What Is The Definition Of Building Technology?

I'm not talking about information technology in buildings, software used to design them, or even new technologies in building systems when I say 'building technology.'

"The art or business of assembling materials into a structure" and "practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area; a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge" are the Merriam Webster definitions for "building" and "technology," respectively. In other words, when I say "knowledge of the technical processes and techniques of assembling buildings," I mean "knowledge of the technical processes and methods of constructing structures."

Understanding building technology is required for drawing accurate construction details, as is recognizing conflicts between the construction papers and the way things are being built onsite. Unfortunately, while understanding building technology is a vital aspect of the profession of architecture, many of today's new designers are lacking in this area.

Many design companies have forgotten fundamental expertise about specifying foundation, roof, and external wall assemblies to fulfill minimal code standards, despite the fact that we hear a lot about new high-performance technology in buildings. An architect cannot correctly prepare construction documentation for submission to authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in order to get a building permit if they do not grasp basic building technology. An architect cannot show a design's constructability or code compliance without first learning basic construction technologies.

The outside wall envelope of all structures must be described in sufficient detail in the construction documentation to assess conformity with this code. Flashing, intersections with different materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or parapets, methods of drainage, water-resistive membrane, and features surrounding apertures should all be included in the construction papers as needed.

A building is not made up of random pieces thrown together; rather, it is built up of interconnected systems and assemblies that work together to ensure its correct operation. The completed building may not be able to protect its occupants from drafts, moisture intrusion, mold, condensation, cold, outside noise, or excessive heat if these components are not carefully selected, specified, and detailed (with the designer taking into account their effects on all other parts of the building).

Drawing construction details is time-consuming, but with more expertise and understanding of building technology, it may become less tiresome and time-consuming. It allows us to create better construction papers and assist in the construction of better structures.

We can't contribute to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program or other high-performance initiatives like the Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC) of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Building Technologies Program if we don't understand basic building technology. High-performance building technology complements, but does not replace, fundamental building technology, much as the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is an overlay to the International Building Code (IBC). Who now is educating architects about this, is the question.

Curricula at architecture schools have grown more design-oriented, and architecture graduates are expected to acquire practically everything else they need to know during their internships. As more experienced, gray-haired architects retire, many of the mentors for interns and young architects are less educated about fundamental building technologies than in the past.

This is a problem that CSI is aware of. "CSI should create a Building Technology Education Program (BTEP) Development Task Team with members from various design, construct, and owner disciplines to create an education program," the institute's Building Technology Education Program Feasibility Task Team recommended to the board this summer. The board endorsed the suggestion based on the results of the BTEP Feasibility Task Team during the CSI Annual Convention in Nashville in September. Paul Simonsen, the team's chair, stated this at the 2013 annual meeting.

The goal of the Building Technology Education Program is to "help the industry by increasing participants' technical expertise." This program will be open to all construction professionals, not only young architects. The more everyone understands that all sections of a structure are interconnected, and that changing one assembly may require changing others, the more effective we may all be in the construction sector.

Granted, CSI chapter gatherings have long provided valuable continuing education, often in the field of construction technology. Building technology education seminars for design/construction professionals are also developed by many other professional organizations and for-profit enterprises. These, on the other hand, all deal with certain issues. So yet, no comprehensive course on fundamental construction technology has been given.

This is where CSI comes in. Its members have a desire to learn as well as information to give. From subgrade preparation to data communications wiring, from pre-design through construction closeout, and on into facilities management for the life of the building, we handle it all.

These attributes of CSI members were reinforced by my experience at CONSTRUCT and the 57th CSI Annual Convention. I was reminded of our skills and need for solutions in an increasingly sophisticated sector during education seminars, on the show floor, and in casual talks between planned sessions. By providing a foundation of fundamental information that anybody may pursue, launching a comprehensive basic Building Technology Education Program can strengthen the building sector.