Author: Jasmine Liz (Page 1 of 2)

During the course of this semester, I learned many valuable information. Before starting this course, my knowledge on sections, plans, line weight, stairs, egress, structural units, masonry, materials, etc, was very limited. I knew of these categories but I was not knowledgeable on them. Through our assignments and readings, I began to understand these topics more clearly. I now fully understand the importance of stairs and egress and how it plays a valuable role in the design and function of a structure. From trends and risers, to columns and beams, and everything in between, each element plays an important role for the architect and architecture.  Fully grasping all this information has kept me intrigued to learn more. Building Tech I covers so much important information that I was able to use in my other courses this semester. To also learn from a very knowledgeable professor has made my first experience with building tech memorable. Through learning the concepts of a building also helped me with designing, planning and participating in my design, and structure courses. Once you understand the fundamentals of building technology, your understanding of architecture becomes clearer. You actually want to continue to learn and participate. The learning never stops, but whats important is the will to want to learn and with this course, it  has kept me wanting to learn. Professor Montgomery was an amazing professor. He made class fun and interesting.  I’ve learn many tricks and tips from him. I am excited to take all this information and apply it to my future B. Tech and Architectural courses. This course was an stepping stone for me. I learned so much and I will continue to learn.

Thanks for the amazing semester & bob’s your uncle! 🙂

For our second trip to Federal Hall, we were instructed to sketch a section. A section is an important piece of Architecture. It shows us the relationship between spaces, thickness of the wall or ground, and details that can tell us a lot about the structure. The part of Federal Hall we sketched included columns, a balcony, stairs, a wall that divided the spaces and entrances. Through careful observation, and after I was finished, I’ve realized that the little details make a big difference. Features that are in the far back will get drawn lightly. Any part of the structure which the section is being cut through will get pochade. This is the only exception for pochaing. Small details, such as the brick or columns, show the viewer the relationship to size as well. After sketching a section of Federal Hall, I am excited to start drawing sections.

When discussing structural units and its systems, the best way to describes its relationship is, they’re the same but different. This statement works best with structural systems since every layout requires a similar foundation pattern, but each system has different qualities and capacities. There are typically three materials used. Weather its timber, steel, and/or reinforced concrete, each system is able to withstand tension, buckling and wind and seismic forces. From my understanding from reading about structural units and systems, as long as a structure has three sides maintained and stabilized supports, a structure can last for many years. Floors are expected to contain elasticity, while remaining stiff. No matter what material a floor is composed of, it should resist the urge to buckle and collapse. This also depends on the structural systems beneath it. From this reading, I’ve learned that structural systems is closely similar to a domino effect. Since one element greatly depends on the next, and the next and so on. If a systems elements are off, or not capable of withstanding the forces, tension, etc, it will then fail as a structure, which no architect wants!

As we should know by now, a force has many components to it. When dealing with forces, Newtons third law of motion, explains the process. Our previous reflection on beams, columns, spans, girders, all apply a certain amount of force on one another. Which then applies a combined force to concreted loads. Each column would have its own tributary area where the forces in that area will apply its load on that column. The way in which we design a structure can cause a beam to resist, deflect, buckle, rotate, under tension and/or compression with the dead and live loads applied. There are multiple ways of framing, placing and connecting a beam. There is no one right answer, only under the circumstances that your structure requires a specific type.

For our structural walk #2, we walked the high line and spoke on different elements a structure has during and after the completion. In the beginning of the high line, we encountered exposed reinforcing bars. This issue happens when the reinforcement bars are place to close to the edge of the beam. If a piece of the concrete slab was to chip away, or even crack,  any air that reaches the reinforcement bars will deteriorate it. This can cause stress to the beam, because the bars are not at their full potential. When designing a beam with reinforcing bars, the widths requirements are set. We also covered concrete slabs and precast concrete structures on the high line. When a big structure is being create, beams, slabs, columns, decking, are all placed perpendicular to the next layer. This gives maximum support to a structure. Installation is key for a structure as well. The goal is to keep the warm air in for the winter and keep cool air in for the summer. This plays a huge role for our environment as well, because the more energy we need to heat a home, the more fossil fuels are being used. So installation should be a priority as well.

From our visit to Federal Hall and taking notes from B.C.I (A.10, A11, 9.03 – 9.07), I have a better understanding of Stairs and Egress. Building codes have set certain requirements for when considering the safety exits and paths in your building. This gives all patrons a safe exit and path in case of an emergency. From my reading and taking notes, this element in your structure is one of the most important requirements. This also prevents the spread of fires, which can cause more damage to the structure. Until reading on stairs and egress, my knowledge of the importance of this process was very narrow. Stairs play a huge role in a buildings design, structure and use. Careful thought should be considered when designing stairs. Requirements are set for the min and max risers and trends.  Landings should be as wide as the stairs widths. Just small details for stairs, play a huge role in safety, circulation and occupancy.

On Friday our class took a trip to the Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo Piers. There we had to sketch both, the Brooklyn, Manhattan Bridge, as well as, columns and beams in an old bean factory. Through sketching and observation, we pin pointed the structural elements of both bridges and careful details of the structure. We concluded the flow of all the steel cables, how each cable distributes the tension to the main columns of the bridge. How the cables on the Brooklyn Bridge are different than that of the Manhattan. Clearly being, since the Brooklyn Bridge was built first, the granite that was used to create the structure is not as sturdy, as the steel that was later use to create the Manhattan Bridge.  Hence why the Manhattan is smaller in scale. (Less material used). We also sketched the beams and columns and joists in the old bean factory. Since the buildings structure was mainly brick, large columns were places sort of like a grid in the building. So this can keep the building from collapsing. Through our site visits, I have a greater appreciation for all three locations. I see why certain elements in a structure are the was they are. I  am getting (little by little) a clearer understanding of how a structure is maintained.

For our first plan drawing , we changed the scale and began drawing the floor plan of Federal Hall. It has made me realize how much more precise and attention to detail you will have to incorporate throughout the process. If you’re off by an inch, the entire plan can be ruin. I also was able to learn that you must start every drawing with the outer shell and make sure to center it. You must always include outer lines so your grid lines are not uneven.  With every floor plan drawing, showing all measurements and your scale is key.  Small tricks as in how to twist the pencil when creating a line or grid line is handy information that I’ve learned. How to properly place the tracing paper on the table was an eye opener. Just the small steps to take before you start your drawing will be new habits I pick up. I am eager to finalize the drawing and fully understand what goes into creating a perfect floor plan that contains all details necessary.

On class Friday, we were given floor plans, sections, and elevations to pair together. I have never put plans like that together for the simple fact that every time I was presented with that information, it was already put together. So for me, it was an eye opener. I was able to distinguish each individual drawing with the next through trail and error. Gained appreciation for the details each of the drawings has. Looking at the floor plans, and being able to see the bigger picture of a plan is something I look forward to accomplishing and mastering. Abbreviations is also something I would want to accomplish. It amazes me how each word, each line, abbreviation, page, etc, that completes a  plan, holds value. You must be super precise with all the work you put into a plan. Because one mistake can ruin the entire design. You must also hold everything inside the structure accountable. From floors, ceilings, types of wood, light fixtures, faucets, doorknobs, windows, doors, the list goes on. Fridays activity opened my eyes, and made me very curious to learn more about what goes into a plan.