Author: Christopher Bryan

          On Friday we started the first of many drawings,of the federal hall plans. Using different line types we essentially divided the main rectangular form into subsections that will form the different rooms and areas of the building. Using center-lines (line and dot) we divided the rectangle in half horizontally and also drew a center-line down vertically for the circle. Using grid lines(line and dash) we marked the center of the peers, surrounding the outside wall. Lastly we learned how to use an adjustable triangle. After doing some quick math, we used the triangle to give us 15 degree angles around the circle. I’ve always known how to draw. But there is a level of precision, detail, and most of all structure that differentiates artists from architects. Line weight and thickness matters. Therefore it pencil should always be sharp. The consistency of my grid and center-line makes a difference. Obviously the precision of my scales measurements and how to properly layout the measurements so that it does not interfere with my model or drawing. All these little details will definitely make the difference between B level work and A level work.

         After reading chapter 2, I am almost convinced there are more elements that go into the making of a building than of a human. The author explains that there is a “conceptual system of order” that goes into the creation of a building. An idea behind the purpose and use of a building. Buildings are made up of structural, mechanical, and enclosure systems. The structural system serves as a skeleton of sorts. It holds the building up, with the use of columns, beams, and load bearing walls. The mechanical system can be compared to the “organs” of the building. This system consists of all plumbing, electrical systems, vertical transportation, and fire fighting systems. The last element is called the enclosure system and this serves as a protective layer, like the skin on a human. It regulates what comes in and out of the building as well as protects the mechanical and structural systems. 

          Doors, windows and exterior/interior walls are all a part of the enclosure system. The enclosure system allows us to egress a building. This action is critical to a building or any structure; as the placement of exits and openings help the flow of traffic in and out of the building. Another important, special structure is stairs. Stairs allow access to other floors in a building. I never knew the complexities of such a mundane structure. Elements of stairs include treads, risers, width, landing, handrails, guardrails, and nosings. The specifications and dimensions for the riser and tread I thought were interesting, as I have walked up uncomfortably steep and shallow stairs. There are a few different types of stair runs; six to be exact: straight, quarter turn, half turn, winding, circular and spiral. I agree with the author, in that winder stairs are the most hazardous. The tread on the interior of the turn are far too narrow. 

Today, in class we went over the importance of stairs and egress. There are a lot of factors that go into the design of stairs and the egress system. Some major components are the exit access, which are passages that lead to the exit. Another is the exit. The exit is not just a doorway leading to the outside, but rather an enclosed and protected means of evacuation. These areas are fire rated. Lastly, the exit discharge, which is a safe place of refuge, outside of the building.

Steps are a required element in all buildings, as they are a part of the fire safety requirements and egress. Stairs have specifications for all their minute details, including height and width of the riser and tread, dimensions for the height and diameter of the handrail, and even the overall angle of the steps