Building Design 1

Chapter IV. Building Envelope Systems and Assemblies

Fundamentals of Performance
Axis

It is a line established by two separate points in space. It defines the points at which shape and spaces
can be set in asymmetrical and a balanced way.

Symmetry

It is the balanced division and collection of all equivalent forms and spaces on also sides of the
separating plane or regarding its center axis.

Hierarchy

It articulates the importance and significance of a shape or space by the assist of its size shape as well as
placement.

Rhythm

It is a unifying movement that is characterized by a patterned repetition or an alteration of the formal

elements.

Datum

It defines a line plane or volume that serves together, measure, as well as organize a pattern of form and
spaces.

Transformation

It is the principal of retaining an architectural design idea or association and strengthening as well as
building it through a sequence of discrete transformations.

Aesthetics
One of the key aspects considered in architecture is the esthetics of a structure. A building's
appeal includes the cumulative impact of the form, scale, texture , colour, harmony, cohesion, motion,
focus, comparison, symmetry, proportion, volume, orientation, style, design, history and background of
a structure.

In general, there are diverse processes that affect the aesthetical performance of building
elements through their service lives:

 Weathering
 Decay
 Waterlogging
 Other processes/hazards
Moisture Transfer Durability
Temperature and humidity are two main parameters which indicate the level of comfort of the
occupants of the building. While in the thermal simulation of buildings the temperature effect is taken
into account, the movement of moisture through the rooms and porous building walls is often ignored.
Humidity level can give various thermal comfort sensations. Besides the discomfort caused by excess
moisture, mould formation and dust mites may affect occupant safety. It also affects the look of the
walls. In comparison, low moisture levels cause dryness of the head, mouth, and nose. Dry air affects the
muscle membrane that reduces the barrier to respiratory pathogens, which raises the concerns of
people with allergies and asthma. Therefore it is necessary to have adequate indoor humidity levels
along with the room temperature. Water flow through the building envelope often causes a great deal
of damage to the building structure and decreases the efficiency of its thermal insulation which can
increase the demand for energy. Buildings alone contribute to one third of greenhouse gas emissions
and their energy consumption accounts for about 40 % of global energy consumption (UNEP, 2009).
Taking into account both heat and moisture transport in and around buildings is important to predict
the hygrothermal behavior of the rooms and building walls and correctly measure the energy demands.

Energy and Material Resources

Today the desire for a more efficient way of building is no longer a matter of personal
preference, and the industry has already been governed with the goal of introducing initiatives to
change the environmental behavior of infrastructures and buildings. A sustainable architecture takes
into account the resource utilization (energy, natural resources), its environmental impact and the
specific risks to the safety of people.

Chapter V. Building Materials and Assemblies

Appropriate selection of interior and exterior construction materials Finishes, Products,
Components, and Environmental Impact and Reuse of Materials
Designing each design scheme involves a considerable deal of design and assembly collection.
These range from essential building and insulation materials for building structures and skeleton works,
to various finishes of decorative materials including cladding, flooring, ceilings, paints, etc.

It even involves the range of prefabricated fittings and fixtures such as sanitary ware, lighting
fixtures, fixed and mobile chairs, and appliances and hardware. A crucial element in the completion of
any project is the procurement and preparation of the required materials.

It is the duty of the architect and builder to carefully choose and define appropriateness to the
specifications of the project. Full understanding of the parameters required to make this decision is
therefore of utmost importance.

Following are some of important factors to take into consideration in this process:

1. Aesthetics
2. Market Trends
3. Sources and Manufacturers
4. Luxury and Economy
5. Size
6. Technical Specifications and Environmental Impact
7. Compatibility
 8. Practicality
9. Delivery Time

Chapter VI. Building Service System

Lighting
Light is an electric source of radiation. Through form and behavior it is similar to
electromagnetic waves at one end of the frequency spectrum, and X-rays at the other. A polished
(specular) surface absorbs light at the same angle that hits it. A matt surface reflects in many ways, and
somewhere between a polished and a matt surface, a semi-matt surface reacts.

Figure 6.1.1.

Mechanical Systems in Buildings including Vertical Transportation

Lifts. New offices and public buildings are fitted with suitably built lift facilities to operate
effectively and provide access for the aged and the disabled. Planning will begin early in the planning
process, as in other services. Priority must be given to lifts located at centrally inside a building to
minimize horizontal travel distance. The location, relative to the entrances and stairs must also be
considered. If the scale of the building requires many lifts for travelers, they will be clustered. In large
buildings it is usual to provide a group of lifts at the ends of the building near the main entrance and
single lifts. The lift lobby must be large enough to facilitate the passage of foot traffic and to travel
across the lift area without creating congestion. High speed express lifts can be used for tall buildings in
excess of 15 stories and by-pass the lower floors.

Requirements:

 Necessary in all buildings over three storeys high.

  Essential in all buildings over a single storey if they are accessed by the elderly or disabled.
 Minimum standard † one lift per four storeys.
 Minimum walking distance to access a lift † 45 m.
 Floor space and lift car capacity can be estimated at 0.2m 2 per person.

Escalators. Escalators are rotating stairs and are used to move people between floors. Usually
they are arranged in pairs to transport up to 12 000 people per hour between them to oppose
directional travel. The actual carrying capacity depends on the distance of step and the direction of the
conveyor. Standard phase widths, with speeds of 0.5 and 0.65 m / s, are 600, 800 and 1000 mm. The
control gear is less complex than that required for lifts, as the engine runs continuously with fewer
variations in load. Space for an escalator is unjustified for the full height in high-rise buildings and the
high speed of modern lifts provide better service. A water sprinkler installation can be used to
automatically produce a curtain of water over the well to prevent the exposed openings facilitating fire
spread. A fireproof shutter actuated from a smoke detector or fusible links is an alternative.

Figure 6.2.1.
 Figure 6.2.2.

Plumbing Systems in Buildings

Before an engineer designs the plumbing services of designing the plumbing services of any
project, it is necessary for any project to have well-defined goals and objectives in order to set goals in
order to install an efficient and economical plumbing system that is efficient and economical.

1. Supply of Water

 Provide safe drinking water supply

 Provide an adequate supply of water

2. Fixture Units

 Minimum number of fixtures

 Quality sanitary fixtures
 Water tap seals
 Fixture spacings

Safe Drainage System

All sanitary drainage systems should be linked at the nearest possible point to the public sewage
system (wherever available). A secure and non-polluting sewage system must be maintained in the
event that the municipal sewer network is not accessible. The drainage system would be constructed in
such a way as to protect against fouling, firm accumulation and clogging.
Vent Pipes

The drainage system should be built to allow sufficient air circulation inside the system, while
eliminating the possibility of siphoning or unsealing trap seals under normal operating conditions. The
machine will provide access to air pressure and the venting by vent pipes of foul gases.

Electrical, Communication, and Security

Intruder alarms have evolved from a very limited specialist element of electrical installation
work in high-security buildings to the far wider schools, shops, offices, housing, etc. market. This is
largely due to the economies of sophisticated technology which exceed the efficiency of manual safety.

The selection of switches to effect the alarm will depend on the purpose of the building, the
extent of safety specified, the location of the building and the building features. Recommended
applications include:

 Micro-switch
 Magnetic reed
 Radio sensor
 Pressure mat
 Taut wiring
 Window strip
 Acoustic detector
 Vibration, impact or inertia detector

Fire Protection Systems

Fire sprinklers have an automated fire-outbreak spray devoted to the field. Sprinkler heads have
temperature-sensitive elements which react to heat immediately, discharging the water main contents
to which they are attached. Sprinklers use less water to control a fire than the firefighting service in
addition to a rapid response that reduces and isolates fire damage, thus preventing further damage
from excess water.

Figure 6.5.1.
Chapter VII. Financial Considerations
Fundamentals of Building Costs
Construction cost of a building is typically a major factor in architecture. The explanation for this
is that if the building costs surpass the budget of the owner, the owner can cancel the project. Another
factor is that costs such as property taxes and insurance which arise after building construction are
always proportional to the initial expense. But typically owners aim to keep the expense low. Yet
planning a house to reduce maintenance costs can not be in the best interests of the developer. There
are also other expenses faced by the landlord during the building's projected existence and should be
considered. The owner generally has to make a sizable investment in the project before building begins.
Generally the brunt of this spending goes towards site procurement and construction design. Certain
preconstruction expenses include those relating to feasibility assessments, site selection and
assessment, surveys, and plan description. The major portion of the construction cost is the sum of the
general contractor and prime contractor payments. Remaining construction costs usually consist of
interest on the construction loan, permit fees, and materials , equipment, and labor costs not covered
by the construction contracts.
Life-cycle Costs
Life-cycle costs are the sum of construction expenses, running costs, and maintenance costs. In
general, the cost of the life-cycle should be minimized in the design of buildings rather than in the cost
of construction. It will help the developer to get the best return on the building investment. ASTM has
promulgated a standard method for calculating building life-cycle costs, E917, Building and Building
Systems Life-Cycle Measurement Practice, as well as a computer program and user guide to improve
accuracy and calculation speed. Nonetheless, a company typically creates a building budget that is
irrespective of the complexity of the life-cycle. This is often necessary because the client does not have
sufficient capital to create an optimum building and places a construction cost limit too low. The buyer
expects to provide enough money to pay for the increased operational and repair costs or for repairing
unnecessary construction materials and new equipment later. Often the customer sets a small building
budget as the customer's goal is to make a fast return from the building's early sale, in which case the
consumer has little to no concern about future high construction operation and maintenance costs.
Regardless of this, construction costs are also a prevailing factor in architecture.