Seminar Pendidikan Kejuruteraan dan Alam Bina 2007

INTEGRATING ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION NurAkmal Goh Abdullah, Mohammad Fauzi Mohd Zain, Mazlan Mohd Tahir, Mastor Surat and Zabidi Hamzah Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Malaysia 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia akgoth@vlsi.eng.ukm.my

ABSTRACT When the idea of creating a new program to integrate architecture and engineering education in the School of Architecture, National University of Malaysia; i.e. The Architecture Engineering Program - few have asked these questions, what do you intend to produce, an architect or an engineer? What is their position in the public sector? Are they capable of wearing two hats simultaneously or will they be swapping role as architects and engineers? This paper intends to discuss the challenges of integrating both the architecture and engineering education; outlining the differences between architecture and engineering; the potential of the graduate produced and finally the proposal of how this program could be implemented. Integrating both field is not an easy task, especially when it is the first in Malaysia, however it has a big potential to contribute to the diversification of profession in the industries. Key words: Architecture Engineering; integrating architecture and engineering education; the potential.

INTRODUCTION Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings structure (DK Ching) and the built environment; in keeping with aesthetic and functional criteria. Engineering (ABET) is the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, of manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economic of operation and safety to life and property.. Integrating both will make it sound perfect, but definitely is not an easy task. When the idea of creating a new program to integrate architecture and engineering education in the School of Architecture, National University of Malaysia; i.e. The Architecture Engineering Program - few have asked these questions, what do you intend to produce, an architect or an engineer? What is

NurAkmal Goh Abdullah, Mohammad Fauzi Mohd Zain, Mazlan Mohd Tahir, Mastor Surat and Zabidi Hamzah

their position in the public sector? Are they capable of wearing two hats simultaneously or will they be swapping role as architects and engineers?.......... The question is how an employer who is (in the built environment business) looking for an assistant to coordinate projects in an office, would choose between two first degrees holders in the list of candidates? One with the knowledge of pure architecture or engineering; or he/she will choose one that have the knowledge of understanding on both architecture and engineering as their basis of education? And if you are looking for an project architect; would you choose one that has a knowledge of architecture education or one whom has the foundation of Bachelor of Architecture Engineering together with a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture Engineering? This is not a question of greediness. The intent is simply to produce a workforce of tomorrow if we are to achieve a proud developed nation by 2020 that is capable of competing in the global market.

THE DIFFERENCE OF AN ARCHITECT AND AN ENGINEER The difference between an architect and an engineer is that the architects role is a creative, emotional and personal response to the client, project brief & site and conditions, whereas the engineers contribution is inventive. The architect, like the artist, is motivated by personal intuitive considerations whereas the engineer is essentially seeking to transform a problem into the essential properties of structure, material or other technical elements. This distinction between creation and invention is the key to understanding the differences between the engineer and the architect, and how they can both work on the same project but contribute in different ways, without competing with each other. Engineers often use an abstract language and the notation of mathematics to develop their designs, whereas architects employ visual language and graphic notation. Engineering has to be rational, objective, precise straightforward and it has to work. Architecture on the other hand can hide behind false premise, fashion, style, preconceived ideas and symbols. Integrating both field and to clearly define their responsibilities is no doubt a challenge. The potential of Architecture Engineering graduate if the new program is to be implemented in the school of architecture as follows:

THE DIFFERENCES OF ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING FROM ARCHITECTURE In essence, architectural engineering is a discipline concentrating on the analysis, design, and construction of building systems. Architects are directly responsible for the form and appearance of a building, including the way in which people use and experience the spaces of the buildings. Traditionally he/she acts as the leader of the design team, and are thus known as the (prime professional) or superintendent officer. He/She also typically coordinates the efforts of the various engineering and other design consultants for building projects. Before

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1975, architectural engineering graduates concentrate on ensuring the building function and works. However by early 1980s, with the redefinition of the discipline as engineers for building systems, architectural engineering graduates has displayed a high demands and potential in the industries; now that architectural is not merely a personal philosophical and aesthetic pursuit by individuals, but it rather had to consider everyday needs of people and the application of technology to achieve livable environment; furthermore the increased complexity of buildings in terms of its structural systems, services, and integrated information technology and more importantly how the issue of sustainability has lead architects to become more multi-disciplinary. Engineering technology is no longer simply supporting but has becomes an essential knowledge to be acquired in the architectural discipline.

ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING Architecture Engineering Program is not new. It has long been established in countries like the United States of America; Canada, Australia; Korea, Japan, Middle East and Britain. It is define as the skills of many engineering disciplines to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and renovation of buildings while paying attention to their impact on the surrounding environment. Architectural Engineering is also commonly known as building engineering; often called as building system engineering or building services Engineering or similar to some architectural engineering specializations. In some languages, such as Korean; architects is literally translated as architectural engineer. What makes Architecture Engineering different from the other component of engineering disciplines is its appreciation of Architecture. This is what the program of Architecture Engineering in UKM will emphasize. It is designed to produce Architects with a significant knowledge and understanding of the role of engineer in the design process and Building Engineer who have the substantial knowledge and understanding of the role of the architect in the design process. THE POTENTIAL CAREER TITLE Architectural Engineering graduates have tremendous opportunities. A holder of Bachelor in Architecture Engineering is a buildings system engineer; not only in the field of general engineering but also specialize in building systems. They are capable of ensuring building to works. A building is incomplete if it only serves aesthetically but it does not function well. The list of potential career title of an architecture engineering graduate do not stop just here, the followings are other example: 1. Consulting Engineer/Design Engineer/Designer (specializes in building systems); one can be an engineer that designs and specifies building systems,

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analyses problem, or optimizes conditions for a building in an engineering services or architectural engineering firm. In the public sector of Malaysia; one is best fit in the Public Works Department whom is capable of coordinating buildings; there will no longer complaining of why a engineer whom has less knowledge of architecture is leading a projects. In an architectural office, they will best fit as architects assistants (Part I) whom will be capable of coordinating projects, even on first day in the office. As their academic training not only limited to basis technical knowledge for buildings, but also include analysis of the building systems that ensures it to works. A Master of Architecture Engineering (Part II) holder shall be the best candidate of as an architect. Many famous architects like Norman Foster and Calatrava who proves knowledge of engineering in them produces wonderful architecture which turned engineering into a piece of art. Similarly Tadao Ando, a Japanese Architects, with an early education started with architectural engineering background. 2. Structural Engineer (building): analyzes, calculates, and select systems and components for various structures for buildings. ABET recognizes them as engineer with a graduate study, and additional registration exams in structural engineering. 3. Construction Project Manager: they are capable of managing construction of a building project. Their responsibilities can include scheduling of labor trades, material and equipment for the most economical and expeditious construction of buildings. 4. Building Inspector. Employed by Public Agency, they can be responsible for the public interest to inspect building for regulation compliance. These groups of graduates, with specialize studies (elective subjects which incorporated in the syllabus) they are also capable to be the followings:5. Plant/Facilities Engineer: as a liaison person interacting with architects, contractors and engineer in the design and construction of remodeling, additions, and new facilities. One can manage and develop such programs within the plant as energy conservation, preventative maintenance, and retrofits. 6. Sales/Application Engineer: provide technical advice and application of their representative products to the building industrys architects, engineers, and constructors. 7. Construction Estimator: responsible to takeoff material and equipment, and calculating the cost for the construction project plus preparing the necessary documents for the estimate. 8. Electrical Systems Engineer: design and specifies electrical power, lighting, and communication systems for buildings. 9. Electrical Utility Engineer: coordinates new building construction with design engineers, and contractors, and educates customers on conservation and cost saving opportunities while optimizing the loads on the utility. 10. Fire safety/Protection Engineer: designs various types of fire protection systems for buildings.

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11. Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) Engineer: designs the HVAC systems and prepares specifications. 12. Plumbing Engineer: designs the potable water, process fluids, and wastewater systems for the buildings. 13. Professor/Researcher: teaches and performs research (both architecture and building engineering); when completing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) in Engineering or Architecture degree.

THE PROPOSED PROGRAM In order to fulfill both the Architecture and Engineering Boards Requirement; the program is therefore designed based on this outline: Architectural and Engineering Design Cultural Context of Architecture and Engineering Environmental Design, Constructional and Architectural and Engineering Technologies Communication skills Professional Studies and Management Practical Training

The core subject for Bachelor of Architecture Engineering studies is the integrated ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING DESIGN that is designed to fulfill both requirements of architecture and engineering field. The fundamental of first one and halfway years of the training will provide students the essential design tools and skills required for architecture, engineering design and analysis and will be incorporated as early as from 2nd semester of their studies. This shall include structures and building systems analysis, beginning with a simple building to a more complex building in the later year. Final design thesis (mini thesis for bachelor and more complex design thesis for master program) will require students to fulfill both architecture and building engineering analysis. Technical subjects include Building and Material Technology which emphasis on application of the technology. Building Structures and Systems Studies from fundamental requirements to analysis of the systems, which include structures and material mechanics; thermodynamics and heat transfer; environmental studies and others related building systems such as HVAC and fire fighting systems which are included. Environmental awareness and energy conservation will be incorporated in the Design Studio; special lecture series will also be conducted from time to time. Other subjects include cultural and historical studies that is related to the development architecture and engineering; existing and historical building studies that include measured drawings to ensure students learn from the past, both form the point of architecture and engineering. Apart form the visual presentation skills that is essential in the syllabus; verbal communication skills will also be emphasized in the syllabus. Computer

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aided design on drafting and presentation plus related engineering software for building systems analysis are also included in the syllabus. Professional Studies and Management and also entrepreneurship too are included in the 4th year of education. Both architects and engineers code of ethics are essential in the syllabus; management studies that include buildings management; office management; projects management and related subjects. Building Economics and feasibility studies will be conducted by elective subjects. Practical training also included during the years of study. To further enhance of our graduate, industrial design technology and management are included in the 4 years program. The two years of Master in Architecture Engineering program by course will emphasis on design thesis and specialized architecture and engineering studies. It is designed to fulfill the requirement of the board of architects so as to obtain the Part II recognition.

CONCLUSION Architecture Engineering Program is tough, then where to find students whom are capable and technically strong? The next generation of Malaysian with effort and hard work, will be able to do it. This believes has to be strong to achieve.

REFERENCES Margolius Ivan, Architects + Engineers = Structures; Wiley Academy; Great Britain, 2002 Goh. Nurakmal Abdullah; Architecture Engineering Program Proposal, Department of Architecture; Faculty of Engineering; National University of Malaysia; 2005-2007 Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia Architecture Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia - Engineering Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia Architecture Engineering Architecture Engineering Program, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering; Bath University, Bath, United Kingdom Architecture Program, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom Architecture Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

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Royal Institute of British Architects, RIBA Procedures for the Validation of UK Course and Examinations in Architecture, (effective from September 2003) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology Education; ABET Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, (effective for evaluation 2007_2008 & 2008_2009 Accreditation Cycle) Malaysia Board of Architects; Policy and Procedure for Accreditation of Architectural Programmes The International Union of Architects; UIA Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practive

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