A one-day symposium at the University of Ulster is being held this week to raise the profile of architectural technology.

A range of professionals, academics and students will take part in presentations, group activities and networking opportunities during the event on Friday at the Jordanstown campus.

Architectural technology is the science, engineering and technical aspects of architecture, primarily based on the twin principles of designing for production and performance through the use and integration of technology.

In recent years, recognition of the discipline of architectural technology has been gathering momentum in the UK and internationally.

Gareth Alexander, Course Director and Lecturer in Architectural Technology at Ulster and the organiser of the symposium, explained: “Architectural technology – as a discipline in its own right – is becoming more widely recognised.

“The vision of this event is to identify best practice, enterprise and innovation in architectural technology and to stimulate activity that helps spread the message about what architectural technologists do.

“We hope that the symposium will help us to enhance our links with industry and the Further Education sector, as well as bringing an international flavour to our work.”

With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the organisers of the symposium are hoping to stimulate activity to further raise the profile of this area of expertise through the sharing of experiences and opportunities in practice and academia.

The symposium is supported by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) which represents professionals working and studying in the field of architectural technology.

Speakers will include:

Professor Sam Allwinkle (Emeritus Professor at Edinburgh Napier University and Past President of CIAT) - "Architectural Technology – Setting the Context”

Mr Colin Orr (Current President of CIAT and Senior Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton) - "CIAT Perspective – What is the Future of Our Discipline?”

Dr Dave Heesom (Reader in Building Information Modelling (BIM), University of Wolverhampton) -“Benefits of KTP and Feeding the Knowledge Back Into the Curriculum”

Dr James Harty (Copenhagen School of Design & Technology, Denmark) -“Architectural Technology: The Scandinavian Perspective”

The symposium begins on Friday December 7 at 9.30am and concludes at 4pm. For further information or to book a place contact Rosi Browne, r.browne@ulster.ac.uk or Clare Anderson, c.anderson@ulster.ac.uk