Da Escola à Obra, do Projeto à Execução. Relatório de Estágio numa Empresa de Construção Luxemburguesa

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the transition from academic training to the disciplinary practice of architecture, highlighting the importance of practical experience in the education of architects and the relevance of the role of the site manager in project execution. During a six-month internship at a construction company in Luxembourg, I explored how the collaboration between the architect and the site manager can promote harmony and success in project execution, addressing the challenges that arise in the construction site environment. The dissertation begins with a theoretical review of the architectural design process, from the initial stages of the project to its materialization on the construction site. This study is complemented by a historical analysis of the professions involved in civil construction, with a close look at the roles of the architect and the site manager. The research emphasizes the evolution of construction practices and the growing need for closer collaboration between design professionals and construction specialists. During the internship, I had the opportunity to closely follow two specific projects: the construction of an urban maintenance complex and the building of a residential complex. These projects served as case studies, illustrating the complexities and challenges of site management, especially concerning communication between the different teams involved. The dissertation analyzes how a lack of communication and misalignment between the design and construction phases can negatively affect the final quality of the built product. Throughout this experience, it was possible to observe how the site manager acts as an essential link between the architect and the execution teams, ensuring that the project is faithfully implemented as planned. The dissertation explores the skills necessary for this role, including the ability to make quick decisions, manage human and material resources, and resolve conflicts that arise during the construction process. In conclusion, the dissertation emphasizes that practical site experience is crucial for the training of more well-rounded architects, better prepared to face the challenges of the job market. Practical experience allows the architect not only to better understand the limitations and possibilities of construction but also to develop a more integrated and holistic view of the building process. Furthermore, the research suggests that collaboration between the architect and the site manager should be strengthened to ensure the successful execution of projects, proposing that this partnership be one of the fundamental pillars in the education of future architectural professionals.