Abstract
The professional reality of architects is changing quite radically due to different developments. Contemporary construction projects are more and more often interdisciplinary collaborations. The projects are expected to provide sustainable urban solutions for so-called "wicked problems", such as climate change, mobility, health and the aging society. Addressing wicked problems in construction projects requires expertise from different disciplines. An example of such an interdisciplinary project that relies on close collaboration between various experts is the Dutch 2nd Skin project. This project aims to increase the energy-efficiency of existing structures through the use of modular façade elements that form a second "skin" around the building. The technology is the result of a collaboration between engineers, architects, housing corporations, real estate developers and climatologists.
In Belgium the relationship between the architect, the owner and the constructor is typically represented by a "construction triangle", in which the architect takes the lead. However, as complex construction projects are increasingly based on partnerships with a variety of expertise and interests, the dynamics within this traditional construction triangle have shifted over time. This could ultimately lead to a move from the "construction triangle" towards a kind of "expertise network". Although architects continue to play an important role in those interdisciplinary projects, this "new reality" has a significant impact on the way architects are operating. Nonetheless, key components of the Belgian legal framework for architects have not been adapted to this new reality. Moreover, the literature does not systematically address this issue despite the fact that an academic debate has been launched in Belgium to think about the "Architect in the 21st Century". As this legal framework is currently under revision, this is an excellent moment to take into account the new professional reality of architects and to re-evaluate the legal framework. Therefore, the main objective of the current project is to systematically rethink the role of the architect (Architect 2.0) and to re-evaluate the relevant Belgian legal framework in a more fundamental way. In terms of methodology, we employ a comparative legal analysis (i.e. Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK) combined with qualitative empirical research. At the end of the project, an examination will be made whether it is necessary and appropriate to recommend changes to the Belgian legal framework and/or best practices facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration in design and construction processes.
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