July 16-17, 2003

Intranets and Extranets for Collaboration and Knowledge Management

As fast as the Internet has grown, private intranets and extranets have grown even faster. Organizations managing projects with multiple participants spread over several time zones have discovered the value of private networks. This course will consider how design firms are using secure Web sites to enhance their private communication within and outside the firm.

In the design business, one key to success is the ability to manage knowledge within the firm and among its partners and consultants. How much time are employees spending searching for information that is within the firm’s knowledge base but not available when needed? How often are problems solved again and again because there is no way to capture, store and reuse existing solutions?

Collaborative technologies such as intranets, instant messaging, electronic white boarding and virtual teaming can enable the flow of firm knowledge and reinforce the blending of intellectual and social capital – but understanding which tools have which effects is critical.

We’ll examine as case studies the intranet deployed by ADD Inc., an architecture, interiors, planning, and graphic design firm headquartered in Cambridge, MA, and the project extranet system developed by the General Services Administration for multi-billion dollar capital construction programs in the DC area.

Participants interested in planning and implementing private networks will learn about the Web development process, security issues, document version tracking, using off-the-shelf versus homegrown systems, and the importance of training and evangelizing to clients, employees, and partners. This class is intended for design firm principals and managers—a basic understanding of personal computing and the design business is all that is required.

Instructor:

Jonathan Cohen, FAIA is a Berkeley architect and the author of Communication and Design with the Internet, a Guide for Architects, Planners, and Building Professionals (WW Norton: 2000.) His architectural projects have won national awards from the AIA and the Urban Land Institute, and his consulting clients include design and planning firms throughout the country. Since 1996, his seminar, “Expanding Your Practice with the Internet,” has introduced thousands of fellow architects to the potential of Web-based design communication. Jonathan is the 2003 Chair of the Technology in Architectural Practice advisory group of the American Institute of Architects.

Guest Speakers:

Stephen Hagan, FAIA, is program manager of the Project Knowledge Center with the US General Services Administration’s National Capital Region. He has worked extensively in the public sector to integrate information technology into programs and projects for multi-billion capital construction programs. Hagan is also involved in the development of a project information system for Public Building Service capital projects nation-wide.

Jerry Laiserin is an architect who develops digital practice strategies for designers, constructors and owners—and the software providers who serve them. He also publishes and edits The LaiserinLetter™, a web/email service that is read in 83 countries and which provides analysis, strategy and opinion for technology leaders in the design business.

Jill Rothenberg, Assoc AIA, is chief technology officer and principal with ADD, Inc., a 165-person firm headquartered in Cambridge. Ms. Rothenberg is chair emeritus of the Technology in Architectural Practice committee of the American Institute of Architects.

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