Architectural Technology

... it gives me great pleasure to support the first everpublication to specifically address the area of research, and inparticular its relationship with practice, in the discipline ofarchitectural technology...not only ground breaking because itis the first book of its kind, but also because it provides at longlast one of the accepted foundations needed to underpin theemerging academic discipline, namely a recognised researchbase. CIAT, in supporting this publication, is aware of the needfor books such as this to sustain the process of research informedpractice, as an aid for both students and those practising withinthe discipline of architectural technology. Norman Wienand MCIAT, Vice President Education, CharteredInstitute of Architectural Technologists Architectural technology is the realisation of architecturethrough the application of building science, forming theconstructive link between the abstract and the physical. Architectural Technology: research and practice demonstratesthe importance of research in architectural technology and aims tostimulate further research and debate by enlightening, informingand challenging readers. Chapter authors address the interplay between research andpractice in the field of architectural technology, examining theinfluence of political, economic, social, environmental andtechnological issues. The focus throughout is on creatingsustainable buildings that are constructed economically andfunction effectively and efficiently within their service lifecycle. The book's mix of chapters and case studies bring togethera number of different themes and provides invaluable insights intothe world of research from the perspective of those working withinthe architectural technology field - practitioners, academics andstudents. The underlying message is that architectural technologyis not just a profession; it is a way of thinking and a way ofacting. This is highlighted by contributions from architects andarchitectural technologists passionate about architecturaltechnology as a field of knowledge. Contributions range from thetheoretical and polemic to the pragmatic and applied, furtherhelping to demonstrate the richness of the field. About the Editor Stephen Emmitt is Professor ofArchitectural Technology at Loughborough University UK and VisitingProfessor of Innovation Sciences at Halmstad University, Sweden anda member of CIAT's Research Group.