2.3 Essential Questions

1.     How do you achieve a balance between cost-saving measures, important features, and environmental responsibility when designing a residential structure?

 

This combination of features is best accomplished by creating a small living area with the essentials.  Also it may help to design the house and combine many common areas such as kitchen and dining.

 

2.     What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D architectural software rather than creating hand-produced plans?

 

Advantages of 3D modeling software include being able to see everything and exactly how the structure will look.  Disadvantages would include many flaws and errors in the software like glitches and such.  Also 3D software may take a while to get familiar with.

 

3.     Why are organizations such as LEED important?

 

Organizations like LEED are important in making affordable homes and buildings more energy efficient and more environmental friendly.

 

4.     When planning a project, how does the availability of public utilities impact the design?

 

The availability of public utilities may require you to be more in depth with you design. You will have to plan out how these utilities will get in and around the building.

 

5.     What options are available for the management of wastewater from a building?

 

The two most common options for wastewater management are city sewage and septic systems.  Septic systems are for private homes out of the district of city sewage lines.

 

6.     What are the important considerations when design a plumbing system?

 

You must consider how the plumbing will get around the building, via walls or crawl space.  You also want to avoid running hot water through the outside walls of a buidling for long distances, the temperature on the outside may cool the hot water greatly.

 

7.     Why should a designer know about the different types of lighting and their applications?

 

The designer should know the different types of lighter so that he or she may incorporate this in his or her designs. The designer needs to plan for how the electricity will get about the house.  The designer should also be on the lookout for ways to save energy through the lighting, like daylighting and techniques like that.

 

8.     What are the important considerations when designing an electrical system?

 

It is important to consider how big the room is, how many lights will be needed and such.  It is also important to consider which switches are just one-way or more than that, and where to place the switches is also another idea to plan out.

 

9.     What information is important when documenting the design of a building?

 

When documenting the design of the building it is important to know the landscape around it, how the environment is and how the building fits in the environment. It is also important to think about how the building has been designed to helped better the comfortability for the people that will be occupying it. 

 

Habitat House

The Affordable House project was to simulate the processes of designing a Habitat for Humanity house.  This simulated house would be located in Noblesville, IN.  This home is for the McRoden family which consists of 2 adults and 1 child.  I have incorporated sustainable design in this home by adding Energy Star Rated appliances and lots of windows for outside lighting.  As an architect I had to follow the guidelines set by the Habitat for Humanity, under these guidelines I was forced to stay under the square footage of 900 square feet.  I accomplished this with the near close square footage of 899 square feet.  This was not as big of a challenge as I believed it would be.  I saved much space by combining the kitchen and dining area and barely separating the living area by a mid section wall.  In the end I managed to come up with a suitable design that pleased the client without too much difficulty.


Habitat House Bubble Diagrams and Sketches





SITE MAP PLAN

RENDERINGS

DIMENSIONED FLOOR PLAN

ELEVATIONS

WALL SECTION

DOOR AND WINDOW SCHEDULE

ROOM SCHEDULE

ELECTRICAL PLAN

PLUMBING PLAN

WATER PRESSURE CALCULATIONS

Based on the distance from the water source and pipes, I calculated that the expected water pressure in the house will be about 44 psi, which is just barely within the residential limits. 

 

Water Runoff Calculations

 

Pre-development  (for 100 year storm)

Q = CfCiA
C = 0.1
i = 3.05
A = 0.5 acres (from site plan)
Q= (1.25)(0.1)(3.05)(0.5) = 0.2 cfs
Post-development (for 100 year storm)
Q = CfCiA
C (grass) = 0.2  C (asphalt) = .96  C (roof) = .96
i = 3.05
A (grass) = 0.5 acres  A (roof) = 0.03 acres  A (drive way) = 0.05 acres
Q = [(1.05)(0.2)(3.05)(0.5)] + [(1.05)(0.96)(3.05)(0.03)] + [(1.05)(0.96)(3.05)(0.05)]
Q = 0.32 + 0.09 + 0.15  Q = 0.56Change in runoff

 

ΔQ = Qpost - Qpre ΔQ = 0.24 - 0.2

ΔQ = 0.36

Habitat House Sketches and Bubble diagrams

Habitat House Sketches

Utility Shed

Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design

1.    Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

Website:   http://www.watercache.com/education/rainwaterhow/

The "Wet" System is one method of collecting rain water that involves placing collection pipes underground in order to connect multiple downspouts from different gutters.  The rainwater will then fill the underground pipes which will cause the the water to rise in the vertical pipes until it spills into the tank. The downspouts and underground collection of pipes must have water-tight connections.  However the elevation of the tank inlet must be below the lowest gutter on the house.  

 

2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

Website:  http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/earth.html

The usage of "Adobe" bricks saves a lot of energy in the long term, and also has a very little impact on the enviroment.  Adobe is an abundant, inexpensive, and energy-efficient sustainable material made from soil.

3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 

Website:  http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/topics/law/construction-regulations/recycling-construction-materials-important-part-construction

Estimate how much material is required.  Use the material that is needed.  Then crush up extra concrete and use as stone, crush up extra asphalt and reuse, clean untreated wood and remill, melt down and reform metal.

 

4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?

Website:  http://www.wbdg.org/design/minimize_consumption.php

Install renewable energy sources such as daylighting via sun roofs, geothermal, solar heating. 

5.   Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.        

Website: http://www.nrdc.org/cities/building/rwoodus.asp

If the building sit is in a wooded area, the construction team can use the trees as spare extra wood for whatever is left to do at the end.

Conclusion

1.    Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.

Put a small fitness room in the building, so that you may get physically fit and work up heat that could slightly help keeping the house warmer.

2.    Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.

Improved insulation in the roof, the walls, and fill in holes under the building.  This would greatly help keeping the temperature up inside so that we would spend less on the heating bill.

Activity 2.2.2 Shed Cost Estimate

Shed Cost

Activity 1.1.2

1.) Principle of Design: Emphasis

       Justification: The columns and arches stick out from the background more and draws attention to them rather than the background.

    Element of Design: Form

      Justification: The columns and archs have a more 3-D form than the its background.

2.) Principle of Design: Balance, Symmetrical balance

       Justification: The left and right side of this design are equal and same in design.

     Element of Design: Lines, Vertical Lines

       Justification: The columns going all the way up in this structure demonstrates it's stability through vertical lines.

3.) Principle of Design: Contrast
  
      Justification: The tower is highly more noticeable than the building, the white of the tower makes it stand out more than the red brick building.

     Element of Design: Color

       Justification: The white of the tower stands out more than the brick building.

4.) Principle of Design: Movement

       Justification: The edges of this structure have a slight sense of action and flow, especially the right side.

     Element of Design: Texture

       Justification: The glass provides a smooth texture for this building.

5.) Principle of Design: Balance

      Justification: This design is the same on both its left and right side, so it has horizontal symmetry.

    Element of Design: Shape

      Justification: This structure has a more 2 dimensional shape to it.

6.) Principle of Design: Unity

      Justification: This structure is consistent with its use of blue designs.

    Element of Design: Value

      Justification: This structure is colored with variety of different shades of blue.

7.) Principle of Design: Balance, Asymmetrical

      Justification: The left side of this image has a cupola and the right side has a higher roof, so the two sides are not the same but they are equal in visual weight.

    Element of Design: Space

      Justification: The outside of this image appears wide and open and the house looks quite large and possibly open inside as well.

8.) Principle of Design: Rhythm

      Justification: The arches in this structure are repeated consistently throughout.

     Element of Design: Line

       Justification: The columns provide a sense of strength and stability through vertical lines.

9.) Principle of Design: Emphasis

       Justification: In this image all attention is drawn to the gold wall in the back.

     Element of Design: Space

       Justification: The inside of this structure is very open and tall.

10.) Principle of Design: Rhythm

       Justification: This image has a repeated use of a variety of red and blue colors.

      Element of Design: Color

       Justification: There is a lot of use of bright and profound colors.

 Conclusion
In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which astructure was created?

Certain elements and principles were more popular and more effective in different time periods.

What factors might account for an incorrect identification?

Different people may have different opinions on what the most prominent element and principle fits in a structure.

Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact the function of a building.

If you, as an architect hypothetically, are designing a structure for a strong powerful corporation, you will want to design a structure that is tall and appears formidable which is why taller and taller skyscrapers make such a big impact on big cities.

Activity 1.2.1 This is Your Career

1.    What is your age?

28

2.    Where do you live?

New York City

3.    What do you like to do outside of work?

Spend time with friends, drawing up my own concept designs

4.    What is your job title?

Design Architect

5.    When and why did you choose your career path?

 I chose this path in my senior year of high school. I chose this career path because I enjoy designing structures and contributing to society by providing new creative designs.

6.    What is the name of your company or employer?

Rex Architecture P.C.

7.    Describe your primary duties and skills. [Cite your source(s)]

Typically I first meet with a client to discuss the details and budget of a project.  Then I normally go out and visit the job site to get a feel for the enviroment and surroundings.  Next I have to draw up a concept design of the building usually using computer aided design and drafting software.  If the client accepts the design, I then hand off the design to other architects who will fill in more details such as blueprints. 
 

http://www.ehow.com/about_6692272_job-description-design-architect.html

8.    Describe your physical work environment.

I usually spend most of my day in the office meeting with clients, consulting with the engineers on the project, or drawing up designs.

9.    What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is being able to open up my mind and actually put my creativity to use and get paid for it.

10. What is your salary? [Cite your source(s)]

Right now my salary is only about $40,000 but with more experience in time I could make up to $75,000 or more a year.

http://www.ehow.com/about_6692272_job-description-design-architect.html

11. Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree? [Cite your source(s)]

I have a bachelors degree in architecture from Ball State University.

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/CAP/Programs/Architecture/Programs/Bachelors/DegreeArch.aspx

12. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career. [Cite your source(s)]

History if Architecture- Study in depth about the history, study the developments of vernacular and high-style architecture.

Structural Systems- Study the mathematical foundations of equilibrium, balance, centroids, neutral axis—with primary focus on developing a basic understanding of concepts of conditions of equilibrium and force/structural systems.

Architectural Design- Work on conceptual architectural design small scale projects and study architectural technology, research, analysis and programming.
 

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/UndergraduateStudy/Catalog/201213Catalog/CollegesDeptProg/CAP/Architecture.aspx
 

13. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging. [Cite your source(s) and include a course listing from the appropriate degree program]

Structural Systems- Study the mathematical foundations of equilibrium, balance, centroids, neutral axis—with primary focus on developing a basic understanding of concepts of conditions of equilibrium and force/structural systems.
Architectural Design- Work on conceptual architectural design small scale projects and study architectural technology, research, analysis and programming.

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/UndergraduateStudy/Catalog/201213Catalog/CollegesDeptProg/CAP/Architecture.aspx

14. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses? [Cite your source(s)]

My school had a learning center on campus that offered free tutoring and there was also several workshops and group learning experiences that gathered together many students to assist in their courses.

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/UniversityCollege/LearningCenter.aspx

15. Regarding the two most challenging courses, how did you persevere?  

I perservered through these classes by continuing to work diligently and I participated in many workshops throughout my years in school which greatly helped me overcome these difficult courses.

16. From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees? [Cite your source(s)]

I received my graduates degree from Ball State university as well.

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/CAP/Programs/Architecture/Programs/Masters/MArch.aspx

17. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)? [Cite your source(s)]
Master of Architecture (MArch) Professional Degree

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/CAP/Programs/Architecture/Programs/Masters/MArch.aspx
 

18.  What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses? [Cite your source(s)]

My Master of Architecture (MArch) Professional Degree from Ball State is also my accredited license for architecture and to receive that I had to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

 http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/CAP/Programs/Architecture/AboutUs/Accreditation.aspx

19. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?

Hard-working, fun to be around, creative

20. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?

I only hope to be able to contribute a piece of my own creativity to the world in the form of an amazingly designed building or buildings.

21.  Why should a high school student consider a career in your field?  What important contribution(s) can they make?

A high school student should consider this field because it is a fun career to be involved in and something potentially worth doing.  Any architect, or architect to-be, can contribute by opening up their mind and showing their ideas and designs.

Conclusion

1.    You described a career related to civil engineering and/or architecture. Is this the career field that you are currently most interested in at this stage in your life?

This is one of the possible career fields that I am interested in, probably not the most interested in though.

2.    Rank and describe the three most important characteristics that you value in choosing a post-secondary school.

Areas of Study/course offerings- The most important thing is that your college choice has the courses and the area of study that you want to follow.
Cost- Your choice for a post-secondary school must be an affordable one
Faculty- Teachers and faculty members are also an important factor in choosing a college. Every teacher has a different method of teaching but students also has different paces and methods of learning, so it is important that you have teachers that can be sure you learn at your right pace.

3.    Rank the following in the order of importance to you regarding a career: job satisfaction; salary; making a difference; level of responsibility; titles; benefits; hours; co-workers; supervisors.  How will a career in civil engineering or architecture satisfy the factor that you ranked highest?
Job Satisfaction
Making a Difference
Co-workers
Salary
hours
benefits
supervisors
level of responsibility
titles

A career in civil-engineering or architecture would definitely be a fun job to have and do.

Italianate Style Architecture

Italianate Style Architecture

Activity 1.1.1 History of CEA

1.     Define civil engineering.

Engineering specified in the design, construction, and maintence of public works such as roads, bridges, and harbors.

2.     Define architecture.

The art and science of designing buildings for human habitation

3.     Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

Houses were first built in the Neolithic period with mud and bricks.

4.     In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

They were chosen based on availability of materials around them and the climate they lived in. 

5.     Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Jungle huts made of straw and stilts in jungle areas
Stone and clay huts in rural areas

6.     Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.

Many of the earliest large buildings were built primarily by slave workers.

7.     What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?

The purpose Egyptian pyramids were so that the pharaohs would have a place to be buried.

The ancient built two types pyramids for different reasons. The first to hold sacrificing rituals.
The second were sacred and not to be touched at all.

8.     What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.

Post-and-lintel architecture was used in the construction of the Parthenon. 

9.     What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

The architects needed their buildings to be more open and be more structurally sound.

10. Explain how an arch is created.
Archs are created in blocks and are placed in a curved formation in a way so that they can give support to each other.

11.  How is the vault used in civil engineering?

A vault is formed by putting several archs together and making hallways or tunnels.

12.  Give an example of an arch and dome system.

The Pantheon is one of the most famous examples of an arch and dome system. The Coloseum is also an example of such.

13.  Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?

Steel is one of the most important modern materials we have now.  In ancient times, architects could not build buildings as strong, structually sound, and tall as we have now

14.  What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

The Roman aqueducts were used to transport large quantities of water all throughout the city.

15.  Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Ancient Greek roads were dirt and were muddy in the winter and made to be used to transport goods.
Ancient Roman roads were expertly made of stones, broken stones mixed with cement and sand, cement mixed with broken tiles and used primarily to transport troops.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

Ancient Romans used stone and a basic arch structure to support their bridges. The Romans were the first civilization to put concrete in their bridges.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
After the Romans, the new medieval civilizations used stone and masonry to build their castles.  They even used pointed spires as their roofs which was a major difference compared to the domed roofs the Romans made.

Conclusion

1.     Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?

The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada is one example of a modern day pyramid. The function of this pyramid is primarily to mimic the ideas and give people the visuals of the ancient Egyptian culture. Another function could most likely be to amaze and astound people.

2.     Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.

The National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, China is one example of a modern arch and dome structure. 

3.     What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
The main purpose of modern roads is so that people can get from one place to another as quickly and as organized as possible. The cost of roadways is funded through the taxes that the citizens pay.