Blog 1- Database, Network, Sociology, Future (Borrelli, Robert)

Week 2

Robert Borrelli

B1

Database, Network, Sociology, Future

Database [1]

Throughout the span of an architectural project, there are a lot of pieces of information that have to be kept track of. The most important pieces of information include:

• intermediate analysis results during planning and design,
• design documents, including drawings and specifications,
• construction schedules and cost estimates,
• quality control and assurance records,
• chronological files of project correspondence and memorandum,
• construction field activity and inspection logs,
• legal contracts and regulatory documents. [1] 

One of the best ways to organize most of these types of data would be a database. The way that a database is typically used can be described as a relational data model. This can be accomplished by having rows of data, where each column contains a certain relationship to a specific attribute. Databases will become increasingly important as time progresses and processes become more automated. Having an organized bookkeeping system will make it easy on the coders and automated system that the coders plan to implement.

Network [2]

Internet Protocol networks are extremely important for all kinds of buildings. Sensors that automate climate control and security are often connected to a network. Cameras can be connected to the internet so they can be accessed from anywhere in the world and climate control systems can gather real-time climate data from network-connected temperature, pressure and humidity sensors. While this does make buildings a lot easier to manage, it raises some potential threats. Anything that is connected to the internet can be hacked and taken advantage of. This makes it necessary to take cybersecurity measures to keep unauthorized users from having access to the network, cameras and climate control systems.

Sociology [3]

Architectural Sociology tries to explain the impact that architectural design has on people. This is a very important idea that a designer must think about while in the process of designing a building. Their choices have a big impact on how people act and what people do in the space that they design. The design of a building also has to take into account the environment it is being put in to. Sociologists can give extremely important information to an architect in terms of what the community needs now as well as in the future. The author of the article referenced admits that this is a small field and it will likely take a lot of time to make a difference in the architectural field.

Reference:

[1] https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html

[2]

https://www.hpac.com/managing-facilities/understanding-networks-modern-building-automation-systems

[3]

http://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/footnotes/dec02/fn17.html

Comments

To Kunlun Ren (AI, Computer, Software)

It’s very interesting to see how China’s use of AI in the public transportation sector is far ahead of the US. Some of the US rail systems still don’t have swipeable cards to enter a train. China’s use of facial recognition in this field is sure to make public transportation easier, faster and safer for all involved.

To Richard Kimball (Security, AI, Computing)

I completely agree that many people only see the positives to adding more technology and connected devices into our daily lives. If more things become connected to the internet, the value of hacking will only increase as time goes on. Many companies are more focused on making a “smart device” without thinking of the security risks that come along with it. There are a lot of steps that can be taken by the consumer to help protect themselves from a cyber attack, but the majority of the population either doesn’t know there is a risk or don’t have the technological background to prevent it.