Case Study #2 | Clemson Floor Collapse

In order to investigate the cause(s) of the collapse, I would need to know the live load of the meeting room and what is allowed in the meeting room (activities, amount of people, equipment, etc.). I would contact the D.O.B. to obtain original floor plans, specifications and inspections to find out if they were up to date and are up to code.  I would need to know the conditions of the building and if there were any errors with the original construction.

I would proportion responsibility to the structural engineer being that they are responsible for structural integrity and failure as well as the building owner/manager whoever is in charge of facilitating programs/activities within this building and meeting room. They should be aware of the occupancy load.

Assignment 02 | Case Study #1

As a professional, the responsibilities of an Architect are to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the people. Architects find possible solutions to problems that need to be addressed regarding the site and/or community the site will be serving/housing with given restrictions. An architect communicates with the engineers, builders and clients in order to organize each project. Preparations of the specifications, plans and cost estimates for each project should be handled as well. The architect should ensure that other works do not interfere with the design plans.

The Architect in this case has discovered that the superintendent of construction has been cheating on the cement content of the concrete. This will result in the concrete not reaching the full strength which is required for this project according to specifications and by the building code. The architect should review the requisition including the month’s concrete work and submit/report it to the Department of Buildings proving/stating the errors. If anything were to happen to the building structurally, the Architect would be at fault. Therefore, the Architect should cease any money transactions as well as construction work until the issues have been resolved.

Assignment 01 | My Dream Career

Throughout my college education I have been adamant about getting a degree in a major that I would utilize after graduation. I have dibbled and dabbled in a few areas such as Forensic Science and Biology, but eventually lose interest or have come to find out that the major was not what I thought it to be. I knew I needed to be passionate about the major I was studying and would eventually get my degree in. I believe in the saying “Money can not buy happiness” and my goal is to be advertently  passionate and fulfilled with the career of my choosing.

Before attending New York City College of Technology, I was trying to decide whether I should pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or Architecture. I went back and forth for a while. I chose to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture due to the fact that I would learn more while learning how to use some of the same programs that graphic designers use as well. Til this day I am still interested and passionate about Architecture and I’m glad I made the right choice. Later on, I learned that my mother studied Graphic Design when she attended art school in England and my uncle attended Pratt for Architecture after the whole family migrated here from England, but had to withdraw due to financial issues. I thought this was meant to be since I chose this career path without any assistance or a mentor. It’s funny how things work out in life.

My dream career goals are to become a licensed architect who concentrates on sustainability as well as interior design, an artist who showcases in art shows and galleries all over, a real estate agent who sells property on the side and to buy and flip houses. I am currently working on two out of four of these goals and will  continue to strive to meet the rest of them. The ultimate goal is to have a few outlets that supply continuous revenue.