1. Architect’s Transforming Role in Projects Realization
Paper presented to the: Author: SAAD A. AL-ZUBAIDI
The First Jordanian International Conference on International Associate, American Institute of
Architecture and Design (JICAD) Architects (AIA), Maryland USA (2013)
Organized by: Assoc. Value Specialist, SAVE – USA (2010)
Jordanian Engineers Association and Jordan Engineers Association, Amman (2005)
Amman Al-Ahliya University Architectural Association, London UK (1971)
Amman, April 29
th
. -30
th
. 2014 Iraqi Engineers Union - Arch. Dept. (1968)
saadazzubaidi@gmail .com
ABSTRACT
Built environment created by “Architects / Urbanists” have – during the past few decades
- faced dramatic changes worldwide, clearly pronounced in regions experiencing rapid
economic and/ or socio-cultural transformation.
Changes were multi-layered; i.e. not limited to “Architectonic” issues of “Form” and
associated technologies, but transcends to the Processes selected for the realization of
projects and Entities performing prime or participatory roles in these processes.
Architect’s role has therefore evolved from the “Personally Stylized” holding signature of
the “Master Builder” who has then orchestrated all design and construction activities;
gradually developed as a “Team Leader” in trans-national A / E firms producing what is
called “Corporate Architecture” in which architects became “Facility Coordinators” in
relatively sizable setups of multidisciplinary firms.
Industry moved into architects’ design studios, prefabrication embossed most of building
elements and components, especially in external envelopes. In global practices,
“Iconic” designs generated by Starchitects have characterized the architectural scene,
not only in published works of critics but also in the skyline of metro and cosmopolitans.
Coupled with this, processes followed have witnessed major transformation in “Project
Delivery” from the conventional “Design-Bid-Build” which demonstrated substantial
interaction between architects and clients –as an end user - , to Fast Tracking through
“Design-Build”, “Turn-Key” and “BOT” in which clients are not necessarily the end users.
Architects, therefore, became part of the contractors/ construction managers/ program
managers or consultants’ setup.
Clients have transformed from being beneficiaries to investors, and in some cases they
became the general contractor.
Stakeholders (i.e. consultants, contractors and their subs, vendors, financers and
investors) have – in many cases - formulated a relatively complex, interactive,
multidimensional organization model within which architects roles are to actively create/
operate/ coordinate and participate in such a multi-faceted matrix of loyalties, obligations
and responsibilities.