Gina’s Blog INT 322

 Walls Gina Christopher FRAMING SYSTEMS  There are 3 main types of framing systems: stud walls, concrete and masonry bearing walls: and structural frame walls. Stud walls can be built from wood or light-gauge steel. The standard size for stud walls is 2x4 or 2x6 with spacing of 12",16" or 24" oc. Concrete and masonry bearing walls are made from brick, stone or reinforced cement. This framing system is challenging to work with when placing electrical wiring, boxes, switches, penetrations of plumbing and HVAC, and mounting materials such as artwork. The structural frame, column and beam systems can be in-filled in a variety of ways including stud-wall infill, insulation-panel infill, and other materials. Structural insulation panels can be made from wood or steel. Exterior walls are insulted in most parts of the U.S. and interior walls contain insulation for acoustical purposes.   INSULATION  The three main types of insulation include batt insulation, cellulose in...

 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS GINA CHRISTOPHER  STRUCTUAL SYSTEMS BASICS  Interior designers do not deal with structural systems, but it is important to recognize the building's structure and know when an engineer or architect is required on a project. The main purpose of structural systems is to carry the loads of a building and transfer them to the foundation. There are three primary types of structural systems: bearing walls, stud walls and structural frames. These systems are usually composed of wood, steel, and concrete/masonry. Bearing all construction relies on the entire wall to carry all loads to the foundation beneath. The stud all system relies on several small members to carry loads to a horizontal plate that in turn distributes the weight to a sill plate. The structural frame system is composed of columns and beams that transmit loads to the foundation. The four primary characteristics of a structural system are stability, strength/stiffness, economy and aesthetics. Th...

  Site Considerations and Building Enclosure  Gina Christopher BUILDING SYSTEM OVERVIEW A building system is composed of multiple building systems that all work together and must be carefully coordinated. Traditional systems include structural systems, MEP systems, enclosure systems, and interior systems. THE SITE The architect is responsible for placing the building on the site while considering all factors such as sun, wind, views, regulatory concerns, environmental issues, and aesthetics. How a building is placed on a site also impacts the interior. Serval factors can impact comfort within a building including as solar orientation, site appurtenances such as trees, wind-blocking landscape, views, and other site features. If an interior designer is brought on to a project early in the design phase, they may be able to have input into window placements.  ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS  Although interior designers do not design foundations of building exteriors, an understanding ...

Week 2 Gina Christopher  A HOLISITIC APPROACH TO DESIGN  A newer method of building design called BIM is growing. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. This approach requires all stakeholders in the building to be involved earlier in the design process. Similarly, USGBC's LEED Green Building Rating system rely on s team approach to building design in order to be successful. The LEED rating systems have been most widely adopted in the U.S. Many other green building systems have been developed, few have gained the momentum of the LEED systems in the U.S. THEORIES OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN  Many groups and individuals have created theories with guiding principles for sustainable design. The Natural Step Network is registered in Sweden, with the goal f providing a uniform definition of sustainability and accelerating the transition to a sustainable society worldwide. Ecological Design integrates the built world and the natural world. Pattern language is a series of patter...