Architectural technology, wellbeing and COVID-19
Rendering of Camp Nou, which was discussed during the evening.
[edit] Introduction
On 17 June 2020, the annual Ulster University TALK AT and End of Year Show was held online.
Host David Comiskey announced the award winning graduating students from the university’s Architectural Technology and Management programme. Recognising the potential of these outstanding students, David said they were akin to “modern day master builders” based on the quality of their work.
[edit] Positive perspectives
After the first series of winners was announced, David introduced the speakers, who shared their thoughts on the subject of architectural technology, wellbeing and COVID-19.
The first presenter was Mel McGerr MCIAT, Director at MMA Architects. Mel spoke about the role of health and wellbeing in architecture. He discussed how workspaces will be reimagined due to changes in corporate culture and stressed the importance of bringing nature into the workplace.
Mel’s presentation was followed by an informal, but informative conversation between David and motivational speaker Enda McNulty who chatted about the importance of wellness and resilience, particularly during such a challenging time for young graduates. Enda, who is CEO at McNulty Performance, is also a successful author. He is perhaps best known as a Gaelic footballer, winning seven Ulster titles, a National League and an All-Ireland title.
Now a sports psychologist, Enda works with high profile sports organisations and professionals and has advised a number of young athletes and rugby players. In the current environment, he advised attendees to focus on the importance of daily rituals and gratitude. He acknowledged the significance of embracing technology and made the recommendation to prioritise “smart work, not hard work”. Based on comments during the question and answer session, Enda’s ideas and advice were well received by many of the students who participated in the virtual event.
The next speaker was Eddie Weir, President of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, who mentioned the unanticipated but welcome growth in membership the organisation has experienced during the pandemic. He also said architectural technologists were in a position to be significant contributors to the new way of working, particularly when included at the early stages of the project process.
Finally, Jordi Armada Soler shared a detailed update on the progress of the massive Espai Barça redevelopment. When completed, the project will include FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium (expected to be the largest in the world) along with three other sports structures. The redevelopment will also include additional parking and extensive infrastructure projects that will be integrated into the surrounding Les Corts neighbourhood. The renderings he shared during the presentation (like the one included with this article) received high praise from the audience.
Jordi explained how work on the complex Camp Nou stadium could only move forward during the off season, which has had a major impact on its progress. In addition to delays caused by COVID-19, various external factors have resulted in complications, but plans for the project are still expected to move forward.
Work from graduating students in the Ulster University Architectural Technology and Management programme were displayed after the question and answer session concluded. Included in the showcase was a series of rapid research presentations covering a range of topics including generative design, biophilic design, tiny homes, cavity barriers and passive fire protection, modular construction for social housing and the £100K house.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural education.
- Architectural technician.
- Architectural technologist.
- Architectural technologist - delineation of roles.
- Changing attitudes towards the mental wellbeing of early career Architectural Technology professionals.
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
- Karyn Williams Woman Architectural Technologist of the Year 2019.
- School of Architectural Technology.
Featured articles and news
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.
The pace of heating change; BSRIA market intelligence
Electric Dreams, Boiler Realities.
New President of ECA announced
Ruth Devine MBE becomes the 112th President of the Electrical Contractors Association.
New CIAT Professional Standards Competency Framework
Supercedes the 2019 Professional Standards Framework from 1 May 2025.
Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds
Free exhibition at the RIBA Architecture Gallery until 31 May.
PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Contracts
Published following consultation and influence from ECA.
Designing Buildings reaches 20,000 articles
We take a look back at some of the stranger contributions.
Lessons learned from other industries.
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.