Tag: Technology

To Do in 2017: Take An Online Architecture Course

By Lynda
Ray and Maria Stata Center (MIT) designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry

Every day, technology opens new doors to current and future generations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in education. Video streaming capability allows anyone to “attend” classes at renowned universities, for example.

Harvard Graduation School of Design

One of the most recent examples is an introductory level architecture course from The Harvard Graduate School of Design. “The Architectural Imagination” begins on 23 February 2017, and will be available on edX, the Harvard/MIT-developed platform for “massive open online courses” or MOOCs. It will be taught by Eliot Noyes Professor of Architectural Theory K. Michael Hays, Professor of Architectural History Erika Naginski, and G. Ware Travelstead Professor of the History of Architecture and Technology Antoine Picon.

“Architecture engages a culture’s deepest social values and expresses them in material, aesthetic form,” reads the course description. “In this course, you will learn how to ‘read’ architecture as a cultural expression as well as a technical achievement. Vivid analyses of exemplary buildings from a wide range of historical contexts, coupled with hands-on exercises in drawing and modeling, bring you close to the work of an actual architect or historian.”

Harvard is offering this course for free, though there is a $99 fee required in order to receive a certificate of completion. As indicated by Archdaily, “The Architectural Imagination” is one of several architecture-related courses available on edX. Browse the catalog, and you’ll find others from “institutions including MIT, ETH Zurich, and the University of Tokyo.”

MasterClass

Another fun option for continued learning comes from MasterClass. This private education platform offers a series of video courses with some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. The stated goal of MasterClass is to “give anyone the ability to gain the wisdom and knowledge of the world’s best creators.” Their current roster includes luminaries like Aaron Sorkin (screenwriting), Annie Liebovitz (photography), Dustin Hoffman (acting), Serena Williams (tennis), James Patterson (writing), and Gordon Ramsay (cooking). As of this spring, the great Frank Gehry (architecture) will add his name and skills to the list.

“At 19 years old, Frank Gehry was a truck driver taking sculpture classes at night school,” reads the course introduction. “His vision for what architecture could accomplish went on to reshape our cities’ skylines, and the imaginations of artists and designers around the world. Now this master builder invites you into his never-before-seen model archive for a look into his creative process.”

The MasterClass platform puts students in close touch with their instructors via engaging online classes, interactive assignments, course materials, student community and Q&A. All classes are available online for $90 each.

4 Risk Management Webinars for Design Professionals in 2013

By Lynda

In 2013, Professional Liability insurance provider Victor O. Schinnerer will host independent subject-matter experts for four webinars, all geared toward Architects, Engineers, and other Design Professionals:

Computer-aj_aj_ashton_01.svgEmployment Liability Issues in a Recovering Economy

February 13, 2013, 1:00 – 2:00 pm eastern

Thomas L. McCally, Esq., Carr Maloney, P.C., Washington, DC

Design firms face various types of employment liability issues during the normal course of business. However, the downturn and subsequent recovery of the economy have brought these issues to the forefront of concerns for design firms. An attorney expert in litigating design firm employment practices claims will discuss the issues firms need to recognize as the economy improves and firms prepare to staff-up for the recovery.

Business Models and Financial Opportunities in a Recovering Economy

April 10, 2013, 1:00 – 2:00 pm eastern

Michael O’Brien, ASA, Rusk, O’Brien, Gido + Partners, Washington, DC

From funding sources to procurement procedures, the financial environment for professional services has significantly changed since the pre-recession economy. Both in the public and private sectors, the rules, risks, and routes to financial success are different. Professional services firms need to adjust their business plans to remain viable and to benefit from the opportunities in a recovering economy. Specializing in solving the business management and ownership challenges of consulting firms, our expert will share thoughts on the needs and responses of firms in the new service environment.

Technology Risks for Design Professionals

September 11, 2013, 1:00 – 2:00 pm eastern

David J. Shannon, Esq., Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman, Goggin, Philadelphia, PA

Technology risks associated with the business operations and professional services of design professionals is not new. However, the increased use of building information technologies and collaborative delivery methods, such as integrated project delivery, may increase the exposure of firms to traditional technology risks, as well as introduce new risks. Join our discussion with an attorney expert in technology risks to learn what exposures design firms need to be aware of and how to manage those exposures.

Insurance and Legal Questions for the Collaborative Design Team

October 9, 2013, 1:00 – 2:00 pm eastern

Rebecca H. Farnum, Esq., Thompson & Bowie, LLP, Portland, ME

Building information modeling and integrated project delivery provide a platform through which all members of the design and construction team collaborate. As with all new technologies and delivery methods, there are important questions the collaborating team should ask to identify and respond to legal and insurance issues in the open transfer of information in a contractual arrangement of shared risk and reward. Our expert will discuss what types of questions the team should ask before formally entering a collaborative agreement.

Visit our website to download the full PDF version of the 2013 Victor O. Schinnerer webinar schedule.

Conflicting Trends in the Engineering Industry

By Lynda

School is back in session for Engineering students across the country. So, let’s talk about the future of Engineering. It is one of the oldest fields of study. It is also an industry integral to the everyday workings of our infrastructure. What can we expect of and for our engineers in the next two decades?

Recently, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers released a study on the future of the Mechanical Engineering profession, specifically. The survey included results from 1,200 engineers with a minimum of two years of experience in mechanical engineering-related positions. According to an article in Virtual-Strategy Magazine, “The study also revealed that early career engineers and students will play a major role in meeting global challenges over the next 10-20 years, especially in the areas of sustainability or renewable energy, bioengineering and biomedical fields, nanotechnology, green building technology, energy storage, smart grids and greenhouse gas mitigation.”

Other positive results from the survey showed that over the next 20 years:

  • The prestige of working as an engineer will increase
  • The financial rewards of working as an engineer will be greater
  • The number of engineers working in less-developed countries will be greater
  • The need for engineers to increase their ability to communicate more effectively, increase language skills and manage global teams will increase
  • Skills in motion simulation, animation and virtual prototype creation are needed

This is all great news, both for Engineering students still looking forward to beginning their careers, as well as for those who graduated in recent recession-hobbled years and may have struggled to enter the Engineering workforce.

But there is another trend in the Engineering industry that doesn’t quite jive with this expected uptick in demand, prestige, and reward. Even a cursory review of the enrollment figures for Top Engineering Schools indicates the presence of the problem. Continue reading “Conflicting Trends in the Engineering Industry”