Graduate architects are first mate in architectural practice when handling building construction projects. They had been authorized to run projects in construction industry due to limited architects in the country. The capability of graduate architect when manage project is critical in reducing performance barriers encountered.  The aim of this paper is to identify the most critical performance barriers faced by graduate architects during project implementation. A systematic literature review of credible sources in different databases, combining selected keywords and terms related to performance barrier, building contract administration, graduate architects etc. has been carried out. A data set of fifty articles has been analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The five most crucial performance barriers identified relate to: caused by external environment factors, poor project documentation management, lack of soft skill, inadequate knowledge of quality and assessment management and shortfall in design management. The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate graduate architects to devise proactive risk mitigation measures to reduce impact of these barriers and improve project delivery. This paper examined the performance barriers faced by graduate architects which is a timely study, as the increasing number of population and developments will provide ample opportunities for them to perform.

PurposeVarious studies have been conducted to explore the factors that are important to be considered for the effectiveness of construction contract administration (CCA) but lack in the context of graduate architects. The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects in CCA and possible methods to enhance their work efficiency through developing the relevant skills in a changing construction environment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper identified the factors that influence the effectiveness of graduate architects in CCA through the quantitative methods. General skill elements that are perceived as essential for the effectiveness of CCA had been investigated through a survey of graduate architects in the construction industry. One hundred and twenty-seven completed questionnaires returned were analyzed and tested using descriptive analysis and relative important index (RII).FindingsThe result from the study showed that the factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects as CCA are building construction skills, design management skills, project management skills, soft skills and dispute resolution skills.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study can be utilized for developing models/tools in the future that would improve the work performance of graduate architects in CCA. Educators may utilize this study to improve their syllabus to cater to the market's demand and facilitate students' entry into the labor market.

Heritage towns in many countries are facing the pressure of redevelopment due to economic needs and also in the name of tourism. It is unfortunate that many a times, the conservation process is separated from development planning cum redevelopment thus destroying the urban fabric. Taiping is one such town that has been identified to be developed for heritage tourism under the Special Area Plan development plan upon its declaration as a Heritage Town in 1999. The Taiping Special Area Plan (TSAP 2010) was launched in 2010 with seven development plans set within the Taiping Town and the Lake Gardens Conservation Zone. The objective of this study is to explore the level and type of change to the façade characteristics of buildings located within Taiping Town Conservation Zone (TTCZ) since the implementation of TSAP 2010 and the conformance of these buildings with change to the TSAP 2010 guidelines. The research adopted a case study strategy with a field survey of the entire building units located within TTCZ followed by a document review of the TSAP 2010 guideline. The TTCZ photo inventory was cross-analysed with archival data to firstly identify the level of change based on a numerical rating scale. The data for building units with change were then analysed further to identify the type of change followed by its adherence to the TSAP 2010 guidelines. The findings revealed that there were changes to the building’s façade characteristics even though the overall magnitude of change was low. The changes were found to be mainly on the shop house typology as opposed to other typologies and the shop houses with changes did not adhere to the TSAP 2010 guidelines. The study concluded that the façade characteristics of building units has changed prior to 2010 and the TSAP 2010 guidelines may have not been implemented fully though this may need to be studied further. Keywords: Special Area Plan (SAP), shop houses, façade characteristics, Taiping, conservation

For future generations, comprehensive pragmatic restoration is very important for preserving and maintaining the nation’s history and heritage monuments. It requires archival documents, rigorous investigation and correct diagnosing of deteriorations before commencing on any restoration interventions. Three case studies from Sudan World Heritage Sites have been selected in order to throw light on pervious restoration problems and the methods employed. Fieldtrips and observations were carried out in addition to interviews with the National Corporation Antiquities and Museum (NCAM) staff and international directors. This article focuses on identifying the methodology needed to alleviate the problems while given more attention in protecting the authenticity aspects of the monuments. The article also seeks to highlight the need for greater awareness of the long-term maintenance of heritage monuments and sites. The study revealed that better awareness and continuous maintenance and capacity building among the local conservationists and leaders could significantly raise the effort to implement authentic restoration and sustaining conservation practice.

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