Prototyping a web-based Architectural Project Archival System (APAS)

Abstract

Digital communication technology, particularly the Internet, is increasingly being used in the field of architecture as a medium of collaboration. With the Internet, architects can more quickly and conveniently communicate and exchange information with clients and other project team members such as engineers, consultants, and constructors. This new communication option necessitates new information management procedures. Since most architectural drawings are digitally developed, the archival systems in architectural firms have moved from document papers to diskettes and CD-ROMs. Presently, very few firms build databases for their archives and allow members to access these databases by using a web browser. However, the remaining problem is the ongoing tasks of creating and updating the database or project web site for each individual project. Learning to develop and maintain a project web site typically needs time and separate training. This study proposes an Architectural Project Archival System (APAS), a web-based archival system to facilitate project data organization and archiving. A prototype is developed to demonstrate the concept of the system. The system is created by using Active Server Pages (ASP), Database Management System (DBMS), and Internet technology. The main purpose of APAS is to assist architects in organizing and creating a project archive. The system allows the users to view, collect, retrieve, store and edit the data through all phases of a project from programming to construction. In addition, the users can use the system to communicate with other collaborators through APAS by sending an email or posting a message during the working process. The project data includes program, site analysis data, cost estimate, contact information for team members, correspondence, meeting minutes, memoranda, site reports, schedules, drawings, engineering documents and revisions. The design specifications of APAS emphasize the simplicity and efficiency of use, and the security of stored data. By using APAS, a project web site can be created and maintained easily through a standard web browser. The study includes the evaluation of the feasibility, usability and effectiveness of the system.