Category: Construction and building

Brighton CCA explores AI visions of a sustainable future

Visitors to Brighton CCA from 27 January to 27 February will have the chance to explore the (quite literally) limitless potential of Artificial Intelligence-rendered art to inspire solutions for a world impacted by climate change and environmental degradation. 

The art will be displayed as part of a free exhibition of AI-generated images which integrate the built environment and the natural world.

Titled SOS: Let’s share our dreams for more sustainable futures and healthier communities, the exhibition is the brainchild of Dr Poorang Piroozfar, a Reader in Architectural Technology and Digital Construction at University of Brighton, and Dr Eric Farr, an Honorary Professor of Architecture and Design at University of Liverpool.

The AI algorithm behind the show has delved into myriad concepts and imagery around ‘green architecture’ to create visions of a startling world where nature is integrated totally into the structure of urban buildings, from houses to skyscrapers.

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Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment
Dr Rotimi Joseph head shot

Meet Dr Rotimi Joseph

Dr Rotimi Joseph is course leader for our Quantity Surveying BSc(Hons) degree. He teaches estimating and quantification of construction works, quantity surveying professional practice, construction risk and financial analysis and advanced quantity surveying professional practice.

The way I like to teach

I am passionate about quantity surveying activities within the wider construction industry framework. My main approach to teaching is using real-life projects in my lectures. This helps students to understand and contextualise what they are being taught and what they read in textbooks. In addition to this, it prepares students’ minds in readiness for various challenges they may encounter in industry. In making it easy for students to understand 2D drawings, when taking-off quantities, I use SketchUp to translate 2D drawing to 3D and enhance learning and understanding. Measurement is one of the core modules on our course, students are taught both manual and automated estimating and quantification of works using industry lead software.

What I love about teaching

What I enjoy most in teaching at undergraduate level is seeing those that have passed through our subject area doing well in the industry. I also enjoy using real life projects in most of my teaching, this gives students the assurance that what they are being taught is very relevant, as they are able to relate with it well, compared to when it is hypothetical scenario.

Our students are also exposed to industry practitioners, providing them guidance on what they can expected as they leave university and integrate into the construction industry.

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Sam McPherson

My career journey

Sam McPherson graduated from Project Management in Construction BSc(Hons) and is now working at MYCO as site manager. He tells us a bit about his experience here.

My family was a big inspiration for university as they pushed me in to making the jump, I’m sure it was mainly so I would finally move out of home. I also had a week with MACE for a learning experience whilst I was at Sixth Form at HACA, they gave me a taste of what it would be like on a tier 1 site and since then I was hooked.

My course was a challenge as at Sixth form I studied Philosophy, sociology and Art, basically the wrong subjects for maths heavy course (to begin with) I didn’t do a placement year and halfway through my second year through to my third year the pandemic happened. I would really recommend my course, it a great step into construction.

My favourite module was the Project Management module and design technology, I enjoy the practice of making your own “project” and bringing it to life. Also Building Environment was a good module as you can understand the subtle reason for why a building is built in a certain way.

I’m currently running a project opposite the i360, we are regenerating a hotel worth £9.6m and bringing it back to life for our client. I’d like to say I’m already in my dream job, but we would have to see!

I chose this field of work as it was the only industry I have ever really be interested in. I’ve always been a hands-on type of person and so the construction industry just fitted with that.

I really like my job because every day is a learning day, and I’m always busy! I’m really proud advancement I have made from being a graduate to a site manager in a year. I’d recommend my career to a new graduate as it’s an experience you’ll never receive anywhere else and there is so much potential to do what you want.

My advice to someone who is thinking of applying for the course is that it will be hard work, but it definitely pays off. Your career is totally dependant on what you want it to be.

My company MYCO has given my a target to become a project manager by the time I’m 26. After that I will try and work my way around the world as managers with my degree are wanted from here all the way to New Zealand which is the goal.

Study Project Management for Construction

Laura RubyLeave a comment
Profile picture of Chris Willetts

Brighton student wins construction industry accolade

Congratulations to Chris Willetts, who’s studying Project Management for Construction BSc(Hons) who took the Outstanding Student Award at an annual construction industry event for London and the South East.

The Bright Futures Student Challenge – run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) – brings together students studying construction-based courses at universities and colleges in London and the South East. This year it challenged students to showcase their skills and knowledge via a presentation to an expert panel, based on a site visit to the ongoing £29m Tribeca mixed-use new build development in London’s Kings Cross.

Chris is currently a second year student and his reward for winning the CIOB’s ‘Outstanding Student’ title for 2022 includes a week of work experience with VolkerFitzpatrick, the company behind the Tribeca development.

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Alexandra Duffy graduation selfie

Loving student and graduate life in Brighton

Alexandra Duffy graduated from our Building Surveying BSc(Hons) in 2018 with first class honours. She’s now working on the Circus Street site in Brighton which is near to completion and set to deliver 142 new homes, 450 student bedrooms and 30,000 sq ft of new office space.

Here Alexandra tells us about her time as student at Brighton and how she came to be working on the Circus Street site, a project that she studied as part of her course!

What made you choose Brighton and this course?

I grew up in Brighton and would not have chosen to do my course anywhere else. I love the city and wanted to be part of the University of Brighton alumni. I originally chose to do a degree in Project Management for Construction, but having shared my first year with other disciplines, I decided a career in Building Surveying was the route I wished to follow.

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Photo of Damilola Ogunbiyi at a lecturn giving a speech

United Nations appoints Brighton graduate

A University of Brighton alumna has been appointed United Nations Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All.

Damilola Ogunbiyi, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, has also been selected as Co-Chair of United Nations-Energy which promotes “coherence within the UN family of organisations in the energy field”.

The appointments were announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Sustainable Energy for All is an international organisation launched by the then Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, to “help mobilize achievement of universal energy access, improve energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable energy”.

The University of Brighton awarded Ms Ogunbiyi a Project Management for Construction BSc(Hons) in 2001 and a Project Management for Construction MSc the following year.

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