University of Northampton
Saturday 5th March 2011
10.00am to 5.00pm
The day will include a mixture of presentations and practical activities using current architectural software to show how buildings evolve from initial concepts through to habitable 3D structures. To do this we will range from the roof timbers of a Roman villa through to cutting-edge 3D immersive technology. There will be opportunity to try AutoCAD, Sketchup and DesignBuild software and to see a range of examples of modern design, materials and technology.
The event will take place at the Avenue Campus of the University of Northampton and will be led by the senior lecturer in architectural technology and his team.
The cost is £29.00 per adult or £24.00 per child. This includes exclusive use of the university rooms and equipment, refreshments on arrival and buffet lunch. Families and guests are most welcome. The nature of the activities means that places are limited to 50 participants. Booking deadline is 25th February 2011.
This event is being organised exclusively for British Mensa by Maruba Events in conjunction with The University of Northampton
Architectural Technology Day itinerary...
10.00am-10.30am
Arrival and tea/coffee.
10.30am-11.45am
A mix of presentation and handson looking at the development of architectural drawings from blueprints through to modern IT applications with some consideration of structures, materials and professional practice.
11.45am-1.00pm
A mix of presentation and hands-on considering the role of conceptual 3D computer modelling in modern design using Sketchup software and renders such as Podium. A range of examples of building designs will also be shown to illustrate various approaches.
1.00pm-1.45pm
Buffet lunch of hot soup, sandwiches and crisps plus juice and mineral water.
1.45pm-2.45pm
A mixed presentation and hands-on session. Energy efficiency is a key environmental consideration in the modern age. This session uses various examples to illustrate how we design buildings using software such as DesignBuilder which allows us to mitigate heat loss whilst also using the best materials and renewable technologies.
2.45pm-4.00pm
Entering the university's state of the art 3D suite we will use 'the wall' to look at various architectural fly-throughs and graphics as one way of experiencing the value of modern technology in assisting with building design.
4.00pm-5.00pm
During archaeological excavation work at Whitehall Roman Villa near Northampton, Roman period roof timbers were discovered in a waterlogged condition. This session makes use of recent analysis of these extremely rare roofing timbers to provide an insight into villa architecture. A significant amount of architectural work is undertaken on historic buildings and this session gives an overview of some famous examples, highlighting key conservation issues.
Open Architectural Technology Day PDF. Requires Acrobat Reader.
