Friday, December 14, 2012

Affordable housing project

Description:
                 On this project, we were assigned a client to build a home for. My client, Mr.Dickey, is a business man with a wife and two kids living in Noblesville, IN. The home was to be a Habitat For Humanity home, which meant it must meet many specific requirements. These requirements were stated in the building code, and included things like maximum square footage. Mr.Dickey specified that he have a three bedroom house with room for leisure with his wife, two kids, and his pet capybara. Following the guidlines for a Habitat For Humanity home, i made his house a total square footage of 957 square feet, just below the maximum square footage of a three bedroom home. With a non-disabled family, I was not in need of installing any universal design features to make the house more accesable. I did install Energy-Star rated appliances, along with a skylight to incorporate multiple sustainable design features.

Bubble Diagrams:






Sketches:




Site Plan:



Renderings:

















Dimensioned Floor Plan:






Elevations:







Wall Section:




Window and Door Schedule:




Room Schedule:




Electrical Plan:



Plumbing Plan:





Calculations: 

I found, based on the distance of the water source and pipes, that the predicted water pressure in the home will be 44.51 psi, which is within the residential limits.


Water Runoff Calculations:



Pre-Development
                                Cf: 1.25
                                C: 0.1
                                I: 3.05
                                A: 0.5
Q=(1.25)*(0.1)*(3.05)*(0.5)=0.2 CSF

Post-Development:
C-roof:                                                                   .85
C-Asphalt:                                                            .825
C-Lawn:                                                                .2

A-roof: 39’*34’= 1326ft =                              .03acres
A-Asphalt:  94’*11’= 1034ft =                      .02acres
A-lawn: =                                                             .45acres

Cc= (.85)(.03)+(.825)(.02)+(.2)(.45)/.5

Q= (1.25) (.264) (3.05) (.5) =0.5 CSF

Change in Runoff= 0.5-0.2= 0.3CSF  

          The post-development runoff was more than double the pre-development runoff. This means that there needs to be something added to account for this difference in water runoff. A ditch would be a good solution for this housing project.







Monday, October 22, 2012

Activity 2.3.2


1.    Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

One method that could be used to collect wasted rainwater would be by using rain barrells. This simple method involves placing barrells at the end of a gutter spout, collecting all of the rainwater falling on your house.


 

2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.
One innovative method would be to use adobe. Adobe is using mud combinations as the walls. This is very efficient, and is uses completely waste-free materials for the walls.


3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 
One strategy would be to use these excess materials on the next project. This would save money and also would not contribute as much waste as buying new materials that you dont need.

Website: http//http://constructionwaste.sustainablesources.com/


4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?

One method a designer could use is to systematically place windows so that at the time the building is typically in use, the sun will be used as much as it can through the windows as lighting. This would utilize the sun-light, taking away the need for lighting to be used, which would decrease energy consumption.



5.   Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.        

A method of using the cites natural resources for construction would be vernacular architecture. This means utilizing the materials from the surrounding area for the construction of a building.

Website: http://www.archdaily.com/155224/vernacular-architecture-and-the-21st-century/




Conclusion

1.    Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.

An idea that i have involves the collecting of rainwater. Somehow, collecting water from not just the roof of a house, but the yard would be a great way to save resources and money. A way to do this might involve underground collecting systems and pipes.


2.    Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.

An improvement that i could make to my house would be to add a more efficient heating system. As far as i know, we have a very old heater using air ducts and a fernace. This could be made more efficient by improving on the ducts, insulation, etc., or completely replacing the system.

Monday, September 17, 2012

1.2.1 Interview

1.    What is your age?
I am currently the age of 27.

2.    Where do you live?
At the time, I am currently living in a nice appartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

3.    What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy to be with my family, exercise, and travel.

4.    What is your job title?
I am currently considered a graduate architect.

5.    When and why did you choose your career path?
I chose this career path just before college, when deciding what I wanted to do with my life. I chose this because I felt its what i liked and wanted to do in the future. The idea of designing, constructing, and marketing buildings sounded like a very interesting career field.

6.    What is the name of your company or employer?
I work for Viridian Architectural Design, INC.  

7.    Describe your primary duties and skills. [Cite your source(s)]
My major skills include 3-D modeling through autocad, structural and architectural detailing, and project management.  Some of my other responsibilities include field verification, client and contractor communication, and also finding sustainable design concepts and practices.

[ http://www.viridian-design.net/ ]

8.    Describe your physical work environment.
Typically, I work regular buissness hours. During work, I am either in an office designing and doing other tasks, or I am at construction sites supervising the construction, all depending on the stage of the current project. Sometimes I may have to travel to attend workshops and confrences, but this isnt a typical thing.

9.    What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the designing process. I enjoy brainstorming and being able to interpret my own ideas into actual buildings for others to enjoy.

10. What is your salary? [Cite your source(s)]
My salary currently is near $30,000 annually.

 [ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/architect_salary.htm ]

11. Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree? [Cite your source(s)]
I attended Ball State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture.

12. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career. [Cite your source(s)]
One course that is closely related to my career that I have to take is Architectural Design 1. In this class, you are introduced to conceptual design, methologies, and architectural technologies. Another course I must take is Environmental Systems 1. In this class, you are introduced to environmental systems in Architecture with emphasis on passive interventions. Another class I must take is Strucural Systems 1. This introduces the basics of mathematical foundations of statics. Both of these have further down the road classes you must also take, like Strucural Systems 2, 3, and 4.

[ http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/CAP/Programs/Architecture/Programs/Bachelors/DegreeArch/ReqCourse.aspx ]

13. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging. [Cite your source(s) and include a course listing from the appropriate degree program]
The two most challenging courses I took were Architectural Building Technology II, and Architectural
Design 6.  In Architecural Building Techonology, it emphasizes on construction technology in the design, production, and construction process. In the Design 6, it was a much more self-directed class, doing many hands on projects inside and outside of campus.

[ same souce as above ]

14. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses? [Cite your source(s)]
At Ball State, you have many resources. Aside from the help of other students and upperclassmen in the same degree, Ball State Offers many resourceful websites to help you in the architectural degree.

[ http://cms.bsu.edu/About/AdministrativeOffices/CareerCenter/Explore/Interests/CareersIn/Design.aspx ]

15. Regarding the two most challenging courses, how did you persevere?  
Through these two most challenging courses, the only way to persevere was through hard work. I had to also be good at managing my time between studying, doing hands-on projects off campus, and building models. It took a lot, but through hard work and dedication, I was able to do it.

16. From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees? [Cite your source(s)]
I recieved my graduate degree from Ball State also.

[ http://www.gradschools.com/search-programs/architecture/indiana/united-states  ]

17. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)? [Cite your source(s)]
The title for my graduate degree is Master of Architecture Professional Degree.

http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/CAP/Programs/Architecture/Programs/Masters/MArch.aspx  ]

18.  What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses? [Cite your source(s)]
I first had to take the ARE (Architecte Registration examintation), and the I got the liscense for a Registered Architect.

[  http://www.modative.com/modern-architects-blog/bid/27366/How-to-Become-a-Licensed-Architect ]

19. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?
My clients would describe me as a laid back, hard-working, well rounded architect.

20. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?
I hope to be able to comfortably suppy for my family thoughout our lives, create many long lasting, beautiful structures, and eventually own my own architectural firm.

21.  Why should a high school student consider a career in your field?  What important contribution(s) can they make?
A high schooler should consider this job because its different everyday. You're always on a new project, making new designs and constructing new things. You get to use your art skills and be creative all the time. They can make the important contribution of suppling structures for others to use.


Conclusion
1.    You described a career related to civil engineering and/or architecture. Is this the career field that you are currently most interested in at this stage in your life?
Yes, I am currently very interested in architecture.



2.    Rank and describe the three most important characteristics that you value in choosing a post-secondary school.
The three most important characteristics of a post-secondary school are credability, affordability, and where they are.


3.    Rank the following in the order of importance to you regarding a career: job satisfaction; salary; making a difference; level of responsibility; titles; benefits; hours; co-workers; supervisors.  How will a career in civil engineering or architecture satisfy the factor that you ranked highest?
1. Job Satisfaction
2.Hours
3.Salary
4.Benefits
5.Level of Responsility
6.Making a Difference
7.co-workers
8.Supervisors
9.Titles

A career in architecture will give me good Job Satisfaction because I love to be creative, and also enjoy constructing things.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Activity 1.1.2

1) Principle of design: Balance

Justification: This structure shows horizonal balance by having both of the window designs mimicking eachother.


2) Principle of design: Balance

Justification: This structure shows symetrical balance because the whole building exemplifies symetry.



3) Principle of design: EmphasisJustification: This structure shows emphasis on the white chimney because of the color. The dull brick is overlooked by the bright white chimney.


4) Principle of design: Movement

Justification: This structure exemplifies movement because the curved building structure seems to have flow towards the right.



5) Principle of design: Unity

Justification: This structure shows unity because of the color choice. All of the colors seem to be of the same type, dull. This brings unity to the piece.



6) Principle of design: Rythm

Justification: This structure shows regular rythm because the odd shape of the floors and colors repeats itself, and brings rythm to the piece.



7) Principle of design: Unity

Justification: This structure shows unity because it exemplifies consistent use of color, material, and texture on the house.



8) Principle of design: Rythm

Justification: This structure shows regular rythm because the arches in the aqueducts repeat in a regular pattern.


9) Principle of design: Balance

Justification: This structure shows symetrical balance because the building is symetrical.


10) Principle of design: Contrast

Justification: This structure shows contrast because the multiple colors on these buildings are noticably differnt.


Conculsion:

1.) Based on how they utilize these elements and principles, this distinguises which time period it was from. Typically, one time period used generally the same type of design principles and elements.

2.)One factor that would account for this is recreations. The neoclassism was a roman architecture revival time-period, so it may be hard to distinguish this from real roman architecture.

3.)By using shape and color, buildings can utilize the principle of emphasis, attracting costumers to this building so that they can buy the goods in the store/building.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Activity 1.1.1

1.     Define civil engineering.
Civil engineering is a type of engineering that is related to the design and construction of public works, like bridges, dams and other large facilities

2.     Define architecture.
Architecture is the art and science of designing and consturcting buildings.

3.     Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?
The concept of architecture has traces of originating ever since humans were known to have begun on the Earth. Although it wasn't anything like major bridges or buildings, there are remains of things like hieroglyphics and simple living structures found tracing back the the BC ages.

4.     In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
Building materials were chosen by their surroundings and climate. Whatever  was avaliable nearby according to their location and climate is what they used. This is nearly the definition of vernacular architecture.

5.     Give two examples of vernacular architecture.
One example of vernacular architecure is an igloo. They use the avaliable resources (snow and ice) according to their climate. Another example would be cliff dwellings. In the barin landscape they lived in, they didn't have much avaliable resources to create living structures. So, by using the avaliable resource (stone cliffs) the carved out living structures.


6.     Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
The post-and-lintel system has been commonly used among the ages. This is the construction of walls utilizing a framework of vertical posts and horizontal beams to carry floors and roof loads.


7.     What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
The purpose of the Egyptian pyramids were not focused on Architecture, but on religious beliefs. They were tombs for the burial of highly ranked people in their civilization. The Mexican Pyramids were made for nearly the same purpose. Some of them were made to be a burial area for highly ranked officials, and others wre used for religious ceremonies.


8.     What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.
The Parthenon was constructed using the post-and-linel system.



9.     What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?
The fact that the post and lintel provided an entrace but still had the same amount of support led to this system being used.


10. Explain how an arch is created.
Arches are created from blocks that are placed in a curved formation in such a way that they give each other support. A keystone is placed in the top of the arch to provide stability and support.


11.  How is the vault used in civil engineering?
They can be used for openings in bridges, walkways , and other passages.


12.  Give an example of an arch and dome system.
Middle-age cathedrals are very good examples of an arch and dome system.

13.  Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?
Steel is a material that wasn't avaliable to the ancients. This restricted them from building higher, stable buildings.



14.  What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?
The purpose of the Roman aqueducts was to transport large amounts of water to areas where water was distant or unavaliable.



15.  Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.
Greek roads were used mainly to transport goods, while Roman roads were used mainly for the transport of troops.


16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.
A typical Roman bridge is constucted from mutiple archs underneath the roadway. Typically made out of stone, these bridges have a distinctive Roman look to them.



17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
Building materials and methods changed after the Romans in a good way. They sparked a revolution of new creative and much more structurally sound buildings.



Conclusion
1.     Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?
Some pyramids not shown in the presentation include many from North America. For example, Munks Mount in Illinois. Its function was believed to be religious, like the Egyptian, but thats really all they know about it. It wasnt specified as a burial area. This difference is probably because the egyptians beliefs were different about the afterlife, and they wanted their highest officials in the best places once they died.



2.     Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
One example of a modern arch and dome system would be the Globe Arena in Stockholm.



3.     What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
The main  purpose of modern road is for public transportation, and also transportation of goods. The cost is defrayed by tax payers.