Construction projects within higher learning institutions require approval from several parties since there are always conflicting interests. The proposal to build a big shopping mall in the University City of Sharjah is part of the plans of the government of the UAE to increase infrastructural development in the learning institutions that can benefit the students, local residents, and the extended faculty. Since the American University of Sharjah is located in the outskirt of the Sharjah city, there has been a concern on inconveniences as a result of the lack of a convenient and strategically located mall to serve the need of on-campus living students. This reason formed the rationale for the proposed mall within the University City of Sharjah.
The underlying scope of the mall construction proposal was to provide affordable, convenient, and diverse shopping experiences for different products and services such as restaurants, cinema, health clubs (spa and massage parlor), accommodation hotel for visiting relative of the students, fast food courts, and a sports arena. Besides, the construction of the mall within University City of Sharjah was seen as being economically viable since its customer catchment area was expansive beyond the students and faculty members since there are several residential estates surrounding the American University of Sharjah. Thus, this report will review the perception of the students of the American University of Sharjah on the proposed mall through an online focused group survey. The paper will then analyze the findings and make recommendations to the committee of the proposed mall construction.
Background of study
There are several higher learning institutions spread across the University City of Sharjah. The education complex city covers an area equivalent to six and a half square kilometers and is located almost twelve kilometers from the center of the city of Sharjah. Among the notable learning institutions in the region include the University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Police Academy, and Skyline College among others. These institutions provide on-campus living for students and faculty members (TEN Education, 2014).
The American University of Sharjah is the largest learning institution in the University City of Sharjah and enrolls students from multicultural groups since it follows the US learning system. At the beginning of the 2014 intake, the American University of Sharjah enrolled more than 5000 students from across the globe (American University of Sharjah, 2014). Within this population, 39% of the students are provided with the on-campus living facilities and accommodation. Besides, the accommodation services are extended to the American University of Sharjah’s faculty members who are more than 400 (AUS-Fast Facts, 2014).
Research methodology
In order to establish the perceptions of the students of the American University of Sharjah on the proposed construction of a shopping mall within the University City of Sharjah, I opted for online focused group survey. I forwarded the survey questionnaire to 41 participants via their emails. The study opted for open and close-ended online questionnaire in data collection. The sample was chosen randomly across different year of study, ages, gender, and other responsibility within the American University of Sharjah. The online survey research was conducted over a period of one week.
Summary of the response statistics gathered
The online-based research survey engaged 41 respondents. The response rate was recorded at 100% since all the survey forms were returned. 80.49% of the respondents were females while 19.51% were males. The respondents across the freshman, sophomore, senior and junior students were well distributed with each group representing more or less similar percentage.
Research Findings and Discussion
Apparently, the proposal to construct a large mall within the University City of Sharjah received approval and disapproval rates of 87.8% and 7.32% among students of the American University of Sharjah, respectively. Only 4.88% of the respondents were unsure as indicated in appendix 2. The responses from the respondents who supported the proposed construction of a mall indicated a lot of excitement as a result of opportunities that the project will present to them. The 87.8% approval rate is a clear indication that the respondents were keenly looking forward to the actual shopping experience that guarantees convenience, variety, and wellbeing through the numerous health clubs that such projects bring. For instance, a respondent noted that “the mall would be a solution to the current challenge of shopping very far away”. Most of the respondents indicated that the inconvenience of driving or boarding a taxi to go shop more that 11 kilometers away would be a thing of the past should the proposed project become a reality.
In response to the question of the likelihood of the relatives of the students to seek accommodation at the hotel in the mall, 19.51% of the respondents indicated that it was very likely while 34.15% of the respondents indicated a ‘maybe’ response. However, 12.20% of the respondents were unsure with 34.15% indicating highly unlikely. A respondent noted that her parents “already live within the neighborhood”. Most of the respondents indicated that their visiting relatives have friends who can accommodate them within Sharjah. Besides, some of the respondents noted that they live within the region of Sharjah as indicated in appendix 4.
In answering the question on the type of retail outlets that the respondents would prefer to be available at the mall, restaurants got the highest rating of 8.32 followed by a fashion outlet. Coffee shops, cosmetics, entertainment, supermarket, bookstore, and jewelry followed in the same sequence. Apart from one respondent who skipped the question on fashion brand, the rest of the respondents recommended the Zara fashion brand (score of 5.92) as the most preferred if fashion stores will be within the mall. This was followed by Mango, Forever 21, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Nike, and Addidas in the same sequence as indicated in appendix 5.
In raking the preferred restaurant in the proposed mall, 40 responses were recorded. The most preferred restaurant was the PF Changs (4.15) followed by Vapiano (4.00), and Texas Roadhouse (3.95). The preferential rates of the rest of the restaurant brands were 3.0 for the Leila, 3.52 for the Cheesecake Factory, and 2.44 for the Al Forno as indicated in appendix 7. In answering question 6, which requested for ranking of different retailers, according to preferred jewelry at the mall, 39 responses were gathered. Chopard brand has the highest rating of 5.08 while the Mont Blanc has the least rating of 2.78 as indicated in appendix 6.
In terms of the number of possible visits to the proposed mall, 10 respondents indicated that they would visit the mall at least 2 times per week. Eight respondents indicated that they would visit the mall at least once per week while six respondents in two categories indicated that they would visit the mall at least thrice and five times per week, respectively. 17.07% and 9.76% of the respondents indicated that they would visit the restaurant at least four times and six times per week, respectively. This is summarized in appendix 8.
In responding to the question on the possibilities of distractions by the proposed mall, the responses of 34.15% of the sample population were ‘yes’ while 39.02% of the sample population were ‘no’. However, 26.83% were ‘unsure’. The negative response was supported by arguments such as increased traffic and disruption of study due to increased mall activities as indicated in appendix 9. One of the respondents stated one of the obstructions as “students will focus less on their studies”.
Comparative analysis
The Matajer Al Juraina is a relatively smaller shopping center within the University City of Sharjah. The center has several food outlets, supermarket, and entertainment services. The center covers 4000 square meters (Matajer, 2014). Therefore, the proposed mall would directly interfere with the business activities at the Matajer Al Juraina. However, the center lacks several services such as health clubs, fashion centers, and accommodation facilities, which the proposed mall will provide as noted by the students of the American University of Sharjah.
Benefits of the proposed mall
Among the benefits identified by the respondents included variety of services, convenient shopping since the mall will be within the University City of Sharjah, and better wellbeing as a result of the healthy food clubs and a sporting arena, which will be in the mall. Besides, the respondents identified the accommodating services at the mall as beneficial to their visiting relatives who had to travel twelve kilometers to seek accommodation. Moreover, the respondents noted that they will save a lot of time which was previously spent driving up to 12 kilometers away to do shopping. In addition, the respondents were optimistic that the prices in the mall will be friendly.
Recommendations
From the research findings, there is a need to ensure that the prices and quality of services at the mall are friendly to the students since this group fall in the low disposal income bracket. Besides, the entertainment services at the mall should be regulated in terms of time and frequency to enable the student to balance between entertainment and studies. Lastly, in order to regulate the possible disruption of studies, the proposed mall should not be located within the premises of the university.
Conclusion
Although the majority of the students supported the proposed mall, there is need to observe the above recommendations to ensure that the negative impacts of the project are minimized. Besides, there is need to observe the religious and cultural values of the University City of Sharjah in terms of design, services, location, and friendliness.
References
American University of Sharjah. (2014). Performance indicators. Web.
AUS-Fast Facts. (2014). Aus education. Web.
TEN Education. (2014). Dubai knowledge village. Web.
Building a stadium generally requires the assessment of numerous factors and principles that form the architectural environment of the object. These factors define the safety of the construction, suitability of the object for the entire landscape as well as demand for the object within the population. The aim of this paper is to assess the building scenario for a stadium and review the factors that will be addressed and how they are significant to this project.
Environmental Assessment
In fact, this may be regarded as the key factor for the assessment, as the environment creates the basic conditions for calculating the building parameters of the stadium. Hence, the factors that need to be considered involve the physical parameters of the soil: humidity, stability, shakiness, and seismologic stability of the soil. These factors define the durability parameters for the construction, and, considering the fact that a few thousand people may attend the object, safety parameters need to be considered. Soil parameters are required for defining the type of foundation, walls, and bridging, especially if the building is multi-storied. In accordance with Emery, Greene et.al., (2006,p. 341), the following statement needs to be considered:
The topography of the land is classified as a plane or a site with a slope. If the site of the structure is on a hill slope, extra precautions are taken to allow the natural flow of rainwater that the structure might block. Depending upon the quality of land surface the construction technology will change.
The next factor is the air and atmosphere parameters. Air humidity and saltiness may increase corrosion and erosion, consequently, the durability and anti-corrosion covering needs to be considered. Wind rose (direction) is crucial for creating the interiors of the building, as the construction should be enforced which inevitably impacts the exterior and interior of the building. Precipitation level and temperature regime of the environment will be required for defining physical and chemical parameters of the materials that will be used for construction. In general, climatic factors are also helpful for assessing the energy consumption parameters of the building, hence, they should be assessed and included in overall calculations.
The amount of direct sunlight is the factor that defines the energy consumption parameters. As a rule, the northern part of any building is less lit in comparison with the southern, hence, plane glass needs to be used for saving energy for heating and lighting. Air temperature is another energy consumption factor. As it is stated in Koch and Siegesmund (2004, p. 357):
External temperature directly affects the comfort level of internal spaces. Since external walls act as a “buffer” between internal and external climate, it is necessary to use the right construction material for walls. Depending upon the wall material the internal finishes also have limitations. This is especially true for structures that face extreme climatic ups and downs.
Additionally, these parameters will be crucial for sanitary inspection of the building, as increased humidity and salinity rates will stimulate bacteria and mold development. Consequently, proper ventilation needs to be created.
Demographic and Ecological Parameters
These factors will define the comfort aspects of the building for the population. Hence, the building will inevitably cause increased noise levels, necessity to dispose of garbage and building wastes. Construction will, probably, shield access of the sun rays to particular homes, hence, this aspect should be coordinated with municipalities. The noise pollution aspects should be used for creating a strict timeline of construction works. Additionally, the clearly stated ecological parameters will help to avoid conflicts with ecological services, like polymers, various types of plastics, phenols and other materials that may cause pollution of the environment, which may affect the entire public health system. (Baade, 2001)
The building of a stadium will inevitably change the outlook of the district in general, as well as the transportation character along with a city. This is explained by the fact that the stadium will attract numerous sports fans and sportsmen for the time of competition or matches, hence, the construction will inevitably affect the transportation infrastructure of the district. This will require an extension of the transportation opportunities such as increase of highway junctions, creation of additional subway stations (if there is a subway in the district), and improvement of the traffic regulation principles and creation of several hundred parking places.
These will worsen the ecological parameters of the region, as increased CO2 emissions, as well as noise pollution, will be crucial for the people who live nearby. They should be offered compensation, or a dwelling alternative in order to avoid sues and moral compensations for increased headaches worsened sleep, and depressions.
Conclusion
Stadium building is a large-scale project, hence, numerous factors need to be considered while assessing the construction project. These are ecological factors that define the ecologic safety parameters of the construction materials. Climatic factors are crucial for creating the architectural project, including energy-saving principles and sanitation aspects. As for the matters of soil and geographic location, consideration of these factors will be crucial for calculating the basement parameters, as well as the durability of the construction.
References
Baade, R. (2001) Professional Sports and Catalysts for Metropolitan Economic Development.” Journal of Urban Affairs 18: 1.
Emery, P., Greene, C., Smith, A., Turner, P., & Westerbeek, H. (2006). Managing Sport Facilities and Major Events. NY: Routledge.
Koch A. & Siegesmund S. (2004). The Combined Effect of Moisture and Temperature on the Anomalous Expansion Behavior of Construction Materials: Environmental Geology.
There are several considerations that must be made before any building is set up. Chandler et al. (2010) state that, “buildings should have links with the neighborhood, create room for several means of transportation and provide diverse different types of houses.” These are some of the key factors that cannot be overlooked while developing a building plan. In this study, we shall focus on Guy’s Hospital building by discussing how people move around it, how they interact with the building, how spaces within the building are used and how it relates to change in the modern world, to understand several considerations that must be made while designing a hospital building.
A Description of Guy’s Hospital Building
Guy’s Hospital is located in South East London (Brown, 1863). According to Brown (1863), “this hospital has the tallest hospital building in the world and the eleventh tallest building in London.” Stuart (1906) notes that “the initial building at the Guy’s Hospital was a courtyard facing St Thomas street, with a hall in the Eastside, care wards, counting houses, a matrons houses, a surgeon’s house and a chapel on the Westside. These were the original parts of the hospital, which are recently used for accommodation and administrative functions (Stuart, 1906). The location of this building concurs with Chandler et al. (2010) argument that a public building should be built at a place that is surrounded by a high population density.
Stuart (1906) notes that, “Guy’s Hospital has nineteen buildings which are inter-connected and are used to offer public medical services, teaching, research, and hostels for learners and that he building is linked to the Thomas Street.” This agrees with Chandler et al. (2010) that, “buildings should have connections with the outer world.”
Okada (2006) notes that “the original building at Guy’s Hospital consisted of two squares with their intervening colonnade which followed the medieval monastic design.” Brigg (1906) notes that “although the hospital has been altered and reconstructed several times, it has retained these three essential features, the front quadrangle, the façade, and the colonnade.” This agrees with Chandler et al. (2010) that, “a building should be designed in a way that is conspicuous to capture attention from a distance.”Okada (2006) notes that, “the original building and the new are well merged showing little difference though constructed at different and that this can be attributed to knowledge and tendency of the Britons to maintain the architectural past.”
How Spaces within the Building are used
Brigg (1906) notes that “the top floors of Guy’s tower are used as a dental school for students of King’s college while the lower floors are used as medical departments.”Stuart (1906) also notes that “the colonnade is made up of grey stone with an arch on top, and with some old lanterns hanging making it to resemble a monastery colonnade and it leads to the medical school.” Brigg (1906) explains that, “you will find learners and their instructors moving to the laboratories for practical sessions and come across several notice boards that carry advertisements concerning conferences in medicine, meetings, and courses as well as general advertisements in this area.” Okada (2006) also notes that “in this area, on each side of the colonnade are located two smaller inner quadrangles which serve as areas for relaxing and this is where you will find the medical school.” Okada (2006) explains that, “the medical school was established formally in 1825, though students were taught in Guy’s Hospital soon after it was opened in the year 1726.” Steel (1865) notes, “Inside the building of the medical school, there exist slim corridors with many bends.”
Next to the medical school is the library. Okada (2006) notes that “this library was established in the year 1903 and the furniture in the library is not modern at all and that up from the library, there lies the Gordon museum.” Okada (2006) notes that “the Gordon Museum was established in the year 1905 and contains pathological specimens which were prepared by Cooper for his lectures.”
Steel (1865) notes that “the ground floor is reserved especially for the weekly reception of in-patients and daily examination of out-patients, and comprises on one side a spacious central hall, with two large waiting rooms to the right and left on the entrance, appropriated respectively for medical and surgical cases.”
Okada (2006) also notes that “there is a big wall in the waiting room which divides the building into different parts and in these parts we have the dispensary, laboratory and observation rooms.” Steel (1865) notes that “the basement projection provides accommodation for medical officers and contains bathrooms, water closets and surgery rooms.”
Steel (1865) notes that, “so as to create a good environment for internal administration, distinct entrance to the street has been put in pace, allowing less interaction with the rest of the hospital during consultation time.” Brigg (1906) also notes that, “ the first, second and third floors which are solely devoted to the treatment of in-patients, are alike in every principle of construction , with an exception in the comparative number of air-channels that respectively lead to and from them.” At the same time Steel (1865) notes that, “every floor has a ward with a dining room that is located centrally.”
Okada (1865) states that, “in the medical department, there is a dining club.” Okada (2006) notes that, “the club has survived the two wars and the enormous social changes of uncertainty and that the Club’s setting is unique.” Okada (2006) explains that, “at the center of the theatre are a wooden operating table with a small chair and a side table.”
Okada (2006) states that, “at the basement of the Southwark wing of Guy’s Hospital building, you will find a restaurant where food is sold and at the Tower wing of the building, there are several cafeterias and this is where most people prefer to buy packed food from.” Okada (2006) also notes that, “in the West wing of the building, there is a bank that caters for people’s financial needs.” Steel (1865) adds that, “there is a department in the building that is assigned to deal with spiritual matters, headed by a chaplain.”
How the Building Relates to the Modern World
One of the ways that the building relates to the modern world is in ventilation. According to Steel (1865), “several novel principals were introduced in the structural arrangement with a view to effect a better system of ventilation that is ordinarily obtained in the hospitals for the sick.”Brigg (1906) notes that, “the hospital was intended to consist of a large central stair case, with wings on either side arranged in a rectilinear form.” Steel (1865) notes that, “the main entrance to the hospital is flanked on each side by a square tower that is one hundred and fifteen feet from the ground surmounted with an octagonal turret.” Steel (1865) explains that, “this was done to enable fresh air flow into the building.” Brown (1863) notes that, “to the rear and abutting on the back of the staircase, there is another tower that has two hundred feet and is surmounted by an octagonal canton and a spine of open iron work.”According to Steel (1865, “this serves to get rid of the air that is not fresh from the wards and other parts of the building.” Steel (1865) also notes that, ”there are five separate floors opening directly from the staircase and the accommodation on the ground floor is supplemented by a projection extending round the front and rear of the edifice, which is used as in connection with the dispensary and out patient departments all of which allows good ventilation.”
Steel (1865) notes that, “all the floors of the Guy’s Hospital building are intersected by a spinal wall which subdivides the ward into four distinct compartment that are close to each other and that these wards are conveniently designed so as to offer good accommodation to patients.” Brigg (1906) notes that “the compartments are sixty nine feet long, fourteen feet high, twenty feet high and the beds are placed so that on one side they are individually made to correspond with the piers betwixt the windows.”Brigg (2006) also notes that, “next to the day room, there is a washroom, ward-scullery on one side and the sister’s room on the other side.” Steel (1865) notes that, “the total cubic contents of a ward, including day-room and communicating passages amounts to 103,740 feet which eases communication between compartments and the central room.” Brigg (1806) notes that, “the upper or fifth floor is reserved as a dormitory for forty nurses.”
According to Steel (1865), “the building is built of bricks, with stone facings and the basement projection, which is faced with rough sandstone is surmounted with an elegant balustrade, enclosing a terraced walk extending along both sides of the hospital and which connects the hospital with the neighborhood.” Brown (1906) notes that, “iron girders and iron joists imbedded in concrete have been used instead of wood, which has been used sparingly in the building.”
Steel (1865) notes that “the spacious staircase, which contributes materially to ventilation is constructed solely of iron and craigleith stone.” Steel (1865) finally notes that, “the entire space under the ground floor has been used to erect the three great towers or air shafts, which give a distinguishing effect to the building.”
Consequently, Brown (1863) states that, “the Guy’s Hospital building relates to the modern world is in terms of its height.” According to Brown (1863), “this hospital has the tallest hospital building in the world and the eleventh tallest building in London.” According to Chandler et al. (2010), “this relates to the modern world in that many people nowadays are resorting to building tall houses due to limitation of space and the need to conserve the environment.”
Finally, the building relates to the modern world in that it is able cater for persons with physical challenges. Guy’s Hospital (1907) notes that “the Guy’s Hospital building is well designed to accommodate people with disabilities.” According to Guy’s Hospital (1907), “there are lavatories in the building that are specifically designed for persons with disabilities and signers that are located at the gate of the Guy’s Hospital building.” These signers are meant to enable the persons with visual impairments to be in a position to move about in the building.
How People Move Around the Building and How People Interact with the Building
Moving around the hospital is easy, because there are large maps at the entrance of the hospital which are well designed to illustrate the different parts of the hospital (Barlow, 1860).These maps are also found in the lifts in the building. The different wings of the Guy’s Hospital building have been have been painted with distinct colors for easier identification. This then makes accessing the hospital very easy and one feels comfortable as he or she walks around the building. One does not have to consult anyone regarding where to get services in the building.
Parking in the hospital is restricted; hence people are encouraged to use public means of transport (Guy’s Hospital, 1907). This does not cause much inconveniences because the hospital is located near a highway, where there are different modes of transportation. This is explained by Chandler et al. (2010) that, “a public building should be constructed near a highway for easier access.”However, Barlow (1860) explains that, “special attention is usually paid to persons with disabilities who come with vehicles as they are exempted from this restriction, and instead are provided with some parking space.” Barlow (1860) also explains that, “the Guy’s Hospital building is well designed to accommodate people with disabilities as there are lavatories in the building that are specifically designed for them.” In addition, there are signers that are located at the main entrance to the hospital and at the gate of the Guy’s Hospital building. These signers are meant to enable the persons with visual impairments to move about the hospital.
The Guy’s building has an arts theatre room whereby people go for entertainments through acting, dancing and other performing arts events (Feltham, 1805). At the basement of the Southwark wing of Guy’s Hospital building, you will also find a restaurant where people go to buy and eat food from. At the Tower wing of the building, there are several cafeterias that are located there. This is where most people buy their foods and drinks from. The building also has several other small shops where people buy snacks from. In the West wing of the building, there is a bank, where people go to withdraw and deposit money. In addition, there is a department in the building that is assigned to deal with spiritual matters, headed by a chaplain. The value of this building has been increased by including all these facilities in the building.
Feltham (1805) notes that, “in the South wing, you will find a knowledge and information centre.” People visit the knowledge and information centre so as to get more information about their health status. Here, you will find technological tools, books, and digitized media that are used to pass to information to visitors and patients in the hospitals about their health status.
Guy’s Hospital (1907) notes that, “at Guy’s building, there is a medi-cinema whereby on-site cinemas in the hospital have been installed.” Guy’s Hospital (2007) explains that, “this cinema is very important for patients as it occupies their mind and draws their thoughts from their ailments to the imaginary world.”
Guy’s Hospital building has several wards. According to Guy’s Hospital (1907), visitors are only allowed to get into the Guy’s Hospital wards in between six hours only in a day. At the same time, only two people at a time are allowed to get into the ward. This is done so as to maintain a calm environment for other patients in the same ward. In cases whereby patients have a viral infection, only one person is allowed in the ward at a time. This is usually done so that the nurses can have adequate room to monitor the situation.
In case one wants to contact a person at the Guy’s Hospital building from outside the hospital, then one has to either ring their bed side phone or to ring to the nursing staff offices so as to be linked with the patient (Guy’s Hospital, 1907). If one has to write a letter, then it is recommended that that the name of the ward is specified (Feltham, 1805).
Visitor’s with infections are not allowed to get into the Guy’s Hospital building, unless under supervision of the nurse in charge of the ward. Washing hands is highly encouraged at the hospital so as to prevent infections; hence at the front of every ward, there is a dispenser for washing hand (Feltham, 1805). Other times, patients with infections are separated from the rest in the ward to avoid the risk of further spreading the infection.
According to Guy’s Hospital (1907), “people who visit Guy’s Hospital and want accommodation are usually accommodated at the Counting House lodge, in the colonnade.” However, Guy’s Hospital (1907) explains that, “for one to be accommodated, prior booking must have been done.” Guy’s Hospital (1907) also notes that, “on the second floor of Guy’s Hospital building, there are bedrooms, washrooms, digitalized televisions and cafeterias that offer food.” On the other hand, Handler (1976) states that, “the bathrooms have been located along the corridor for exclusive use by the guests though each room contains a hand basin.”
According to Guy’s Hospital (1907), “people around the Guy’s Hospital building are not allowed to smoke from anywhere hence there are specified places in the building that are used as smoking zones.” Handler (1976) explains that people who have minor injuries are usually treated by nurses at the ground floor of Guy’s Hospital building. Handler (1976) also notes that, “people are never allowed to get into the building with expensive items such as expensive phones and jewelry due to the fact that it is a public building.” Guy’s Hospital (1907) explains that, “there are receptionists at the entrance of the hospital who welcome people to the hospital and direct them on where to find services that they are seeking.” At the same time, Handler (1976) states that, “on getting to the wards in Guy’s Hospital building, one is usually briefed more about the stay.”
Handler (1976) notes that, “upon admission in the ward at Guy’s building, one is expected to share the sleeping room and washrooms with members of the same sex.” Guy’s Hospital (1907) states that, “the ward normally has a cupboard whereby one can store personal effects and that entertainment is also available in the wards, though at a cost.”
It is very normal for one inside the Guy’s Hospital building to encounter students. This is because the medical school is also situated in the Guy’s building. These students at times also, accompanied by their instructors do visit the wards for lessons.
In conclusion, Guy’s Hospital is a unique hospital, both in terms of its architectural look and the activities that take place in the hospital building. According to Brown (1863), “this hospital has the tallest hospital building in the world and the eleventh tallest building in London.” Steel (1865) notes explain that, “spaces within the building have been used for different purposes.” On the other hand, Brigg (1906) notes that, “the top floors of Guy’s tower are used as a dental school for students of King’s college while the lower floors are used as medical departments.” According to Feltham (1805), “there are rooms in both the dental school and the medical department that are used as restaurants, shops, theatre halls and cafeterias.” Moving around the hospital is easy, because there are large maps at the entrance of the hospital which are well designed to illustrate the different parts of the hospital building. However, there are rules governing movement in the hospital buildings like visitation hours and the presence of infections. People also interact with the building through the various facilities that are offered in the building.
Brigg, J. (1906). Guys Hospital: history and building. California: University of California.
Brown, J. H. (1863).Guy’s Hospital reports: London: Harvard University.
Chandler, R., Clancy, J., Goody, J., Dixon, D. & Wooding, G. (2010).Strategies for creating a community through urban design. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Feltham, J. (1805).The picture of London, for 1802. London: Oxford University Press.
Guy’s Hospital (1907). Reports volume 61. California: University of California.
Handler, C.E. (1976). Guy’s Hospital 250 years. London: University of Michigan.
Okada, A. (2006). Keats and English Romanticism in Japan. New York: Thomson Learning.
Steel, J.C. (1865). Guy’s Hospital reports. London: Oxford University Press.
Stuart, M. C. (1906). Hospitals in London. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Creating a viable construction project and ensuring its quality is a vital task for interior designers and engineers. Considering that multiple building systems require careful coordination and planning, incorporating these elements into the structure necessitates the use of additional strategies. These responsibilities are typically delegated to interior designers, who aim to create a healthy, secure, and comfortable environment for the future occupants.
Nonetheless, as the building’s core systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and lighting, must be efficient and functional, avoiding collision between their elements and ensuring item compatibility can become a significant challenge. An interesting example involving the integration of multiple building systems is the Silver Oak winery in Alexander Valley, an establishment constructed to meet the demands of sustainability and efficient production. This paper examines the structural attributes of the Silver Oak winery in Alexander Valley, evaluating how fire separation, electrical, and plumbing building systems were coordinated and specifying the conflicts resolved by the interior designers’ team.
Ensuring Structural Compatibility: The Role of Interior Design
Interior designers are required to implement strategies in building system design to properly integrate building systems into the construction schematics. Considering that each project involves using various construction types, structural systems, mechanical and electrical elements, knowledge regarding appropriate methods of building systems design is crucial to incorporate (Hurt, 2017). For instance, to produce a building with the necessary level of fire resistance, an interior designer must consider such attributes as cabling types and junction boxes, which refer to the features of the electrical system (Binggeli, 2016).
After that, the plumbing locations and lighting sources are also vital to examine, as these elements directly affect the overall coordination between the building systems and the interior decoration within the establishment. Therefore, the objective of integrating the design and construction components is delegated to the interior designer.
A significant detail to note is the prevalence of custom-designed buildings in the modern age, which necessitates a thorough understanding of building systems integration. Given that projects highly depend on the client’s preferences, the natural environment, site surroundings, and labor characteristics, adapting the schematics according to these requirements can only be completed using extensive knowledge of the building systems (Hurt, 2017). Mistakes in electrical and fire prevention systems coordination might result in devastating outcomes for the establishment and its occupants, causing substantial financial and physical damage (Binggeli, 2016).
Furthermore, in recent years, multiple organizations and clients started to request sustainable design elements to be included in their projects, which demands additional knowledge in electrical system compatibility to solar panels (Celadyn, 2016). Altogether, addressing such issues can be resolved by utilizing prominent contemporary interior design strategies, which allow creating a safe and comfortable interior environment for any establishment.
Silver Oak in Alexander Valley: Coordinating Functionality and Sustainability
Silver Oak Cellars is a large-scale wine production and distribution company established in 1972. Currently, the organization is focused on developing sustainable methods of wine creation, establishing wineries that adhere to the requirements of the US Green Building Council (Silver Oak, n.d.). Silver Oak has valuable experience in creating safe and ecologically friendly establishments, having built a sustainable winery in Napa Valley, an excellent example of minimizing the ecological footprint (Silver Oak, n.d.).
However, another project was finished in April 2018, implementing unique interior design solutions for energy, fire prevention, and other building systems management, enhancing the previously used strategies. The Silver Oak winery in Alexander valley is an exceptional example of high-quality coordination between fire prevention, electricity, and plumbing building systems, with efficiently implemented interior design methods to overcome possible conflicts.
Potential Conflicts Between the Winery’s Building Systems
To prevent an improper integration of the necessary building systems, it is imperative to examine which coordination issues may occur during development. Such complications, or clashes, might emerge due to incorrect drawings, miscommunication, or absence of relevant data, creating building systems conflicts and decreasing the safety of the building (Chidambaram, 2019). For instance, misaligned electric sockets and floor height, unaccounted inner ceiling spaces, or colliding pipes and cables are typical instances of clashes that might result in safety problems. During construction, unidentified conflicts become exceptionally arduous to eliminate, meaning that appropriate evaluation and clashing checks should be conducted in the planning stages (Chidambaram, 2019). These tasks are usually delegated to the interior designers, who clarify potential misalignments and suggest relevant resolutions.
Multiple Systems Conflicts
While incorporating fire prevention electricity and plumbing systems, the interior designer is required to identify possible clashing issues, aiming to avoid combinations of system elements that could cause damage to the structure or its users. In the construction of the Silver Oaks winery at Alexander Valley, the interior designers’ team had to identify and eliminate several building systems conflicts, which might have resulted in safety and production complications. The first essential problem was related to multiple systems conflict, where the components of two or more distinct systems appeared in the same location on project schematics (Mehrbod et al., 2019).
During the blueprint creation and verification phase, the design and architect teams are often forced to move specific objects depending on the surrounding features and functionality. Nevertheless, as these changes were implemented, miscommunication or missing information might have occurred, originating clashes between fire prevention, electricity or plumbing systems.
A prominent example includes integrating fire prevention and electrical system components, which cannot interact according to the safety guidelines. Such fire prevention elements as sprinklers, smoke detectors, and standpipes are not allowed to interfere with electrical appliances, namely cables, under carpet wiring, or junction boxes (Hurt, 2017). Furthermore, it is imperative to devote a corresponding amount of space for each system component, ensuring that a recommended distance is present between the elements. Therefore, if numerous items are aligned in an enclosed space, a multiple system conflict occurs (Mehrbod et al., 2019). Another instance might be the incorporation of several systems elements, such as a sprinkler, a cable tray, and a plumbing fixture in a small ceiling compartment.
Types of Physical Conflicts between Building Systems
The second issue that could potentially disrupt the building process refers to the physical conflicts between two or more system components. These instances are often classified as temporal, functional, and repeated clashes that could be less evident in large-scale schematics (Mehrbod et al., 2019). Considering the substantial amount of space required for the winery and the consistent use of water in the wine production process, it was essential to avoid such errors, ensuring the safety of the building (O’Connell, 2017). Temporal conflicts frequently occur when different system components occupy the same place in the construction plans, resulting in a duplicate clash (Mehrbod et al., 2019).
For example, a cable tray could be placed in the same location as a standpipe, with both elements colliding at the same route. After that, a functional conflict could emerge if two components are placed in such a manner that prevents the utilization of one or both objects (Mehrbod et al., 2019). A relevant instance is locating a smoke detection system next to plumbing lines, meaning that none of these items could be used.
Another pertinent complication can be described as repeated clashing, where all elements of two or more systems collide. Repeated clashes can be a significant problem for interior designers, as they require redesigning the whole area in which clashing has occurred (Mehrbod et al., 2019). For example, if all cables intersected the water ducts, the resulting complication could become a considerable threat to building safety and functionality (Binggeli, 2016).
The energy output is an essential attribute of the Silver Oaks winery, as the establishment was designed to use only solar power, which requires implementing voltage adaptations (O’Connell, 2017). As solar energy is less efficient for electricity generation, conflicts between the systems and emerging losses of functionality and power could substantially harm the enterprise. Furthermore, productive water delivery and re-use systems were to be incorporated in this building, and possible miscalculations in duct locations and routes might have damaged the utilization of the water-filtration system.
Design Discrepancies Hindering Efficiency
Finally, a substantial conflict might arise if a design discrepancy is present. This type of building systems’ miscoordination can frequently occur during planning when the attributes of one system do not match the corresponding features of the other system (Mehrbod et al., 2019). For example, water pipes and electrical cables require sufficient spacing in the interior environment to be placed. In a scenario where floor or wall openings are too small or large, these elements might become useless or damaged, leading to a collision between these systems (Binggeli, 2016). Overall, to avoid multiple systems and physical conflicts, as well as design discrepancies, it was imperative for the interior designers to incorporate conflict resolution strategies.
Preventing Building Systems Conflicts through Building Information Modeling
To counter possible manifestations of clashes between fire prevention, plumbing, and electrical systems, the construction and interior design team used a Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach. This method includes a process of collaboration between employees from various building teams, namely architects, engineers, and interior designers, that allows them to create a structurally sound establishment and avoid the aforementioned problems (Chidambaram, 2019).
Generally, the workers use a 3D model that reflects the expected building structure and includes all necessary building systems’ details. While architects and plumbers ensure that the structural integrity and water ducts, respectively, are planned according to relevant regulations and safety measures, the interior designers oversee the overall pattern and identify potential clashing possibilities.
The professionals behind the construction of the Silver Oak winery in Alexander valley relied on the BIM approach to visualize the emerging project and make sure that all introduced changes are reflected in the model. As stated before, any shifts in the locations and spacing might prompt the emergence of building systems’ conflicts; however, such changes are highly difficult to track using 2D schematics (Chidambaram, 2019). Although Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is also a viable option, it is less efficient in accounting for alterations and is too challenging to use for collaboration between multiple workers (Chidambaram, 2019). Considering the large-scale site of the Silver Oak project and the issues related to novel sustainable energy incorporation, the team decided to use BIM 360 Glue.
Introducing the digital model of the future establishment has tremendously influenced the project’s success, allowing the teams to identify and eliminate occurring mistakes in the electronic format. As such, the corporation’s CEO stated that they were able to change their approach from in-field problem resolution to digital, avoiding financial and time losses (O’Connell, 2017). When a 3D model is available, it is remarkably easier to note any discrepancies, visualizing a comprehensive picture of the future project. Cello & Maudru Construction collaborated with the Silver Oak executives on the project creation and production process, implementing the 3D environment strategy.
According to the team, this approach was a remarkable benefit, helpful in resolving potential conflicts and clashes in the pre-construction stage (Cello & Maudru Construction, n.d.). Rather than focusing on the physical construction step, the interior designers and engineering teams increased the time spent producing accurate digital models of each winery section, ensuring that no system complications were present (Cello & Maudru Construction, n.d.). Initiating this approach proved to be a tremendous advantage, which preserved time and resources that could have been used in resolving such mistakes in the physical space.
Apart from such essential systems as structure, plumbing, and electricity, other systems and their components can also become visible on the screen, which simplifies building evaluation. The integration of a novel water-filtering system was considerably aided by BIM 360 Glue, as necessary spacing requirements, duct locations, and electrical outlets were first outlined in the digital model (O’Connell, 2017). For instance, such sophisticated items as gravity-flow and pressurized pipes, necessary for the water filtration, require creating a prearranged pattern of intersection, thus avoiding raceway collisions in the future. However, by relying on BIM 360 Glue, all relevant precautions were introduced digitally, ensuring the engine’s functionality.
Of special consideration for the construction teams was the wine-tasting room. This section of the winery was intended to incorporate numerous sprinklers and electronic systems, which spread further to the wine library and acted as a protection system in case of a fire emergency. In this regard, the fire separation system was also perfected using the BIM approach, establishing a functioning network of necessary components that was examined for misalignments and clashing (Cello & Maudru Construction, n.d.). Precise locations of sprinklers and electricity cables were determined early, allowing the workers to prevent systems’ clashing and easily decorate the interior segments of this winery section.
Multiple systems conflicts were one of the core issues eliminated with the use of BIM. Given that all the routes and elements of each building system are depicted in the model, potential clashes and physical collisions can be easily identified during the inspection (Hsu et al., 2020). For instance, if an electrical socket is located too close to a water pipe, the intersection will become visible in the 3D project. In addition, design discrepancies may also be quickly clarified during analysis, specifying the physical parameters for the openings.
A crucial feature of the BIM strategy is the possibility to use a collaborative approach, utilizing insights from every team and initiating supplementary examinations. Although at first, each employee group works independently from others, at an Open BIM stage, the created models are united in a single digital space, allowing the members to establish potential issues between the structures (Chidambaram, 2019).
Communication between teams becomes more efficient and sustainable, while productivity rises significantly due to the established balance. Both Silver Oak CEO and Cello & Maudru Construction executives confirmed that maintaining connections throughout the multiple teams was the best way of resolving system conflicts that arise due to miscommunication or lack of information (Cello & Maudru Construction, n.d.; O’Connell, 2017). By avoiding the scenario in which each professional group works independently, the project leaders resolved clashing complications related to this problem.
Efficiency in Conflict Resolution
I believe that the implemented solutions were especially effective due to the visual imagery created with the up-to-date 3D tool. Producing a comprehensive model of a future building can be highly strenuous in the 2D environment due to the lack of visibility. In this regard, the decision to fully incorporate the digital instruments has positively influenced the structural and building systems’ integrity.
Observing clashes and physical conflicts can be remarkably efficient when the structure is presented from the 3D perspective (Chidambaram, 2019). Furthermore, the decision to contribute additional time to the design and pre-construction stage is also a considerable advantage that impacted the conflict resolution process. Careful examination of each section and system alignment is a crucial detail that requires significant time and effort to be conducted (Binggeli, 2016). Therefore, rather than relying on the possibility that potential mistakes can be alleviated mid-construction, the team focused on creating a perfect representation of the future building.
Another pertinent benefit that increased the productivity in conflict resolution was the quality of communication between the professionals involved in the building process. In my opinion, efficient problem-solving is considerably aided by establishing mutual trust and frequent interaction within and between teams. During pre-construction, when numerous changes are constantly introduced into the schematics, remaining aware of the novel decisions and accounting for the relevant alterations related to such changes is crucial for maintaining structural and system integrity (Binggeli, 2016). Miscommunication and lack of data are serious issues that could lead to gruesome complications.
Nevertheless, multiple teams participating in the construction process sustained a high-quality level of communication, as all changes were incorporated into the public model, and the members were informed of such differences in the schematics. Therefore, knowledgeable of the system updates added by engineers, interior designers applied their decisions carefully and corrected their plans according to the introductions. Overall, such flexibility and detail awareness allowed the workers to successfully eliminate the conflicts between separate building systems, avoiding costly mid-construction changes.
Conflict Resolution Executives: In Charge of System Alignment
The primary team responsible for finding and eliminating building system conflicts was the architect team led by Piechota Architecture. The professionals collaborated with interior and exterior designers not only to create the necessary outlook of the winery but also to avoid clashing between fire protection, plumbing, and electrical systems. The general guidelines for construction were produced by the engineering team, Submit Engineering, and mechanical and plumbing group, TEP Engineering, who presented the initial locations and component distribution for each system (Cello & Maudru Construction, n.d.).
After that, Piechota Architecture was tasked with reviewing these schematics and incorporating architectural and interior design solutions. If any building systems conflicts were observed, architects were to eliminate these complications, adjusting the plans and conveying the information to the interior designers and engineers.
Ensuring Productive System Conflict Resolution: The Role of the Interior Designer
The impact of the interior design process on creating a strong building structure is highly significant for the project’s success. Considering that building systems alignment is an essential feature of a safe and functional establishment, several approaches to the interior designer’s responsibilities have been established. As such, a crucial element for the conflict resolution process is space distribution, the notion that incorporates efficiency and the understanding of dimensional features (Karlen & Fleming, 2016). To avoid potential clashes and present solutions that ensure the most productive alignment of all building systems, the interior designer should consider all possible object combinations in the 3D environment. Examining height, width, and volume dimensions allows to appropriately distribute the building systems’ items, avoiding clashes.
Another pertinent task to be achieved is maintaining flexibility, the ability to adjust to the client’s preferences and security requirements. An interior designer is expected to demonstrate knowledge of task-resolution strategies, adapting to novel directions, and remaining flexible when devising and applying changes (Karlen & Fleming, 2016). Considering new methods of preserving space and openness to different ideas and experiences are vital strategies that allow producing interesting and efficient solutions to system clashes.
After that, the interior designer should also sustain awareness of the factors surrounding the construction process to create viable resolution pathways. During project realization, numerous attributes might influence the organization of building systems elements, from the customer’s desires to the environmental characteristics of the site (Karlen & Fleming, 2016). Therefore, it is critical to uphold a global overview of the construction approach, remaining knowledgeable of the details that might contribute to the emergence of system conflicts.
In light of these considerations, the design process should also adhere to particular strategic demands that increase the endeavor’s success. The first step towards creating a feasible project is to summarize the details of the future establishment, including the client’s preferences, the building’s functions, preliminary budget, and available sites for construction (Binggeli, 2016). After that, the space planning stage begins, where interior design and building systems ideas are recorded and evaluated (Binggeli, 2016). During this phase, the schematics remain preliminary, but their appearance should already be as detailed as possible to ensure which approach may be the most advantageous.
The third step in the design procedure refers to design development, where comprehensive floorplans and elevations are devised. Conducting examinations for potential conflicts is imperative throughout this process, as any misalignments might lead to incorrect administration of final specifications, resulting in clashes during construction (Binggeli, 2016). Developing 3D models and adjusting them is especially common in this stage, meaning that any revisions should be thoroughly recorded and communicated to all building teams. Even in small projects, preventing mistakes is more time-efficient than eliminating them. Therefore, adhering to the guidelines and implementing clash detection strategies should also be conducted in this phase.
Finally, the last step in the design process should be devoted to incorporating concluding specifications and revising the overall plan. Each section of the building should be comprehensively examined, accounting for possible physical conflicts between materials, systems, and items (Binggeli, 2016). During this stage, it is essential to assess the project from a global perspective, ensuring that integrity requirements are met and potential issues in item placement and system alignment are resolved before proceeding to construction.
Conclusion
To conclude, the building systems coordination pattern at the Silver Oak winery in Alexander Valley was discussed in detail in this paper, evaluating potential clashes between fire protection, plumbing, and electrical systems. It is evident that several considerable challenges related to incorporating the fire prevention, plumbing, and electrical systems might have occurred during planning and construction, namely physical and multiple systems conflicts. These complications can often result in gruesome consequences regarding the objects’ functionality and the overall safety of the building. Nevertheless, the interior designer and construction team implemented beneficial practical approaches to avoid undesirable conflicts, using the 3D BIM model as the primary building guide.
The digital environment proved to be a crucial addition to the construction process, which allowed the workers to communicate on the project’s issues and resolve them as soon as possible. Furthermore, a valuable feature of the conflict resolution strategies was the possibility to convey necessary changes to all the involved professionals, which decreased the possibility of encountering miscommunication issues.
Through efficient collaboration and digital environment use, the teams were able to create a comprehensive overview of the future winery, resolving physical and multiple system conflicts in the pre-construction phase. Altogether, interior designers are often tasked with identifying the building systems and adjusting the schematics to avoid potential conflicts between these elements, ensuring that the structure’s integrity and safety are preserved. In this regard, the designer must be knowledgeable of the building systems’ characteristics, possible complications, and resolution methods, thus creating a secure and comfortable environment for future use.
References
Binggeli, C. (2016). Building systems for interior designers (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Celadyn, M. (2016). Inner space elements in environmentally responsible interior design education. World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, 14(4), 495–499.
Cello & Maudru Construction (n.d.). Silver Oak Alexander Valley. Web.
Hsu, H.-C., Chang, S., Chen, C.-C., & Wu, I.-C. (2020). Knowledge-based system for resolving design clashes in building information models. Automation in Construction, 110. Web.
Hurt, S. L. (2017). Building systems in interior design. Routledge.
Karlen, M., & Fleming, R. (2016). Space planning basics. John Wiley & Sons.
Mehrbod, S., Staub-French, S., Mahyar, N., & Tory, M. (2019). Beyond the clash: Investigating bim-based building design coordination issue representation and resolution. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 24(2019), 33–57.
The states in Malaysia consider the Industrialized Building System (IBS) one of the most efficient construction methods. In this regard, the government is trying to spread its practical application. However, the results obtained are far from expected and IBS is still used in an insignificant share of construction. In the Construction Procurement in Industrialised Building System article by Ahamad et al. (2020), in a number of interviews with experts, it was revealed that for more effective implementation of IBS, a revision and optimization of the procurement process is required.
At the very beginning, the authors of the article began with the definitions and background of the term procurement in the construction industry. The details of the existing definitions and types of construction procurement systems, such as traditional and Construction Management, which have emerged during evolution, are given (Ahamad et al., 2020). Additionally, Ahamad et al. (2020) pointed out that there are differences in these types, such as roles, responsibilities, strategy, and more. However, there is no specificity of what the differences are and what each type is in contrast, which makes it difficult for an unprepared reader to understand.
In addition to the study performed by the authors, the article studied and cited other scholarly literature. The references suggest that many construction specialists are unaware of the various existing methods. In this regard, they use only familiar methods (Ahamad et al., 2020). Yap, Kong, and Lee (2019) note that there are a number of other factors that influence a decision, such as a project complexity and price certainty. Thus, other factors are ignored, which, however, also influence the decision on the method used. In the introduction, the author provides a summary of the information that is perceived to be the focus of most articles on this topic, such as the advantages or difficulties of IBS and other criteria. However, the author does not indicate on the basis of which articles the generalization is given.
Further, the article Construction Procurement in Industrialized Building System provides a literature review that partly repeats the introduction. For example, the first paragraph starts again with definitions of procurement in the literature, which duplicates part of the introduction, but in different words. To avoid this, the author might not go into detail in the introduction. Also, the author cites statements such as “It is true that construction researchers have historically attempted to link their work to elements of general management theory” without citing relevant sources (Ahamad et al., 2020, p. 012072). Accordingly, personal judgments are broadcast as truth without confirmation of their source or rationale. Otherwise, the literature review is comprehensive and covers two main topics of the article the industrialized building system and the procedure process.
The authors of the article provide a section on the research methodology. The methodology used includes primary and secondary data. The methodology is fully consistent with the topic of the article and allows us to study and reveal it. However, while the used sections, such as data analysis, fully fulfill their function, others, such as the proper discussion of presence and choice of population and sample, method of selecting the sample, and the sample size, are completely missing.
Based on the results of the study, quantitative statistics are presented and visualized using graphs. Ahamad et al. (2020) found that three different procurement options are used among the companies represented by the respondents. The roles in each system are described in detail and a Figure, which shows the process, is drawn for the Design and Build procurement system. The basic demographics of the respondents were studied and are also presented, including their experience and positions (Ahamad et al., 2020). The research results are of high relevance to the topic, but there is no consideration of other parallel topics. For example, Montalban-Domingo et al. (2019) consider the challenges that arise in connection with the use of various procurements. Consideration of the complexities that are important for the research topic increases the possibility of the application of the results in real practice.
In their conclusion, the authors summarize the studied and collected data. Findings are drawn, such as the lack of standardized procurement methods in IBS and recommendations, such as ease of fabricating and installing the components (Ahamad et al., 2020). The provided conclusion is a full-fledged ending to the work. At the same time, in a non-standard way in relation to the basic principles, a section of acknowledgments is provided at the very end of the work. This section is an important part of expressing gratitude to everyone who has contributed or assisted in the creation of the work.
In conclusion, the research article is a compilation of information on a selected topic with additional personal interviewing. However, the topic of study, the materials selected, the interviewees and other aspects of the work are limited. As a supplement, a research objectives section could be added, indicating the set research objectives and assessing their achievement. Otherwise, the work is done and presented by the authors in a high-quality and structured manner.
Reference List
Ahamad, N.B., Mazlan, A.N.B., Zin, R.M. and Tukirin, S.A. (2020) ‘Construction procurement in industrialized building system’, IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, IOP Publishing, 849(1), p. 012072. doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/849/1/012072
Montalban-Domingo, L., García-Segura, T., Amalia Sanz, M. and Pellicer, E. (2019) ‘Social sustainability in delivery and procurement of public construction contracts’, Journal of Management in Engineering, 35(2), pp. 04018065-1-04018065-11. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000674
Each state and every city in America are characterized by their remarkable sight, provoking certain associations. Talking about Georgia architecture, the building of the Georgia State Capitol may be chosen as the symbol of nationalism and reconstruction that inspired people several decades ago. Edbrooke and Burnham designed it on one of the city’s highest points at the end of the 19th century (Georgia State Capitol, n.d.). This construction is strong, with its specific architectural elements that prove the uniqueness of the place.
Since its creation, the chosen building has experienced little exterior alterations, strengthening its historical and architectural significance. The Georgia State Capitol is a perfect example of the Neo-Classical-Renaissance Revival style positioned on the five-acre property (Georgia State Capitol, n.d.). Even being far from the building, locals remember its importance because of the gold dome with a female statue on it, remaining a significant visual landmark. The figure is called the Goddess of Liberty or Miss Freedom, but regardless of the preferred name, she always protects its people and reminds them of the already made achievements. Being located in the business neighborhood, the Capitol seems to be a perfect match for the environment. The number and size of windows impress, but the building does not look fragile due to the used marble, bricks, pine, and iron. Although it is possible to reach the building from several sides, the main entrance deserves attention because of a magnificent four-story portico supported by six large columns. There are also two symmetrical wings on the right and left sides of the central rotunda. The building’s classic architectural lines are properly combined with the modern exterior.
Several architectural concepts strengthen the public’s understanding of the Georgia State Capitol. According to Martin and Jacobus (2019), architecture is the creative combination of centered and living spaces. Centered space is defined as the arrangement of things around the building, and living space is the feeling of the thing’s positioning within the environment (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). The purpose of space in architecture is to make invisible air visible and evoke participation (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). It is not enough to look at the building and admire the overall picture. It is more important to deal with feelings and learn the architects’ intentions to create something for years. The concept of space allows modern people to identify and feel the moment when society decided to use the area for a particular structure.
Centered and living spaces of the Georgia State Capitol contribute to people’s attitudes toward the building in several ways. First, approaching the Capitol, it is impossible to neglect the golden dome and notice a woman on it that symbolizes Atlanta’s road to its freedom and independence, which is a part of centered space. Together with its massive and strong construction, the architects added many large windows to underline the connection between the people and the government. Second, the landscape is properly arranged with local flora and several bronze statues of political figures. The Capitol seems to be a perfect place to visit and learn the history of the state, addressing the living space aspects.
My understanding of the Georgia State Capitol has been slightly changed with the possibility of applying the offered architectural concepts. Centered and living spaces explain why much attention is paid to the exterior and interior elements of the construction. For example, I learned that architects fill spaces with pressures to organize the environment and create a meaningful image. The presence of statues is not just the reason for pride or recognition but a chance to identify the connection between politics and society. Like columns, the figures are critical pillars of the building and the Atlanta population in general. It is wrong to divide the landscape and the Capitol because they represent the unity between generations.
The Sidney Lanier Bridge
There are many reasons for tourists to visit Georgia, and one of them is the Sidney Lanier Bridge that spans the Brunswick River. This construction impresses people with its size: 7,780-feet long, 486-feet tall, and about 200-feet above sea level (Roman, 2020). Those who have not seen this sight yet but have already managed to visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco could start developing their imaginations because these two constructions are frequently compared.
This cable-stayed construction connects the Golden Isles and the mainland town of Brunswick. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from one side of the bridge to another. At this moment, this construction is one of the longest and tallest in the state. On the one hand, there are no specific or noticeable elements, just reinforcing steel and concrete bricks from both sides of the road and flashlights in the middle. Nothing distracts the driver from the road, and passengers get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the water around. On the other hand, massive cables fortify the structure, and their placement makes the bridge looks unique within a particular environment. If a person observes the same piece from a new angle, there is an opportunity to find something new and memorable. The bridge was named for Sidney Lanier, a Georgian poet known for his “Marshes of Glynn” poem. This fact explains the annual February runs for citizens, which leads to its closing to traffic. The Sidney Lanier Bridge is not just a structure that unites the river’s banks but a place where history and architecture motivate ordinary people.
In architecture, several types of buildings exist, namely earth-rooted, sky-oriented, earth-dominating, and earth-resisting. Each structure has its characteristics that help disclose the environment and draw attention to sites, materials, and preferred gravity levels (Dabaieh et al., 2022). In this analysis, I want to pay attention to sky-oriented constructions. Martin and Jacobus (2019) explain them as a possibility to generate ideas and realize human possibilities in relation to nature. This type of architecture discloses a world from an exclusive perspective, where a horizon becomes a meaningful part that defies gravity and reveals a projection into the future (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). Although the sky-orientation of the bridge is predictable, the chosen work underlines the connection between humans (the construction itself), water (nature), and the sky.
The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a type of architecture that provokes a variety of feelings and attitudes toward the cooperation of a person with nature. Martin and Jacobus (2019) admit that sky-orientation proves “the generative activity of a world” (p. 144). There is a constant movement on the bridge, and it is hard to consider this construction as calm or empty, even for a moment. As long as people live in the city, there is always someone to act on the bridge. Society needs action, and the Sidney Lanier Bridge is the place where movement reaches its maximal extent: no stops and no breaks.
With the help of the course reading and close attention to the construction, I am able to improve my understanding of architecture and its importance for society. In addition to multiple buildings and landscapes, I can enjoy the power of a horizon that is hardly reachable by an ordinary person. I compare the bridge with a hope that should never disappear from human life. When I look at this construction, my mind goes far away with the desire to find out what may happen next.
Inconsiderate Use of Modern Materials in Old Buildings
As an associate surveyor for London Chartered Surveyor Practice, we visited a traditional building in London, which was built in 1891. The team observed that the building had a problem of dump. The team noticed that there had been an attempt to use modern materials to restore the building. A section of the building is shown in figure 1 below. A detailed inspection of the building showed that some outer parts of the building and the entire interior section was plastered. When asked, the owners explained that the reason for plastering was to beautify the building and to repair the cracks that had emerged over time. As shown in the figure below, the inconsiderate use of modern materials aggravated the damp problem in that particular building.
Figure 1. Dampness in an old building (Heritage House, 2022, para. 7).
To understand dangers of inconsiderately using modern materials to repair old houses, it is necessary to start by understanding the nature and characteristics of such buildings. According to Suhr, Hunt, and McCloud (2019), an old building in the United Kingdom is defined as “a solid walled structure, built using breathable materials, which needs to breathe.” Traditionally, old buildings have been defined as structures built before 1919. As shown in the definition, there is emphasis on the breathability of materials used in such constructions. Example of materials that were commonly used in that era include timber, brick, stone, slate tiles, and lime-based mortars (Looser, 2021). The common characteristics of these materials is that they need to breathe. Figure 2 below is an example of an old building.
Figure 2. An old building.
It is also necessary to understand the characteristic of the modern construction materials. Kabila (2019) explains that current popular materials for construction are artificial compounds. Some of these modern materials that have gained massive popularity include cement, gypsum plaster, silicones, plastic membranes and sheets, expoxy resins, fiberglass, polyurethane insulating sheets, paints, and plastic coatings (Bozack, 2020).
Some of these modern materials have gained massive popularity because they are light, hence they can be used in tall structures. They are also easy to mold into different shapes, which means that they are highly effective in decorating houses and making them look beautiful. Unlike some of the traditional building materials which are rapidly becoming scarce, Holland (2023) explains that these artificial materials are easily accessible, which means that they are cheap. However, they also share one characteristic, which is that they are not breathable materials.
During the visit, the team investigated the owners of the building to understand how the repairs and beautification of the building was done. It emerged that the handyman who was hired to do the repairs has little knowledge about the nature of old buildings. When interviewed, he explained that he used cement, plastic coatings, fiberglass, and paints in most of the interior sections of the building. As shown in figure 1 above, the handymen were also in the process plastering and painting the outer walls of the building. They believed that it was the best way of protecting the old building and making it last longer. However, they could not explain why the damp problem in the building became worse.
In the traditional building materials discussed above, air moves in and out of the structure easily. It is important to note that when the moving air cools, it loses the kinetic energy and condenses into a liquid. In these traditional materials, it will get to the surface and evaporate, which means that there will be no problem. The damp problem is created when these traditional materials are covered with the artificial non-breathable materials. As the small water droplets continue to form into larger water molecules inside the traditional material, they try to find a way out. The cement, concrete, gypsum, or plastic paint seals all the breathable spaces, which means that the moisture cannot escape. The result is that the wall will become damp, and unless the problem is solved, it will become worse. Figure 3 below shows the impact of inconsiderately using artificial materials to repair old building walls.
Figure 3. Dampness of a plastered wall (Kent, 2020, para. 2).
The problem is not with the modern construction materials. Kabila (2019) says that the main challenge is the inability of the handymen to understand how to use these materials to repair and to modernize old buildings. They fail to understand the nature of the traditional construction materials and how a change in temperature is likely to affect them (Bozack, 2020). As such, they completely conceal these materials in thick cement and plastic paints, denying them the opportunity to breath. They need the assistance of experts to know how to fix these synthetic materials into walls and roofs of old buildings. This way, they will be able to repair and beautify these buildings without exposing them to the damp problem.
Failure to Identify the True Cause of Defects Can Result In Undue Alarm
Failure to identify the true cause of defects in buildings is a common occurrence in the construction sector. The problem is that such misdiagnosis may result in undue alarm, which would expose the property owner to unnecessary expenses. In many parts of the United Kingdom, a report by a surveyor is critical and its recommendations should be observed. When the report states that the cause of the defect is a major problem that may lead to a collapse or major destruction of the building, it becomes necessary to undertake an immediate major repair or sometimes a complete demolition of the building to protect lives and property.
One of the possible misdiagnosis that can occur is the true cause of a crack on the walls of a building. Kabila (2019) explains that a crack on the wall may be a sign of a major or minor problem. The example of the crack, shown in figure 4 below, is most likely caused by moisture movement on the wall. It is likely that after cementing the wall, there was no proper curating done, which possibly resulted in the cracks.
The concrete and the stones, which are the fundamental parts of the building, could be sound and unaffected in any way by the cosmetic cracks of the plaster. Such a crack on the wall is a relatively minor problem that can easily be remedied using simple and cheaper processes, such as the one to the left in the figures below. However, if it is misdiagnosed as a crack caused by a more serious problem such as wall tie failure shown in the second picture below, the property owner will be alarmed. A wall tie failure requires a more expensive repair that has to be done immediately to protect the integrity of the structure. If in the process of repair it is revealed that the wall tie failure was not the cause, the property owner can sue the surveyor for the damages resulting from the misdiagnosis.
Figure 4. Cracks on a wall (Georges Quality, 2022, para. 1).
Sewer blockage is another example of an area where misdiagnosis may happen. Looser (2021) explains that buildup of oil and objects from the kitchen is the most common cause of blockage in the sewer system within a building. In such cases, there are liquid solutions such as boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar that can be used to unclog the system. These are relatively cheap and simple solution that will easily address the problem. However, a property owner will be alarmed if they are informed that the blockage is caused by a collapse of pipe in the system, which would require hacking the wall. They may be forced into a higher expenditure to solve a problem that required a simple solution.
As a RICS member, I will reflect on my professional practice by keenly abiding by the new rules of conduct. Rule 1 states that “Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity, and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS” (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2021, p. 2). I will ensure that when making a diagnosis, I base my findings on thorough investigation of the building. I will be driven by the desire to protect both the tenant and the property owner, and will avoid the temptation of providing wrong information with the goal of stealing from the client.
Rule number 2 states, “Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise” (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2021, p. 4). I have the obligation of ensuring that I have the expertise to provide accurate diagnosis when assessing a given structure. I will avoid providing a professional advice in instances where I feel I lack the expertise that is needed. When necessary, I will work alongside other professionals to ensure that I provide accurate information.
As a member of RICS, there is a need to ensure that I offer the best service to my client at all times. Rule 3 states that “Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service” (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2021, p. 4). I will ensure that those who are part of my team have the right skills and experience before they can be allowed to make independent assessment of structures. Rule 4 states, “Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion” (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2021, p. 5). It is common to find a workplace that is highly diversified in terms of race, religion, age, and gender.
I will remain committed to respecting everyone in the firm irrespective of the demographical differences that may exist. I will consider such differences as a strength that makes it possible for our firm to serve more clients from different backgrounds. Table 1 below summarizes the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ rules of conduct that I will observe.
Table 1: RICS’ Rules and How I Will Apply Them.
Rule
Code of Conduct
My Application of the Rule
1
Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.
I will ensure that when making a diagnosis, I base my findings on thorough investigation of the building
2
Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise
I will avoid providing a professional advice in instances where I feel I lack the expertise that is needed.
3
Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service.
I will ensure that those who are part of my team have the right skills and experience before they can be allowed to make independent assessment of structures.
4
Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.
I will remain committed to respecting everyone in the firm irrespective of the demographical differences that may exist
5
Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.
I will put in place measures to prevent environmental pollution and protect members of the public from injuries related to my work.
Source: ((Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2021).
Use of Thermal Imaging
The use of thermal imaging has gained massive popularity over the recent past. Kramer and Tighe (2020) explain that its use by building surveyors as a non-destructive testing method has spread to various countries around the world. One of its uses is determining the continuity of insulation. Using the infrared rays, this instrument can locate broken defective insulation. The rays can also help in detect poorly installed insulation. The comprehensive thermographic survey makes it simple to detect if the insulation is working as expected.
This technology has also proven to be effective in thermal bridge. This instrument measures surface temperature of the wall by using still cameras and infrared video (Singh et al., 2019). The tool is capable of seeing light, which is in heat spectrum (Kramer and Tighe, 2020). Images obtained from the film will then record the variations in temperature of the skin of the building, which often range from black for cool areas to white for warm areas.
The technology has also been determined to be an excellent tool for detecting dampness within the fabric of a building. When using it to detect dampness, the thermograpic cameras help in visualizing infrared radiation emitted from the object or material. Singh et al. (2019) state that dry areas of surfaces tend to emit different radiations from damp areas. When the rays are beamed on the wall, the thermal imagine cameras are capable of showing parts of the wall or floor, which are damper than the rest of the house (Kramer and Tighe, 2020). In building pathology, it is necessary to understand mechanisms or agencies that cause defects, as shown in table 2 below.
Groundwater and pressure, earthquakes, traffic and machinery vibrations
Live loads, handling forces, internal impacts, wear
Dead loads, shrinkages, water hammer
Electromagnetic agents
Solar radiation, lightening, radioactive radiation
Stray current
Lamps, radioactive radiations
Radioactive surfaces, static electricity.
Thermal agents
Heat, frost, thermal shock
Ground heat, frost
User-emitted heat, cigarettes
Heating, fire
Figure 5 below shows infrared thermal imaging technology in use. Termites pose a serious threat to buildings if left unchecked. Thermal imaging can detect heat patterns on a wall, floor, or roof. When there is a termite inversion, Singh et al. (2019) explain that there will be a change in the normal patterns of heat on the affected areas. The thermal cameras will be able to detect these heat pattern changes, making it possible to precisely locate termite infested areas. Instead of destroying a large part of a floor, wall, or roof, the repair will be targeted to the specific locations. The technology can also help in testing air exfiltration and infiltration (Kramer and Tighe, 2020). It does this by identifying heat loss patterns invisible to the naked eye, which helps to detect possible air leaks on the wall or any surface within the building.
Figure 5. Thermal imaging (Kramer and Tighe, 2020, p. 43).
It is necessary to assess the pros and cons of using thermography versus video borescope. Thermal imagine has become a superior tool of detecting defects on buildings because it is a non-destructive technology. It does not require any form of demolition to inspect the wall, floor, or roof to detect specific problems (Vollmer and Möllmann, 2017). It is also a fast and simple way of conducting a diagnosis. Video borescope is a more involving process when compared with thermography. It means that when inspecting voids in cavity wall insulation and dampness in a building, thermography is a simple and faster process.
However, its main challenge is that it requires a highly skilled expert to interpret the results obtained from the infrared lights. Comparatively, video baroscope takes more time. However, its benefit is that it provides a greater detail because the video image of the void or dampness will be provided. The results from video baroscope are easier to interprete, as shown in figure 6 below, compared to those from thermal imaging. It means that sometimes it may be necessary to use the two technologies to determine the exact location of the problem and the degree of the damage.
Figure 6. Video borescope (Singh et al., 2019, p. 266).
Possible Causes of the Icicle-Shaped Calthemite Stalactites on the Slab
Figure 6 below shows an icicle-shaped calthemite stalactites on a concrete slab in a basement car park. The possible cause is that water has percolated through this concrete slab for some time. Because the maintenance team failed to detect and address the problem in time, it has formed the icicle-shaped calthemite stalactites (Nix et al., 2019).
When concrete or lime-derived secondary deposits, which consists of calcium carbonate, is allowed to grow under an alkaline structure, it forms a stalactites, such as the one shown in the figure below. It is easily formed when there are cracks which allows for the seepage of water, which carries minerals such as calcium ion or calcium hydrogen. These deposits will remain on the underside of the structure, and when the leachate solution comes into contact with carbon dioxide, which is readily available in the air, there will be a chemical reaction (Nix et al., 2019). A calcium carbonate will be formed on the outer part of a concrete structure. If measures are not taken to address the problem, additional elements will react with the compound. If it is iron that comes from rusty surfaces, the calthemite will change its color to red tint or orange such as the one shown in 7 figure below.
The solution to the above problem would be to ensure that there are no cracks on the slab in the basement of the car park. The maintenance team should ensure that any cracks on the slab are repaired as soon as they are detected. There should be a proper drainage system that channels the water through specifically defined paths. Care should be taken to inspect all the drainage system to detect and repair leakages. The team should also be keen to identify if calthemite starts developing on the slab. As soon as it is detected, it should be eliminated and the surface cleaned. The slab surfaces should also be regularly cleaned to reduce presence of minerals such as calcium hydroxide or calcium ion.
Reference List
Bozack, M. (2020) Avoiding a parental freak-out: straight talk from college professor to Christian parent. New York: Deepriver Books.
Holland, M. (2023) Practical guide to diagnosing structural movement in buildings. Wiley-Blackwell.
Kabila, H. (Ed.) (2019) Urban and architectural heritage conservation within sustainability. London: IntechOpen.
Kent, D. (2020) How to treat damp. Web.
Kramer, S. and Tighe, R. (2020) Thermomechanics & infrared imaging inverse problem methodologies and. London: Springer Nature.
Looser, D. (2021) Moving islands: contemporary performance and the global pacific. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Nix, C. et al. (2019) Hidden London: discovering the forgotten underground. London: Yale University Press.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (2021) Rules of conduct. London: RICS.
Singh, R. et al. (2019) Non-destructive evaluation of corrosion and corrosion-assisted cracking. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Suhr, M., Hunt, R. and McCloud, K. (2019) Old house eco handbook: a practical guide to retrofitting for energy efficiency and sustainability. 2nd edn. London: White Lion Publishing.
Vollmer, M. and Möllmann, K. (2017) Infrared thermal imaging fundamentals research and applications. Hoboken: Wiley-VCH.
Building Systems for Interior Designers is a project aimed at helping interior designers understand the fundamental building systems that make a structure-function. These building systems entail the structure, envelope, site, and vertical conveyance. The structure of a building is the framework that supports the weight of a building and provides stability. This can contain components such as columns, beams, walls, foundations, and floors. The envelope of a building, on the other hand, is the physical barrier that separates the interior from the exterior environment. This includes components such as walls, windows, doors, and roofing. Elements such as foundation, drainage, and landscaping are also included in the structure-function. The vertical conveyance of a building is the system of elevators, escalators, and stairs that allow for the movement of people and goods between levels of the building. Each of these systems is essential for the successful functioning of a building and must be considered in the design process. Interior design, on the other hand, is a consideration of the collaboration between the aforementioned systems in a way that the finished project is comprehensive and efficient in fulfilling the role that it has.
The Senior Design project seeks to provide housing to the homeless population of our city. This goal is achieved by creating a structure that is safe, secure, and comfortable to inhabit. To construct this project, a variety of base building systems are incorporated into the design. These building systems include the structure, envelope, site, and vertical conveyance. The structure of the building provides the necessary support and stability for the building’s occupants. The envelope consists of the roof, walls, and flooring that enclose the four sides of the structure. The site is the physical location of the building, providing access to resources for the occupants, such as utilities, transportation, and services. Finally, the vertical conveyance system is composed of stairs and elevators that allow the occupants to move from one floor to another. All of these systems are essential components of the design project and must be carefully considered to ensure the safety and comfort of the homeless occupants.
One successful example of coordination between systems in interior design is the integration of sustainable architecture and green design. Sustainable architecture is the practice of designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their life cycle. Green design is an approach to designing and building that takes into account the environment and natural resources, as well as the health and well-being of building occupants (Barbara, 2022). The successful integration of these two systems can be seen in the design of the San Francisco Federal Building (SFFB). The building was designed by renowned architect Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis Architects and was completed in 2007 (US General Services Administration, 2021). It is an illustration of the combination between effectiveness and sustainability. The building is LEED Platinum certified and is one of the first LEED Platinum buildings in the U.S.
The SFFB is designed to reduce energy use, conserve resources, and create a healthier environment for occupants. Natural light is used to reduce energy consumption, and the building’s exterior is designed to reduce solar heat gain and glare. The building also features a sophisticated energy monitoring system and a stormwater collection system. The integration of sustainable architecture and green design proved to be successful in the SFFB, and this example has become a model for other projects. The integration of these two systems is a great example of how interior design can be used to create an environmentally conscious and resource-efficient building.
Base Building Systems
The Base Building Systems in interior design refers to the fundamental components of a building that contribute to its overall structure and provide its occupants with an interior space. These systems include walls, floors, doors, windows, stairs, and ceilings, as well as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and lighting. They are the building blocks that allow for the creation of a functional, aesthetically pleasing interior environment (Linda, 2022). Base building systems must be carefully considered to ensure that the space is properly equipped for its purpose and that the design is cohesive and unified. They are the foundation of a building and are the components that provide the framework, stability, and safety of the structure. The base building systems are composed of four main components: the foundation, walls, roof, and floor. The foundation is the most important part of the base building system and is responsible for supporting the other components. The walls provide the structure and support for the roof and floor (Linda, 2022). At the same time, the roof provides protection from the outside elements.
The floor is the finished surface of the building and is usually made of wood, tile, carpet, or other materials. The most common materials used for floors are hardwood, laminate, vinyl, stone, ceramic tile, and carpet. The choice of material depends on the area and the intended use. Hardwood is a popular choice for areas that need a classic look and feel, such as living and dining rooms. It is a durable and attractive option, but it can be expensive and difficult to install. Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, and it can be installed easily over existing floors. It is made of several layers of wood, plastic, and melamine, and it is available in a variety of finishes, colors, and textures (Haddard, 2018). Vinyl flooring is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns. Stone and ceramic tile flooring are popular choices for bathrooms and kitchens. Stone is a durable and attractive option, but it can be expensive. Ceramic tile is cheaper than stone, and it is available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Carpet is a popular choice for bedrooms and family rooms, as it is soft and comfortable and provides insulation. It is available in a variety of textures, colors, and styles.
The materials used for ceiling systems depend on the desired look, budget, and the environment in which they are installed. Common materials used for ceiling systems include drywall, plaster, wood, metal, tile, and acoustic panels. Drywall is a popular material for ceiling systems because it is easy to install and provides a smooth, seamless finish. It is also cost-effective and available in a variety of textures and finishes to suit any design style. Plaster is a timeless material used in ceiling systems because it is durable and can be easily molded into ornate designs. It is also fire-resistant and provides excellent acoustic properties. Wood is a popular choice for ceilings because it adds warmth and character to a space. It can be stained or painted in a variety of colors and finishes to suit any design style. Metal ceilings are often used in commercial spaces because of their durability and low maintenance requirements. They are available in a variety of designs and finishes and can be an attractive addition to any interior (Haddard, 2018). Tile ceilings are an attractive option for bathrooms and kitchens because of their water-resistant properties. They are also available in a variety of colors, which allows for more design flexibility. Acoustic panels are a great choice for ceilings in commercial spaces or home theaters because they absorb sound and reduce echo. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to create unique designs. Some of the features, including:
Foundation: The foundation is the most important part of a base building system. It is the base on which the entire structure will be built. It should be level, strong, and durable enough to support the weight of the structure and provide stability to the structure.
Framing: Framing is the skeleton of the building and is composed of the walls, floor joists, and roof trusses. These components are connected to form the basic shape of the structure.
Exterior: The exterior of the structure is the skin of the building and consists of the siding, windows, doors, and roofing materials. These components add to the aesthetics of the building and protect it from the elements.
Interior: The interior of the structure is composed of walls, floors, ceilings, and other fixtures such as cabinets, countertops, and appliances. These components provide the functional use of the building.
Utilities: The utilities are the systems that provide the power, heating, cooling, and plumbing to the building. These systems are essential for the comfort and convenience of the occupants.
Finishing Touches: The finishing touches are the decorative elements that add beauty and personality to the structure. These may include paint, wallpaper, trim, and accessories.
Senior Design Project
The Project is designed to give students the opportunity to design, create, and implement a project that solves a real-world engineering problem. The project requires the application of engineering theory, design analysis and synthesis, and communication, as well as teamwork and leadership skills (Linda, 2022). The course also allows students to develop their professional skills in engineering and project management. The course culminates in a final presentation, where the students present their project and its results to a panel of experts.
The current project addresses two vital aspects of system building for interior designs. Namely, with a focus on effective architectural decisions and sustainability, the building can align with the trend of establishing innovative yet safe and secure answers to current problems, such as a lack of homeless shelters. The project should focus on finding ways to provide shelter that is comfortable and addresses the needs of the homeless population seeking to address their living situation. This could include looking at different types of housing, such as temporary shelters, group homes, or permanent housing (Binggeli, 2016). The project should also consider the various social services that are necessary to support the homeless, such as job training, mental health services, and access to medical care. Moreover, the initiative is to consider the economic cost of providing shelter to the homeless. This could include looking at ways to reduce the cost of construction, as well as ways to fund the aim. The project should take into consideration the potential impact that the shelter homes could have on the surrounding area. Overall, the initiative should seek to provide a practical solution to the problem of homelessness by providing safe and secure shelter for those in need. With careful planning and collaboration, this project could be a successful way to address the issue of homelessness.
Precedent
An example of the concept of Base Building Systems efficiently incorporated into a project is the Shelter Home for the Homeless, which highlights the establishment of a welcoming and comfortable living environment for those in need. The building was designed by Javier Larraz in 2010 and is located in Spain (Shelter Home for the Homeless, n.d.). This building is made up of nine hundred and ninety-five square meters of living space and contains many features that make it an ideal place for a homeless shelter. The building is designed in a modern style with a focus on energy efficiency. The building utilizes energy-efficient materials and has a photovoltaic system installed to reduce the building’s energy usage. The building also has a green roof to help reduce the amount of heat that is absorbed by the building. Additionally, the building features a rainwater-collection system that allows the shelter to conserve water.
The base building’s structure material is concrete and reinforced steel bar, and the system is beam and girder. For vertical circulation, besides staircases, there are elevators, escalators, and ramps. The building envelope includes glass and aluminum slats. The site was chosen for its building function for the Homeless offers, beyond satisfying the needs of shelter and food for the residents. The building layout consists of a central communal area, a kitchen, a dining hall, a medical room, a library, and a recreational area. Private living spaces for the homeless are located along the perimeter of the building in order to provide adequate privacy and security. Circulation is organized around the communal area and is accessible through two main staircases and an elevator.
The interior of the building is designed with the goal of creating a warm and inviting environment for the inhabitants. The walls are painted in warm colors, and the furniture is comfortable and inviting. There is an abundance of natural light that is provided by large windows and skylights. The living spaces are designed to facilitate social interaction, with plenty of open space for people to gather and socialize. The building also includes a variety of amenities that make it a desirable place to live, including a library, a computer room, and a fitness room. Additionally, the building has a large kitchen and dining area, allowing for communal meals to be served. The Shelter Home for the Homeless is a great example of how thoughtful design can create a comfortable and inviting living space for those in need. By utilizing energy-efficient materials and incorporating a variety of amenities, the building provides a safe and comfortable environment for its inhabitants. This precedent study can provide valuable insight into how building systems can be used to create a home-like atmosphere in a shelter setting.
Rationale In Specifying the Plumbing and Lighting Fixtures
My rationale in specifying the plumbing and lighting fixtures was to ensure that the fixtures were of high quality, durable, and designed to meet the needs of the project. When specifying plumbing and lighting fixtures, it is important to take into consideration the overall design aesthetic of the space, as well as the functionality and practicality of the fixtures. For instance, selecting fixtures that are made from durable materials and designed for energy efficiency can help to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Selecting fixtures that are in line with the desired design aesthetic of the space can help to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing look. I wanted to make sure that the fixtures would last for years to come and provide the desired functionality (Haddard, 2018). Selecting fixtures that are in line with local building codes and safety regulations is essential for ensuring the safety of the occupants of the space. The plumbing fixtures that will be selected include toilets, showers, showerheads, trims, spouts, vanity sinks, kitchen sinks, and faucets. In regards to lighting, the selected option is a light system powered through solar panels to address the sustainability requirements set previously.
The Floor and Ceiling Systems
The floor systems we used in this project were a combination of concrete slabs and composite wood flooring. We chose this combination of floor systems due to their relative durability, cost efficiency, and ease of installation. The concrete slabs provide a strong and stable base for the flooring, and the composite wood flooring adds warmth and texture to the space. The composite wood flooring also provides a more soundproof flooring option, which is important in a commercial setting. Composite wood flooring is easier to maintain and clean than traditional wood flooring.
The suspended ceiling systems used in this project were Armstrong’s Tegular and Fine Fissured Torsion Spring Tegular ceiling tiles. We chose these ceiling systems because they offer an aesthetically pleasing and modern look, with a variety of color, texture, and size options. The Tegular tiles feature a unique, curved edge that creates a subtle, three-dimensional effect, while the Fine Fissured tiles provide a more traditional look. Both of these tiles are made from durable, lightweight mineral fiber and are designed to resist mold and mildew, making them an excellent choice for areas with high humidity or moisture (Binggeli, 2016). Both systems are easy to install and maintain, making them a cost-effective solution for a wide range of interior design applications.
How an Interior Designer can Help Achieve a Better and More Efficient Coordination of Different Building Systems
As an interior designer, my primary job is to create beautiful and functional living spaces that reflect my client’s personal style and taste. I start by discussing my client’s needs and desires and then create designs that meet those needs. I use my knowledge of color, fabrics, textures, and furniture to create a space that is inviting and comfortable (Haddard 2018). In addition to the design process, I also source the necessary materials, furniture, and accessories, as well as manage contractors to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget. My ultimate goal is to create a space that my clients will be proud to call home.
As an interior designer, I can work with other professionals to ensure better coordination of building systems. I can help create efficient designs by understanding the relationship between the different systems, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, and how they interrelate with the interior design. I can also help identify potential issues before construction begins, ensuring a well-coordinated system that functions properly and efficiently. Additionally, I can help design spaces to maximize efficiency and comfort, such as selecting the right materials, colors, and textures to regulate temperature, utilizing natural light, and creating comfortable and inviting spaces. With my knowledge of building systems, materials, and construction methods, I can help create an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.
As an interior designer, I have a unique understanding of the various elements that go into designing a successful space. I understand the importance of incorporating architectural elements, such as the floor plan, wall and window placement, and interior finishes, as well as the importance of natural and artificial lighting (Binggeli, 2016). By understanding how these elements interact with each other, I can help ensure that the building systems are coordinated efficiently and effectively. For example, I can ensure that the lighting system and electrical requirements are considered when designing the floor plan and that the HVAC system is integrated into the overall design (Barbara, 2022). I can help to ensure that the plumbing and ductwork are laid out in a way that maximizes the efficiency of the building systems. In doing so, I can help create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.
Utilizing existing space efficiently is an important part of interior design and can be a cost-effective way to reduce the need for additional construction or renovation. By understanding and maximizing the potential of the space, designers can create a cohesive and efficient coordination of different building systems. This may involve rearranging furniture and fixtures, relocating walls, and making use of natural light (Linda, 2022). By utilizing the existing space, designers can create a more functional and efficient layout that works with the existing building systems, reducing the need for costly renovation and construction. Furthermore, good use of space can also help create a more comfortable and pleasing environment for occupants, making the most of the resources available.
Selecting materials, furnishings, and finishes that are durable and designed to work with the building’s systems is essential to creating a comfortable and efficient environment. Durable materials will help reduce the need for maintenance and repairs and provide a long-lasting solution for interior design. Furnishings should be chosen for their ability to withstand wear and tear, as well as their ability to fit into the design of the space (Haddard, 2018). Finishes should also be carefully selected to ensure they are appropriate for the environment and the desired aesthetic. Incorporating lighting, HVAC, and other systems into the design is also important to creating a comfortable and efficient environment. Proper lighting can create an inviting atmosphere, while proper HVAC systems can help regulate the temperature and air quality of the space (Binggeli, 2016). Other systems, such as acoustic panels and window treatments, can also be used to help control sound and light and create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere. When all of these elements are incorporated into the design, it can help create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.
As an interior designer, it is important to understand the impact of the design on energy efficiency, air quality, and other environmental considerations. It is essential to work closely with architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure that the design is appropriate and meets all building codes and regulations. To understand the impact of the design on energy efficiency, air quality, and other environmental considerations, interior designers must analyze the design to identify potential problems or areas that could be improved (Linda, 2022). This includes considering the materials used, the type of lighting and other fixtures, the size and layout of the space, and other factors. Interior designers should also research local building codes and regulations and consider how the design could affect energy efficiency, air quality, and other environmental considerations.
To ensure that the design is appropriate and meets all building codes and regulations, interior designers should collaborate with architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure that the design is appropriate and meets all legal requirements. This may include ensuring that the design complies with fire safety regulations, meets accessibility requirements, and complies with building codes and other relevant regulations (Ching, 2018). Interior designers should consult with sustainability experts to ensure that the design is energy efficient, reduces waste, and has minimal impact on the environment.
Moreover, another aspect that is to be taken into consideration as an interior designer is the Base Building Systems. Thus, the outer layer of the building that is designed to serve as a barrier is to be considered from the perspective of the project itself. Elements such as the materials for insulation, siding, roofing, windows, and doors are to be viewed from the perspective of the nature of the project (Barbara, 2022). On the one hand, their purpose remains to separate the interior and exterior environments, while, on the other hand, they are to be viewed from an aesthetic and functional perspective with the rest of the design. An efficient selection of the envelope allows the interior designer to address the needs for energy efficiency and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, interior designers play an important role in creating spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and comfortable. Building systems for interior designers can help them to effectively communicate their vision to clients, collaborate with architects and contractors, and ultimately create the perfect space. With the right tools, an interior designer can create the perfect atmosphere that meets their client’s needs and desires. By using these systems, interior designers can also save time and money, making the process of interior design much more efficient. Ultimately, the importance of being an interior designer lies in the ability to create beautiful, inviting spaces that meet the individual needs of each client. Furthermore, knowledge of interior design helps understand the interconnection between the various systems, which allows for more efficient coordination in which elements fit the dynamic of the entire project.
References
Barbara, C. (2022). Mechanical systems. Sustainable Building Systems and Construction for Designers, 6(6), 81–100.
Ching, F. D., & Binggeli, C. (2018). Interior design illustrated. John Wiley & Sons.
Haddard, R. (2018). Research and methodology for interior designers. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 122, 283–291.
Linda, K. S. (2020). A case-based reasoning system for interior design using a new cosine similarity retrieval algorithm. Journal of Information and Telecommunication, 4(1), 91–104.
Shelter Home for the Homeless. (n.d.)
US General Services Administration. (2021). San Francisco Federal Building. GSA. Web.
The building for analysis in this paper is situated in Melbourne Australia and is known as Singer building-Building 22. It involves the construction of an additional level to the structure and the creation of accommodation for the development portfolio (Property Services, 2010). In this analysis, I analyze the building under all the categories of building systems that exist by use of the pictures of the structure. The analysis is done using the evidence pictures or assumptions on the systems that are to be used.
Structural Systems
Substructure
Foundations
This is a massive structure occupying a large area on the ground and therefore requires strong foundations to counteract differential settlement. For this reason, therefore, heavy foundations must have been used to provide structural safety to the intended users and frequenters of the structure. Some of the structural elements that have possibly been used in the substructure include the following discussed below.
Pad footings
Underground columns rising above the ground level to higher grounds which are established on pad footings to help in spreading the massive loading to the subsoil are an important component in such a structure.
Raft foundation
Due to the massive floor area to be covered by the structure the most appropriate foundation that may be employed is the raft foundation. This is so because a solid and stable base should be established for the structure to rest upon. This kind of foundation makes it easier for damp proofing the basement floor and wall areas. Adequate reinforcement is essential for the in-situ cast concrete foundation.
Superstructure
Beams and Columns
In building 22, various design factors have been put into consideration considering the massive loading and size of the finished structure. Due to the fact that the structure is enormous and high loads are expected, it should therefore be constructed in such a way as to ensure the loads are safely transferred from one level of the structure to the foundation bases. The structural system of beams and columns should be designed to ensure the efficient and safe transfer of loading down the whole structure. The beams and columns have therefore been designed and positioned in a way that will ensure maximum strength, stability, and safety of the structure is attained during the construction and occupation phase.
The building, the interconnections of beams and columns are provided to ensure the maximization of safety and usability of the structure. Different types of beams have been used to span the spaces in relation to the requirements. Simply supported beams have been used to provide support to small spans while continuous beams have been used in the critical areas and ring beams. Depending on the loading at particular spots, beams of different types, thicknesses, and lengths have been employed (The Free Encyclopedia, 2008). Reinforced concrete beams linked to vertical columns have been used to carry and transfer loading from the higher-level floors and roofing system in a secure way to the footings of the structure.
Slabs
In-situ cast concrete slab has been used in all upper floor slabs, staircase flights, and landings to provide enough area and support for partitioning and circulation spaces. Reinforced concrete slabs in modern buildings are usually reinforced with steel to provide a strong base to support the other systems of the structure such as partitioning walls, and imposed dead and live loads (Concrete manufacturers association, 2004). The structural component is used to transfer these imposed dead and live loads to the beams in a way that is safe throughout its intended useful life. In suspended reinforced concrete slabs, there is tension at the lower end and compression at the upper surfaces of the slab. Since concrete is weak in tension but very strong in compression, the solution is to provide steel reinforcement at the lower surface while minimal reinforcement at the top depending on the span and type of the slab itself. An adequate concrete cover is also provided according to the building codes regulations. This ensures an effective cover to steel and fire protection. In building 22, this has been considered to ensure a safer structure in case of building fires which may require long periods of evacuation.
Envelop Systems
Reinforced concrete roofing
A concrete roofing system shall be used on the last level of the structure to ensure the intended purpose I met. This involves the creation of space on the roof of the last level for the provision of facilities. The design is made to ensure maximization of the space and an efficient drainage system used at the last level. This enables quick elimination of rainwater from the roof thereby reducing the increased loading during long and heavy downpours. This characteristic makes it possible to collect and redirect the water to a required destination such as storage tanks or stormwater drainage channels.
Facade
The façade at the top level of the structure is composed of the green Penrose motif which gives a perfect appearance from a bird’s eye view position. This cladding, therefore, increases the aesthetics of the structure to match the perfectly designed and decorated interior of the building.
Glazing and partitioning
External partitions have been provided with openings to allow for fixing doors and glazed windows. The walls are painted on both sides to ensure a good appearance is obtained.
Service Systems
Electrical supply system
Electrical lighting in the structure has been provided to boost daylight factor, night lighting, and emergency lighting. Artificial lighting in the building has been effectively provided with standard switches and lighting points. In the circulation spaces as an example, fluorescent tubes provided in louvered casings are mounted at the ceiling height to provide the required artificial at the most appropriate times and conditions. The design and positioning of such lighting points ensure adequate mobility and an equivalent high productivity rate by easing movement within the building. The conduits carrying the cables to the lighting cables are fixed by clips onto the ceiling soffits and help to suspend all the lighting points as is expected. In the staircases, emergency lighting has been installed to aid in movement in cases of emergencies such as power blackouts and fire outbreaks. This is aided by abiding to fire safety rules and evacuation requirements which is evident by the directional lighting point “EXIT” installed at the escape staircase.
Sewer and stormwater drainage
A separate system of drainage is assumed as the most appropriate method that has been used to eliminate stormwater and other waste from the surrounding and building respectively. The sewer and stormwater pipes are therefore provided beneath the structure to required fall and structural engineers’ requirements. This ensures efficiency and that the system does not fail due to interferences such as excavations.
The sprinkler system
As a safety regulation, the building has been provided with a fire sprinkler system to ensure an effective control to fire cases of fire outbreaks in the structure. The sprinkler system is fixed to a pressurized source of water provided in fire hydrant points which are located in the building structure. This pressurized water flows through the main supply piping that branches to sub-branches connected to the sprinkler heads. When a fire occurs beneath a sprinkler head and rises to a point that exceeds the withhold temperature of the head, it bursts to force out a lot of water. This pressurized water, therefore, extinguishes the fire by eliminating the heat component of the fire. The sprinkler system ensures that the degree of safety in a structure is maintained at a level that is acceptable.
Interior Systems
Lighting systems
The lighting system used on the structure is extensive and well designed to suit the different functions. Staircase lighting, room spaces, and circulation spaces are effectively designed to match the lighting requirements for maximum utilization. From the diagram, we have a nice linear arrangement of the lighting points which provide an attractive layout of the lighting system. The positioning of the lighting points is also done to ensure efficient lighting of the structure’s spaces.
Circulation
Circulation spaces are well maintained at realistic widths to ensure easier traffic for maximum utility and functionality of the structure. Different areas are covered in tiles to provide an attractive appearance. Staircases are constructed and strategically positioned to ensure movement from one level to another and within one level is not compromised.
Finishes
The concrete slab ceiling is covered in a well-finished plaster lining and painted to provide an approved and appealing finish to the interior of the structure. The high-class paint used provides protection to the structure in addition to having an aesthetic influence. Appropriate tiling has been used on the floor areas to provide an attractive appearance and at the same time a durable finish. Due to the durability of tiles as a finishing material, the overall cost of building maintenance is also significantly reduced. Replacements of tiles are minimal and this ensures that the operation costs are kept as low as possible.
Site Systems
Landscaping
The exterior landscaping consists of trees, surrounding buildings, and paving designed specifically for walkways which lead to the interrelated elements of the built structure. The interaction of the built structure and its landscaping provides a significant level of association keeping in mind the aesthetics of the structure.
Conclusion
Building 22 has a good aesthetic appearance internally and externally due to the durable and decorative finishes that have been utilized. The analysis of the structure helped in establishing the usability and efficiency of the structure under different circumstances like emergencies and normal usage. The building can be considered structurally safe and at the same time provides maximum comfort for its purpose as an educational structure.
List of References
Concrete manufacturers association, 2004. Precast concrete slabs on load bearing masonry walls: Good practice guide pg. 1-8. [Pdf] South Africa: Concrete manufacturers association.
Construction Reinvented, 2010. Building Systems.
Footings and foundations, 2003. An overview of footings and foundations pg. 1-16. [Pdf] South Africa.
Get Better Results, 2010. Concrete Forms for Floors, Roofs and Decks. Web.
Property Services, 2010. Building 22 refurbishment: New accommodation for the International and Development Portfolio and an extra level. Web.
The Free Encyclopedia, 2008. Concrete slab. Web.
The Free Encyclopedia, 2009. Beam (Structure). Web.
Commonly referred to as the Gropius Complex, the Harvard Graduate Center building is the first modern structure with heavy modern architectural style characterized glaring aesthetic value. Walter Gropius and his architect collaborative team designed the building with the modern touch characterized by flowing rooms, large windows, and floating facades. This paper attempts to analyze the Graduate Center building in terms of considerations such as site, plan, program, structure, enclosure, materials, organization of space/function, entrances, and circulation. Besides, the paper relates the architectural design to Gropius’ design principles.
Description of the Harvard Graduate Center Structure
Architectural design of the Graduate Center done by Gropius was done through fusing modern technology to create an artistic structure that is very appealing to the eyes. The building is characterized by creation of simple but unique flow in terms of pillar arrangement and spacing between each of the windows. Taking advantage of the advancement in building design technology in the 1940s and 1950s, Gropius was able to apply different stylish aspects in the design of the Graduate Center to create a flowing light structure that has wide windows to produce an illusion of well spacious hallways that are extended across the entire block. Besides, Gropius cleverly balanced the three and two-dimensional aspects to create the feeling of aesthetic value in the design of the Graduate Center.
The most interesting aspect of architectural design in the Graduate Center structure is the consistency that Gropius observed in creation of the illusion of continuity to connect the dormitories and the modern style student center. Moreover, the design of the Graduate Center has incorporated series of materials such as red brick and concrete to create the illusion of warmth and style, especially in terms of how the steel, glass, granite, and wooden materials are fitted onto the structure from the exterior and interior space.
From observation, it is apparent that the structure was planned by integration of conventional and traditional architectural design to create the flowing and light-weight building. For instance, the eight units that make up the entire structure are arranged in smaller and larger perfect quadrangles within the same distance and dimension to each other. The tallest unit within the Graduate Center is only four stories but its design has created an illusion of a high-rise structure anchored by simple pillars. The external walls of the eight structures making up the Graduate Center are made of a mixture of bricks, concrete, and limestone as indicated in Figures 1 and 2 below.
Fig. 1: Concrete and brick walls.Fig. 2: Large windows.
The units making up the Graduate Center are designed through heavily integration of steel and glass building to create an atmosphere of ambiance and modern taste. The design spirals inwards and outwards with the support of several pillars that provide the support to the frame of the structure to represent the then common Americanization feeling in architectural conceptualization. The emergence of the independence in architectural design during the middle of the 20th century could have influenced Gropius radical approach for creating ambiance and unique design used as the structural map for constructing the Graduate Center as indicated in diagram 2 below.
Fig. 3: Long spiraling design.
From the outside appearance, it is easy to identify the uniqueness in the design of the Graduate Center and compelling fusion of the traditional pillars and light weight structure. Besides, it is easy to guess that the interior of the structure must be very spacious and flowing since each window is very wide with large space between the windows. Basically, it can be argued that Gropius and his team had a radical plan in mind when designing the structure to create an actual feeling of calculated motivation that dominates the need for balancing the aspects of space and dimension. Just most of the structures within the vicinity, the design of the Graduate Center conform to the unique Harvard culture characterized radical shift from heavy concrete structures to light steel and red brick buildings.
As a modern structure, the choice of light materials such as glass, steel, and brick marble to create a façade that balances the aesthetic value and quality building. Specifically, the patterned façade represents modernism at its best through fusion of contemporary and modern design cultures. Therefore, it can be argued that the design of the Graduate Center structure an ideal example of how Gropius work was greatly influenced by urge to transform the traditional building design to modern light weight design that is environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
In summary, Walter Gropius’ plan and layout of the low density four-storied structure in Harvard has greatly influenced the philosophy of post modern design in structures as he expressed them at the Bauhaus in Dessau. Specifically, the structural design of the Graduate Center varies from that of previous structures due to inventive fusion glass, steel, and marble to create the low density structure.
Bibliography
Kevin, Matthews. The Great Buildings Collection. New York, Artifice, 2009.
Walsh, Colleen. “The Art of Architecture.” Harvard Newsletter. Web.