INT322EGJ

 This week we covered walls. First, we started by learning about framing systems. This includes the stud walls, concrete and masonry bearing walls, and structural frame walls.       Stud walls are built from wood or light gauge steel with a standard size of 2x4 or 2x6. The standard spacing for the studs is 12", 16", or 24" on center. after framing sheathing is added in plywood or OSB which is cheaper than plywood. Both contain adhesives and formaldehyde which are toxic chemicals.      Concrete and masonry-bearing walls are made from brick stone, or reinforced cement. The challenge includes placement of electrical wiring, boxes, and switches challenges penetrations of plumbing and HVAC, and the attachments of interior finish materials and artwork.      Structural frame, column, and beam systems are filled with various materials. Stud wall insulation panels and other materials are used for infill. Structural insulation panels are made...

 Interior Designers do not typically deal with structural systems, but we must recognize the building's structure and know when an engineer or architect is required on a project.  Structural systems carry loads of a building and transfer them to the foundation. They do this through three primary walls, bearing walls, stud walls, and structural frame.  Structural basics focus on stability, strength and stiffness, and economy. Loads consist of tension, compression, and deflection.  Some of the main structural forms are trusses, arches, shells, cables, posts, and beams. Historically, heavy timber mortise and tenon were used for support beams and others. Today, wood, steel, masonry, concrete, and bearing walls are the main ways in which to distribute the loads.  Alternative systems can be used such as SIPs which are Structural Insulated Panels, that contain agriboard which is made of rice or wheat straw. There is also rammed earth, cordwood, bamboo frames, and earth...

In the world of building design and construction, the processes are constantly changing for the better. The four traditional divisions are structural systems; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems (MPE); enclosure systems; and interior systems.  The site on which the building is built is processed by a landscape architect, civil engineer, and interior designer. It is the architect's job to make sure that the building is placed on the site with a good relationship to the sun, winds, and appurtenances impact energy use and the light going into the interior. Not only does this have to be aesthetic, but it also needs to be regulatory, and environmental, both natural and manmade.  There is a lot of importance placed on the position of the building concerning the sun. The daylight hours need to be able to reach inside the building and provide natural lighting. There is also the want to reduce glare coming in from reflecting off of things. sometimes it can be as easy as window...

This week we learned about the approaches to building design and construction and the different certifications and organizations that help make that happen.  First we covered BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability), which is a web-based energy software tool that allows the user to make decisions based on life cycle information and consensus standards.  Next, we learned about biomimicry which is a new science that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems and biophilic design which involves the integration of nature and natural processes into building design  BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital tool, such as Revit, that models a complete design project for a building including all information on construction, structure, etc. in a 3D model  Green Globes provides a series of sustainable building assessments and certification tools for buildings in the US and Canada in an online fo...