UK3568
**TECHNOLOGIES 2: CONSTRUCTION**
**Assignment C1: BUILDING SIGHTS / SITES**
**Learning about construction by observing the construction process.**
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### Detailed Brief
**Part 1 – Week 1: Site Visits and Observations**
1. **Site Visits:**
- Go for a walk and visit at least two and a maximum of four construction sites.
- Observe, record, and attempt to interpret what you see.
- Sites can be chosen from the suggested locations in and around Manchester or from your own discoveries.
- Record your observations with sketches. These sketches should capture key construction techniques and processes.
**Part 2 – Week 2: Compilation of Observations**
2. **Report Compilation:**
- Compile your sketches and observations into a brief report of 2-4 A3 landscape format pages.
- For each building site visited, provide the following observations with annotated sketches and separate notes:
a. **Site Information:**
- Location of the construction site.
- Name of the architect, builder, client (if available).
- Purpose of the completed building (e.g., apartments, offices, hotel, etc.).
b. **Structural System:**
- Primary structural system (e.g., RC frame, steel frame).
- Features such as slab type (flat, composite, precast), presence of shear walls/cores, and bracing.
c. **Cladding Materials:**
- Materials used in the cladding of the building (e.g., brickwork, stone, precast concrete panels, metal panels).
- Materials used in window frames or other glazing areas.
- If no cladding is present, speculate based on online images or information.
d. **Envelope Type and Build-Up:**
- Description of the envelope type and its layers (e.g., secondary lightweight metal infill frame, sheathing layer, breathable membrane, insulation).
- For single-layer envelopes, identify the system type (e.g., aluminum-framed curtain walling with double or triple glazing).
e. **Prefabricated Construction Techniques:**
- Evidence of prefabricated construction techniques such as unitized curtain walling.
f. **Sustainable Building Materials and Techniques:**
- Evidence of sustainable building materials and techniques (e.g., timber, non-plastics based insulation).
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### Submission Requirements and Tips
1. **Sketches:**
- Identify the techniques observed on your sketches. You can speculate about hidden layers.
- Use freehand sketching with a pencil/pen on paper or a stylus with sketching apps.
- Avoid using CAD or modeling software. Limit the use of photographs to one or two thumbnails.
2. **Report Content:**
- If cladding is not present, state what you think it will be based on available information.
- Check local authority planning application search systems for more information.
3. **Group Work:**
- This assignment is to be carried out individually. You may tour the sites in groups for mutual encouragement and safety but do not include others' work in your submission.
4. **Submission Deadline:**
- Submit your assignment in PDF format to Moodle before noon on the Tuesday following the lecture in which the assignment was set.
5. **Safety Considerations:**
- Do not enter construction sites and be cautious around busy roads.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.
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### Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate:
1. **Understanding of Structural Design and Constructional Problems:**
- Investigation, critical appraisal, and selection of alternative structural, constructional, and material systems relevant to architectural design.
2. **Additional Benefits:**
- Test your understanding of construction technology in the real world.
- Develop observational and field sketching skills.
- Enjoy an exploratory walk around recent building projects.
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**Assignment Submission:**
- Compile your assignments into a Technology Case File and submit as a single PDF to the Moodle area "2CWK50-2 Portfolio (Tech) 50% (1D5Z0108_2324_9Z1F)" by the deadline of 12th January 2024.
- Upload for weekly feedback before the next lecture to receive Q+A and feedback.
**Suggested Locations (Optional):**
- No.3 Circle Square, Manchester
- Crown Street, Manchester
- Weir Mill, Stockport
- Regent Plaza, Manchester
- New Bailey, Salford
- Pavilion Wharf, Manchester
- Stockport Interchange
- Greenhaus, Salford