SYNTAX: brand, information and digital architects

Upcoming Event: The Internet and Architectural and Engineering Practices: From Web Sites to E-Business

WORKSHOP | 15-19 September 2002
A 12-hour interactive workshop organized by the Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE) and Syntax.

Introduction:
The Internet is fast becoming an integral tool for business in every field. Beyond email, companies are using the Internet and the web to market themselves, and as a tool for communication and collaboration inside their organizations as well as with their clients, suppliers, and partners.

This workshop aims at introducing participants to the potential of the Internet and the web as a tool in architectural and engineering practices. It examines the role of a company's web presence in projecting the identity of an architectural office to clients, partners, employees, and the general public. The workshop also examines the web site as a tool for marketing and public relations. It also discusses the web as a medium that facilitates administrative and communication tasks between members of the architectural/engineering office as well as between the office and its clients and associates, thus introducing the concept of e-business in the context of architectural and engineering practice.

With the aim of exploring the different types of web sites, e-business terminology, and introducing participants to an orderly process for the development of web sites, the workshop will address the technical and logistical requirements of setting up and managing a web site. It also will discuss criteria for assessing a web site from the functional as well as visual perspectives. Moreover, the workshop will present various technology, design, and managerial aspects that need to be taken into consideration for managing, maintaining, and developing a professional web presence.

It should be kept in mind, however, that this workshop is not intended to provide technical training relating to html programming or the use of computer graphics programs.

Course instructor:
The workshop will be conducted by Mr. Ahmad Humeid , the cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Syntax.

Schedule:
The workshop will consist of 12 contact hours that will take place from 4 to 8:30 PM (4 hours of instruction and a half-hour break) on the three following days: Sunday, September 15; Tuesday, September 17; and Thursday, September 19.

Location:
Syntax offices, Wadi Saqra Street, Amman.

Registration fees:
120 JD (110 for Friends of CSBE; one discount per friend) and 90 JD for students. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis, and will be limited to 25 persons in order to ensure an intimate learning and interaction atmosphere.

Certificate of Attendance:
CSBE and Syntax will issue a certificate of attendance for the participants who attend the full workshop.

If you have any inquiries, or would like to register for the workshop, please contact CSBE by email at news@csbe.org or by telephone at 461 5297.

Course outline

Introduction to workshop

Audience knowledge assessment through questions

The Internet
The web
TCP/IP communication protocol
Domain names
Hosting
ISPs
Dialup, leased lines, ISDN, ADSL
Browsers
Email
Instant messaging (IM)
FTP

The Internet as an information source

Using search engines properly

Architectural portals and sites

Archnet
Architecture.com
Akropolis
AIA
CSBE Links section

The Internet as a recruiting and job finding tool

E-readiness assessment of an organization

Technical infrastructure

PC usage
Networking
Internet connectivity
Email usage
Web site

Productivity software

Office
CAD
MS Project/Primavera
Accounting

Administrative infrastructure

Who has email?
Who has web access?
Do you use chatting/instant messaging?
Data security
Backups

Why do I need a web site

I will start getting clients from the US
The Internet is just an advertising tool
It's just for "prestige"
Building a web site is too costly
My clients don't use the Internet

Types of web sites

Personal home page/resume site
Corporate site (vary in size and sophistication)
Portals/destinations

Web site development

The development process of a web site

Discover
Define
Design
Develop
Maintain

Visitor statistics and counters

Search engine promotion

Web site strategies and concepts

First generation web sites

Second generation web sites

Third generation web sites

User/Customer-centric web strategy

Putting your customers/users first
Engaging in a dialogue with users
Creating a living site
Appropriate writing for the web

Selected ideas from David Siegel's books (leading web consultant)

Web sites for architectural companies: Useful ideas

The web site as a recruiting tool

The web site as a public relations and press resource

Structuring your portfolio

Dealing with photography

Using PDFs for plans and drawings

Using Flash elements

QuickTime 3D panoramic views

Branding/identity issues

The web forces you to think about your brand

Corporate identity (what is it?)

Corporate design

Usability issues

Let's get rid of the spinning logos!

Information design

Interaction design

Technical limitations

Selections from 37signals.com (leading usability consultants)

Selections from Norman Nielsen Group (leading usability gurus)

Maintenance issues

Technical support

HLW
SOM
Morphosis
RTKL
Dar Al Omran
Dar Al Handaseh

What is e-business?

Beyond "brochureware"

Useful functions

Database driven sites (dynamic)

Content management

Directories and other databases

What is an Intranet?

Examples of simple Intranet functions

Time tracking
Contact management
Project management

What is an extranet?

Examples of simple Extranet functions

Client presentations
Client/Vendor communication
Collaboration

Collaborative applications

Cosential
Ostara
Autodesk Project point

Transactional web sites/E-commerce

A future perspective

Global trends
Local and regional trends

Syntax corporate profile
Syntax (www.syntaxdigital.com) is a strategic design and digital solutions company that works with clients on issues of branding, identity creation, and communication. It has worked with a wide range of local, regional, and international clients ranging from start-ups to established corporations. Syntax provides the following services:

Company/product naming
Logo and stationary design
Corporate design manuals
Packaging design

Publications/magazine design
Annual reports/corporate profiles
Signage systems
Exhibition and installation design

Web design and development
eCommerce/eBusiness consulting
Software user interface design
2D/3D animation
Multimedia solutions
Digital video design
Technology implementation and management

The client list for Syntax has included the following:

Office of Her Majesty Queen Rania
Khalid Shoman Memorial Site
Jordan Cement
Spafax Publishing/Royal Wings
Royal Jordanian
Maktoob.com
Javna Wireless Software Solutions
Mozaiic.com
ONEWORLD Software Solutions Inc.
Pharmactives.com
The German Embassy in Amman
Friedrich Naumann Foundation
Konrad Adenauer Foundation
GTZ (German Technical Cooperation Agency)
EJADA (Euro Jordanian Action for the Development of Enterprise)
AMIR (Achievement of Market-Friendly Initiatives and Results Program)
UNDP (United Nations Development Program)
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)
UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women)

Biographical sketch for course instructor
Ahmad Humeid is the cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Syntax. He studied architecture at the University of Jordan. Before starting Syntax, he was the Creative Director of BYTE Middle East and Popular Science Middle East. He also is a founding member of Arabia On Line, a pioneering internet online service in the region.