Site Reconnaissance App SRAp
Traditionally, teachers prepare teaching and learning materials and students are passive learners. In this new teaching and learning method, teachers prepare an assignment brief based on information about a local project. Students then use the Site Reconnaissance App (SRAp), a tailor-made smart mobile phone app, for exploring the latest applications of sustainable development for these projects.
When they have conducted their field work, students share and discuss their findings online with classmates. After being reviewed by teachers, the information is uploaded onto a website. A database gradually develops which becomes an essential self-learning tool for students.
This process incorporates three main innovative teaching and learning approaches:
- A new synergy between teachers and students that enhances the educational process.
- The adoption of the latest information technology to facilitate online discussion of fieldwork observations.
- Sustainable development of teaching and learning materials.
These innovative teaching approaches motivate and ignite a passion for knowledge and discovery in the students.
This project was the Merit Award Winner, Innovation in Education and Training Award, CIOB International Innovation and Research Award, 2014.
The Judges said, “The judging panel was impressed with the drive of the award winners in championing this innovation. The panel was especially impressed that the smart mobile phone app had encouraged students to engage more proactively during the learning process. It is hoped that this initiative continues to evolve and spreads across different institutions in Hong Kong and beyond.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.























