2008
6. http://www.infotodayblog.com/2005/12/02/observations-from-nancy-garman-on-blogs-collaboration-community/, Observations from Nancy Garman on Blogs, Collaboration & Community. ITI Bloggers December 2nd, 200, viewed on 25th March 2008
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_blog viewed on 21st March 2008
8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email viewed on 21st March 2008
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_forums viewed on 21st March 2008
My skills
Max
Quite good at modeling, still learning on the lighting
Photoshop
Forget about it
Video Editing
Quite good, but needs improvement.
Quite good at modeling, still learning on the lighting
Photoshop
Forget about it
Video Editing
Quite good, but needs improvement.
Dam Theater - Fabrication
The Dam Theater will create a wonderful 3D image with the scale of the theater compared to that of the dam. With the massive difference in scale, this will create a wonderful opportunity to view the model from many different angles and be visual spectacular to explore. On completion, you will want to explore this entire model, because it is so unique in the world of architecture and you will be curious to know what it is. How often do you see a building built over a dam?
The textures and mapping will be quite basic. Viewing the images on the website, I particularly don’t like the materials selected inside the theatre, as I consider it doesn’t suit the relaxed environment and the function of the building. The material for the dam will be very easy; the use of a concrete map should do just fine.
The lighting and atmospherics will be quite wonderful as lighting for a theater would be very different to that of a normal building. By having limited lighting in the theater, depending on if we want the theater empty or packed, this will create a wonderful atmosphere of being relaxed and an enjoyable place to be. Maximum lighting can also be used for the foyer as well as the outside.
In regards to the environment, this is our biggest assets it is easily the biggest visual aspect of our choice, having been design to be built on a dam. Having being built on a dam, water is everywhere, and we can take advantage of this by having noise depicting water.
The biggest problem I think in the project will be
· How big to we make the surrounding environment?
· How can we make the background visually spectacular?
· How do we create height in terms of long distances and making it look like a lookout (see inside theater)?
· How do we create realistic water? and
· How are we going to work out all of the sizes of the rooms, height of the dam etc?
How do we achieve this? I think we should work on our strengths. One person can work on the environment, two people can work on the two main rooms, someone can work on making sure it all fits together and someone else can make sure it all fits together. This can be decided on in more detailed tomorrow.
The textures and mapping will be quite basic. Viewing the images on the website, I particularly don’t like the materials selected inside the theatre, as I consider it doesn’t suit the relaxed environment and the function of the building. The material for the dam will be very easy; the use of a concrete map should do just fine.
The lighting and atmospherics will be quite wonderful as lighting for a theater would be very different to that of a normal building. By having limited lighting in the theater, depending on if we want the theater empty or packed, this will create a wonderful atmosphere of being relaxed and an enjoyable place to be. Maximum lighting can also be used for the foyer as well as the outside.
In regards to the environment, this is our biggest assets it is easily the biggest visual aspect of our choice, having been design to be built on a dam. Having being built on a dam, water is everywhere, and we can take advantage of this by having noise depicting water.
The biggest problem I think in the project will be
· How big to we make the surrounding environment?
· How can we make the background visually spectacular?
· How do we create height in terms of long distances and making it look like a lookout (see inside theater)?
· How do we create realistic water? and
· How are we going to work out all of the sizes of the rooms, height of the dam etc?
How do we achieve this? I think we should work on our strengths. One person can work on the environment, two people can work on the two main rooms, someone can work on making sure it all fits together and someone else can make sure it all fits together. This can be decided on in more detailed tomorrow.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Week 3
Hi team.
- Just to remind you guys about the words for our fabication project. I think our first presentation is next week with the word being intent, then displane and finally remunuation. I will come up with something within the next couple of days.
- On UT3, i haven't brought it yet (more to do that i can't afford to buy it this week, but will get it next Monday), but i will do some experiements on Max today and show the basic tomorrow.
- The submission for next week, i have finished, and written over 1300 words, however am having trouble on finding photos and videos.
- The team leader we choose was Daniel, who will be a great team leader.
- I think our coice is wondeful and could show great potential, in particualr the environment we have surrounding it.
I will see you tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Fabrication – Moonstone House
http://archrecord.construction.com/residential/unbuilt/archives/2007/07_moonstoneHouse/ default.asp
Moonstone House was originally going to be built at Moonstone Beach, Rhode Island in USA. Moonstone house was designed to maximize solar exposure as well as keeping the house well ventilated.
The architectural firm (WORK AC, based in New York), understood how to design a sustainable house by capturing the sun to warm the house and wind to cool the house down. WORK AC had perfected sustainable design with the Moonstone house by designing the house with an L shape design. This L shape design is 2 stories in height with separate private and public function area. The clients conducted extra research into solar exposure and requested that rooms should face east and west and have circulation areas facing south. As well as the design, the article has stated that the clients wanted to use ecologically conscious material that was local to the area as to keep with the environmental theme. The local materials the clients requested was cedar, which grew in abundance in the local area as well as using natural stone for the base of the house.
With high consideration for sustainable design is something that architects fail to realize its importance to architecture today as everyday living expenses increase.
Unless you pay high prices in architectural fees, homes are not usually designed to suit the local environment and use the weather to its advantage with most housing designs being generic and placed on a site. This can cause problems because heating and cooling costs could be through the roof because of impractical designs. With Moonstone, it was design with local conditions in mind to make heating and cooing costs non existence. This is what sets Moonstone house from the rest.
I consider that Moonstone house with its design to lower living costs and take advantage of the local condition, is the most important factor in architectural design as most architects either fail to understand this principle, are lazy to consider this design or don’t recognize it. Overall sustainable design is of great importance either built or unbuilt design, however in terms of unbuilt design, even though it isn’t officially built the principle is important.
Finally, had trouble finding UT3 yesterday in Liverpool, but my search will go on. On Sunday, looked at a new computer, but discovered that it is out of my price range for the moment. My sister has a new computer, so i can only hope
it works on hers.Craig
Monday, March 17, 2008
Unbuilt architecture found !!!!!!!
Hi team
Found a website with unbuilt homes. They are from the USA, but they are unquie and have some wonderful designs. I haven't yet selected a design, but one will be selected by tonight.
The website is http://archrecord.construction.com/residential/unbuilt/archives/2007/07_Xhouse/default.asp
Craig
Found a website with unbuilt homes. They are from the USA, but they are unquie and have some wonderful designs. I haven't yet selected a design, but one will be selected by tonight.
The website is http://archrecord.construction.com/residential/unbuilt/archives/2007/07_Xhouse/default.asp
Craig
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Communication, UT3 and Unbuilt websites
Hi team
I will find it very hard using skype as i don't have access to it. So the best form of communication for me is through email and/or blogger.
Also can someone let me know the specification for UT3 so i can organise a upgrade of my computer or install it on my new sister computer.
Also having trouble with finding websites with unbuiilt architecture so any suggestion will be great.
Craig
I will find it very hard using skype as i don't have access to it. So the best form of communication for me is through email and/or blogger.
Also can someone let me know the specification for UT3 so i can organise a upgrade of my computer or install it on my new sister computer.
Also having trouble with finding websites with unbuiilt architecture so any suggestion will be great.
Craig
Unbuilt architecture website
Hi Team.
Myself and Derek have found pretty much the only website that shows unbuilt architecture. The AA website that you found was also the main website that i found to do with unbuilt architecture.
However the website shows pdf of presentation poster but nothing else. So to find highly detailed plans and drawings, we may need to go through other avenues. But i will have a more deatiled look.
Craig
Myself and Derek have found pretty much the only website that shows unbuilt architecture. The AA website that you found was also the main website that i found to do with unbuilt architecture.
However the website shows pdf of presentation poster but nothing else. So to find highly detailed plans and drawings, we may need to go through other avenues. But i will have a more deatiled look.
Craig
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Hello
I Team A. This project looks to be quite interesting. I have wriiten down some keywords for our 3 words, which i will posts soon.
In regards to meetings, I am free all of Monday, but as i live in Liverpool, i don't thick Monday will suit me. Friday i am avaiable between 5pm and 7pm, but also Thursday between 12pm and 2pm.
I have find this on you tube. Having trouble uploading it through.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Unreal+3+in+architecture&search_type=
In regards to meetings, I am free all of Monday, but as i live in Liverpool, i don't thick Monday will suit me. Friday i am avaiable between 5pm and 7pm, but also Thursday between 12pm and 2pm.
I have find this on you tube. Having trouble uploading it through.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Unreal+3+in+architecture&search_type=
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