Week 2: Learning About the Built Environment

 

How My View Has Changed

Initially, I considered the Built Environment as solo professions operating alone. But in lectures, case studies, and group discussions, I now appreciate how much they are interlinked. For instance, an architect's design has to be usable for engineers, and project managers have to ensure that all this is done in financial limits and regulations. With no collaboration, projects could delay at a steep price or simply fail.

One great eye-opener was how all aspects of the Built Environment are impacted by sustainability. At first, I thought that sustainability is all about renewable energy or less waste. That it goes so much further, however, influencing everything from material choice and city planning through energy efficiency and social justice, was an eye-opener. Urban planners also need to consider minimization of carbon footprint during transportation planning, and construction crews must also look for sustainable materials without compromising durability or expenditure.

Another aspect that changed my perspective was the professional duty of professionals in this field. The decisions taken in the Built Environment have long-term effects on people and the planet. Learning from the mistakes of the past regarding development—e.g., wasteful city planning leading to social segregation—taught me the importance of thinking ahead and making sensible decisions.

My Role in the Project

I provided planning and sustainability advice to the project. I worked with the architects and the construction team to ensure that the sustainable solutions were not only green but also within budget. This opened my eyes to the complexity of sustainability in business.
One of the key challenges I encountered was balancing sustainability and client expectation. Clients generally want cost-effectiveness, and sustainability could be more expensive in the short term. It was necessary to excel at selling long-term benefits like energy cost savings and value added to property.
Additionally, I thought about the importance of community participation. Socially and economically viable projects are more vital than environmentally viable projects. Involving the local people in order to make them know their requirements and issues will make projects highly acceptable and profitable in the long run.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 5 - Building Control process and Building Regulations

 This week, I focused on developing a better understanding of the Building Control process and the importance of complying with Building Regulations . In real estate, especially when dealing with residential development or refurbishment projects , it's crucial to be aware of the legal standards that ensure buildings are safe, accessible, and energy efficient . I learned that Building Control plays a key role from the design stage through to completion , checking that structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, insulation, drainage, and accessibility requirements are met. For a real estate professional, having this knowledge is vital — not just for regulatory compliance, but also when advising clients, developers, or investors about a site’s viability or hidden risks.
Read more

Week 6 AI impacting

we did some AI work.  AI is going to have a big impact on real estate, both good and bad. On the plus side, it can speed up property valuations , streamline market analysis , and improve investment forecasting . AI tools can also help identify property trends , predict market fluctuations , and support more accurate pricing strategies . However, there are also challenges—over-reliance on AI could reduce the need for some traditional roles in property management or agency, and errors in the data could lead to poor investment decisions. While AI improves efficiency, human expertise remains essential for interpreting context, understanding local markets, and making sound judgments that algorithms alone can’t fully manage.
Read more

Week 8: Professional Communication and Report Writing

 This week, I focused on improving my professional communication skills, especially in the context of report writing. As part of the real estate course, being able to clearly present development proposals, feasibility studies, and planning information is just as important as doing the technical research behind them. Working on the Charterhouse Field project helped me realise how much detail needs to be communicated clearly—not just to academic markers, but in real-world practice to clients, local authorities, or planning consultants. I’ve been refining how I structure my reports: starting with clear headings, using bullet points for key data like unit numbers and cost estimates, and making sure any visuals (maps or CAD layouts) are supported with explanations. I also learned that tone and precision matter a lot. Using professional language and avoiding vague statements has improved the quality of my work. This week made me realise that strong communication is a vital part of the ...
Read more