Author: ilayda K.

This was the first time for me to draft a floor plan by hand for a building like Federal Hall. It is much more detail oriented compared to doing it on AutoCAD which lets the person select different line types, line weights and makes it extremely simple to change scale of drawings. But when drawing by hand you get to know the building more because you have to pay really close attention to every little line you put on the paper.  This project made me realize how much more dedication it must have taken back when computers weren’t a thing and people still designed incredible buildings all by hand.  I am glad I get to learn how to do this even if I would rarely get to use it in the work force, drawing is one of my favorite things in the world and I’ve realized being able to spend hours getting lost in drafting is kinda relaxing.

This reading focuses mainly on the structures of stairs and safety precautions such as egress stairs. When designing a building the main focus should be safety, making sure there’s a direct passage way to an exit (exit access), a safe public space and a fire rated staircase (exit discharge). It’s important to pay attention to proportions of the riser and tread when designing stairs, because this will determine the comfort level of steps also add to the safety factor. Proper guardrails and handrails can also ensure safety. Same concept also applies for ramps, because there’s a maximum slope they can have and they also must have handrails on both sides just like stairs.

Reading 1 started off by discussing building elements, such as different structural systems and the defining qualities of a building. Reading 1 also talked about different materials and pros of cons of each of them. 

 Considering the fact that a building is made up of many integrated systems, understanding systems such as the enclosure and mechanical system is very important. The enclosure system is considered to be the “shell” or “envelope” of a building. Exterior walls, the roof, windows and doors are considered to be a part of this system. The Mechanical system on the other hand is the functions of a building, the water supply, sewage disposal, HVAC, electrical, vertical transportation and fire fighting systems are all a part of this. 

The different building materials used in construction can help optimize the durability, functionality and the looks of a building. Concrete is one of the materials discussed in the reading, it is made up of 3 other individual “ingredients” cement, water and aggregate ( sand and gravel). There is 5 different types of concrete, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Concrete is found in another building material known as C.M.U. which comes in many shapes. There’s also multiple types (and grades) of brick. Brick is made up of clay that’s been fired in a kiln or sun dried. Steel is another material that comes in many shapes, although it is considerably good at handling stress, steel can not handle high temperatures. Stone and wood are the last 2 materials the reading explains. Stones have different geological origins, it could be igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock. Wood can either be soft or hard (not in a literal sense).  The soft wood refers to wood from trees such as pine, fir, or spruce. The hard wood on the other hand comes from trees such as cherry, maple or oak. Even the way a wood is cut can have an impact on its strength.

The concept map starts off by rephrasing the 3 principles of architecture stated by Vitruvius; “Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas.”  These crucial points all connect to to the word space because how we form space is an essential point to pay attention to while designing. When it comes to materials and structures on the concept map it shows more sub-categories, this is because having an extensive knowledge on different types of materials and structure systems can not only allow a person to be more creative with their designs but also  help optimize its durability and functionality.