Architecture Commons^™

Building Services Engineering July/August 2026

Building Services Engineering

This issue of Building Services Engineering features heat pumps, propane usage, solar power, and ventilation for indoor air quality. Features include district heating, HVACR optimisation, lift retrofitting, EU water policy, and an interview with WiBSE Ireland Chair Heather Holt.

Building Services Engineering May/June 2026

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

“I Didn’T Know Architects Do This”: Interventions In The Social Reproduction Of The Architect Figure In Ireland., Miriam Delaney

Doctoral

The architect is widely understood as the producer of architectural artefacts: buildings, feasibility studies, drawings, and specifications. However, architects (as a professional collective identity) are themselves produced by the complex matrix of social relations and structural forces in which they act; the architect is as much a product as the architectural artefacts.

This thesis provides a retrospective critical examination of aspects of my work in expanded forms of architectural practice from 2011 to 2021. My Critical Appraisal of this work focuses less on the content or successes of the Outputs, the products of production, and more on their collective contribution …

Build Digital Annual Survey 2025 And Trends & Comparisons 2022 - 2025, Clare Eriksson, Robert Moore, Bilal Succar

Reports

The Build Digital Annual Survey 2025 provides an overview of digital transformation across Ireland’s construction and built environment sector, drawing on responses from 205 participants across industry, government, and academia. The findings show continued sector engagement with digital transformation, driven by government mandates, project benefits, and partner expectations. Common digital deliverables, such as model-based design, documentation, coordination, and clash detection, are now widely used, while more advanced uses linked to operations, sustainability, interoperability, and AI remain less mature. The report also highlights ongoing challenges, including skills gaps, uneven training provision, limited OpenBIM adoption, and inconsistent implementation of ISO 19650 and …

Building Services Engineering March/April 2026

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Information Manager (Bim) Role Profiles, Davitt Lamon, Robert Moore, Stephen Lynam

Reports

This document, Information Manager (BIM) Role Profiles, has been prepared in support of the Irish Government’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) Mandate. It is the result of a collaborative effort between Build Digital, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER), the Infrastructure Division, and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). Its primary purpose is to define the competencies, responsibilities, and experience required for Information Management (BIM) roles to facilitate the successful digital delivery of public works projects. It is important to recognise that under the ISO 19650 series of standards, Information Management is defined as …

Sustainability Tool Inventory, Robert Moore, James O'Donnell

Tools

The purpose of this inventory is to inform Irish organisations, including the private sector, public agencies and semi-states, about Sustainability Tool

Building Services Engineering January/February 2026

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Information Management / Bim Technology Evaluation Methodology, Robert Moore

Tools

This technology evaluation method provides a structured and transparent approach for assessing digital tools that support Information Management and Building Information Modelling (BIM). It establishes consistent criteria for evaluating functionality, interoperability, usability, compliance with standards such as ISO 19650, and alignment with organisational needs. The method supports objective comparison, informed decision-making, and proportionate investment, ensuring that technology acts as an enabler of defined processes rather than a driver in itself. Overall, it helps organisations select and implement technology solutions that are fit for purpose, scalable, and supportive of long-term Information Management / BIM adoption and continuous improvement.

Information Management / Bim Public Sector Adoption Business Case, Robert Moore

Tools

This business case sets out the value of adopting Information Management and BIM in line with ISO 19650 and the Irish CWMF. It shows how a structured approach to managing information across the asset lifecycle can improve collaboration, reduce risk and rework, and deliver measurable returns on investment. Evidence indicates that early adoption delivers the greatest benefit, supporting better cost control, compliance, and long-term asset performance. Overall, Information Management and BIM are positioned as essential enablers for efficient, sustainable, and future-ready delivery of public works

Information Management / Bim Technology Deployment Strategy, Robert Moore

Tools

This technology deployment strategy sets out a coordinated approach for implementing and rolling out digital tools to support Information Management and Building Information Modelling (IM/BIM). It focuses on aligning technology deployment with agreed processes, governance, and user capability, ensuring systems are configured, tested, and adopted effectively. The strategy emphasises phased deployment, risk management, training, and support, enabling organisations to embed technology in a controlled and sustainable manner. Overall, it provides a clear framework for turning selected technologies into reliable, value-adding enablers of consistent, standards-aligned IM/BIM delivery.

Information Management / Bim Private Sector Adoption Business Case, Robert Moore

Tools

This business case sets out the rationale for adopting Information Management and Building Information Modelling (IM/BIM) within the private sector, aligned with ISO 19650. It explains how a structured, standards-based approach to managing information across the project lifecycle can reduce risk, improve coordination, and protect commercial margins by minimising rework, late changes, and delays. The document highlights that early and targeted investment in people, processes, and digital tools delivers the greatest return, supporting faster approvals, clearer decision-making, more competitive bids, and consistent project delivery. Overall, the business case positions IM/BIM as a practical enabler of productivity, resilience, and long-term competitiveness …

Information Management / Bim Adoption Plan, Robert Moore

Tools

This adoption plan translates the Information Management and BIM adoption strategy into a clear, actionable programme of work. It sets out the specific activities, responsibilities, and sequencing required to build capability across people, processes, and technology, supporting consistent implementation in line with ISO 19650 and organisational objectives. The plan enables progress to be managed, monitored, and reviewed over time, ensuring adoption is proportionate, achievable, and aligned with project and business needs. Overall, it provides a practical mechanism for moving from intent to delivery, embedding Information Management and BIM as standard practice within the organisation.

Information Management / Bim Technology Deployment Plan, Robert Moore

Tools

This technology deployment plan sets out the practical steps required to implement and operationalise selected Information Management and BIM (BIM) technologies. It defines activities, responsibilities, sequencing, and dependencies to ensure systems are configured, tested, and adopted in a controlled and coordinated manner. The plan supports effective change management, training, and transition to business-as-usual use, reducing risk and disruption. Overall, it provides a clear, actionable framework for moving from technology selection to consistent, reliable use that supports standards-aligned Information Management / BIM delivery.

Information Management / Bim Adoption Strategy, Robert Moore

Tools

This adoption strategy sets out a structured approach for organisations to plan, govern, and deliver the adoption of Information Management and Building Information Modelling (IM/BIM). It focuses on aligning leadership intent with clear objectives, defined actions, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that people, processes, and technology are developed in a coordinated way. The strategy supports a phased and proportionate approach to adoption, enabling organisations to build capability over time, respond to client and market requirements, and embed continuous improvement. Overall, it provides a clear framework for translating strategic intent into practical, repeatable actions that support consistent, standards-aligned delivery and long-term organisational …

Information Management / Bim Adoption And Implementation Roadmap, Robert Moore

Tools

This roadmap sets out a clear, practical approach for organisations to adopt and implement Information Management and Building Information Modelling (IM/BIM) in line with ISO 19650 and the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF). It provides a phased pathway from early capacity to advanced capability, showing how organisations can progressively build skills, processes, and digital workflows while meeting the requirements of the Irish BIM mandate. The roadmap aligns organisational change with project-level delivery, emphasising the foundations of people, process, and technology, and the importance of collaboration, governance, and continuous improvement. Overall, it supports organisations in moving from basic information management to …

Uniclass Irish Bim Mandate Guide, Robert Moore

Tools

This guidance document provides practical direction on implementing Uniclass within Irish public sector projects to support the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) BIM mandate. It explains how Uniclass, used alongside ISO 19650, IFC, and ICMS, enables consistent classification of information across the asset lifecycle, supporting the creation of a reliable golden thread of data from design through to operation. The document sets out how Uniclass works in practice, clarifying roles and responsibilities, common challenges, and mitigation measures, and includes a worked examples to support consistent application. Overall, the guide positions Uniclass as a key enabler of structured information management, improved …

Building Services Engineering November/December 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Transdisciplinary Perspectives On Ai: The Fourth Annual Conference Of The European Culture And Technology Laboratory, Connell Vaughan, Ioana Madalina Moldovan, Silivan Moldovan, Noel Fitzpatrick

Books/Book Chapters

The fourth annual conference of the ECT Lab+ was hosted by Technical University of Cluj-Napoca over two days in October 2024 at the Cluj Innovation Park. The conference brought together experts from the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Technology, and other fields to discuss and reflect on the advent of Artificial Intelligence and how the associated technologies are transforming how we live, work and study. Under the title Transdisciplinary perspectives on AI: Alternative Histories, Current Practices and Possible Futures the conference moved beyond simplistic technophila and technophobia to consider whether we can co-evolve with these new technologies which combine machine learning …

Pause For Thought – Exploring Ai Error In The Assessment Of Industrial Sustainability Reports, Jake Mooney, Colm Tormey, Cillian Gleeson, Shane Hoban, Dylan Kirby, Christine Nangle

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Building Services Engineering September/October 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of The Evolving Boundary-Spanning Leadership Role Of Architects, Rory Concannon, Roisin Murphy, Oluwasegun Seriki

Articles

Architects form part of multidisciplinary teams in the construction of the built environment. Traditionally they have played a leading role within the construction process, often managing entire projects to completion. In recent years the composition of construction teams have evolved, leading to a perception that the architects leadership role has been diminished. Little is known about the boundary-spanning leadership required by architects, particularly in the light of the evolving roles. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this research reduces this gap by exploring architect’s leadership practices in the context of changing boundaries within the construction team. Our findings reveal six specific competencies …

Building Services Engineering July/August 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Building Services Engineering May/June 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Exploring Bim Capabilities For Life Cycle Assessment In Structural Projects: A Valencian Barraca Case Study For Sustainable Material Choices, Oscar Selfa, Barry Mcauley, Kieran Lakhera O'Shea

Conference Papers

The construction sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation, with structural materials accounting for up to 40% of embedded carbon. This study investigates the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools to promote sustainable structural design. Using a BIM model of a Valencian barraca, three scenarios were evaluated: traditional materials (adobe and wood), concrete with steel, and concrete with Cross- Laminated Timber (CLT). Results show that natural materials generate lower impacts, while steel and concrete exhibit higher emissions. This work proposes a workflow integrating BIM, …

A Design Decision Support Tool To Visualise Embodied Carbon At Early Design Stage, Malachy Mathews Dr, Killian Collins

Conference Papers

As designers increasingly recognise the crucial role of the built environment in combating climate change, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology can become pivotal. BIM offers a transformative approach to design and construction processes through digital models and now data visualisation. With the urgency of addressing embodied carbon emissions in construction, this research aims to develop an automated BIM workflow that enables designers to visualise and mitigate the environmental impact of material selection within domestic construction projects in Ireland and the UK, aligning with national targets for emissions reduction by 2030. Using comprehensive data mapping and digital visualisation …

The Importance Of Optimising Performance Within Retrofit Programmes, Seamus Harrington, Mark Mulville

Conference Papers

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan details a roadmap of measures that seek to achieve net-zero target carbon emissions by 2050. In this context, Ireland has introduced the National Retrofitting Scheme (NRS) which has set a goal of retrofitting c. 30% of existing dwellings to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 by 2030. The route to attaining this rating is dependent on the current specification and configuration of each individual property, therefore it can promote the adoption of retrofit techniques that achieve the required BER rating as opposed to focussing on optimisation of dwelling performance. The pre-cursor to the NRS was …

The World Is A Museum: Creating Digital Museum Guides For Self-Directed Site Visits, Elaine Edmonds

Case studies: Digital Education

Site visits are a core part of learning in most built environment courses, and the context of our professions are all around us in the cities and towns. A lot of Planning and Environment modules rely on site visits for real world experiential learning about complex topics and interactions. There are barriers to these visits, particularly with larger classes and in the context of covid restrictions they became almost impossible. The benefits of site visits include adding psychosensory learning to courses which are largely cognitive, and effective learning, allowing for multimodal teaching and development of the students’ critical assessment skills …

Building Services Engineering March/April 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Icms3 Explainer Infographic, Conor Shaw, James O'Donnell

Tools

International standardisation is important for consistency in climate and financial governance. EU and Irish policy is moving to require Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Life Cycle Carbon Emissions (LCCE) reporting.