INT322SEK

Chapter 3 – Structural Systems DISCLAIMER: This is the summary for Chapter 3 because the day that Chapter 3 was do, I messed up and did Chapter 5 and 6. This chapter discussed Structural Systems, and while it was made clear that interior designers have no part in the structural makeup of a building, it is still important for them to understand. This chapter identifies a building’s basic structural elements and how the building structure works as a system. It also compares the roles of an interior designer and an architect when it comes to building structures, as well as the structural frames, stud wall systems, and bearing walls. Purpose of Structural Systems and Structural Basics The overall purpose of any structural system is to carry all the loads in the building to the foundation and from there, to the ground. There are three primary types of structural systems: bearing wall, structural frame, and stud wall systems. These are also made from three basic materials that includ...

  Chapter 4 – Mechanical Systems In this week’s chapter we discussed Mechanical Systems. From these systems we were able to identify renewable fuel sources and compare heating systems and cooling systems to other methods of heating and cooling. We also learned the importance of the commissioning of systems with which they are involved and were able to identify issues of human comfort with regard to HVAC. From this we were able to show how to apply LEED energy-efficiency credits to a project. Sources of Fuel and Fuel Consideration This chapter begins with   discussing the various types of fuels systems, such as bioenergy, fossil fuels, coal, oil, natural gas, hydrogen, nuclear energy, renewables, wind, hydropower, solar, geothermal, PV arrays, fusion, and electric power. It was a little overwhelming, to say the least, to be presented with so much information about a wide range of fuel systems. However, after reading about each one it becomes clear why they are so importan...

  Ceilings – Chapter 9 Due to the fact that ceilings can come in various forms and materials, it is important to understand which style is being used, based on its structure. Some expose the framework of the building, others hide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing pipes, along with ductwork, junction boxes, and wiring. Cathedral Ceiling/Sloped Ceiling Cathedral ceilings are identified as a ceiling that conforms to the slope, or pitch, of the roof. This style was introduced in 1970s as a way to provide a sense of openness that an otherwise flat ceiling would not. However, with a cathedral ceiling the integration of light, heating and cooling, and the concept of human scale within the space is all challenged by the steepness of the ceiling. When looking at ceilings, in general, one that is a directly attached to the framework of a building is known as a directly applied ceiling which can be plaster or wood. Plaster is typically applied in 3 coats over lath with varying wall a...