2.3 Essential questions

1.     How do you achieve a balance between cost-saving measures, important features, and environmental responsibility when designing a residential structure?

One way to achieve a balance betweet these three things would be to use energy-star rated appliances. Also, using specific materials to build a residential structure that are both high in quality and environmentally sound would be another way to do this.

 

2.     What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D architectural software rather than creating hand-produced plans?

Some advantages of using the 3D software would be the fact that it could be much neater and orginized. They also are much faster, and can be munipulated very easily. A disadvantage to this software is that for a quick rough draft, it would be a waste of time to use this software. In the quick, rough draft aspect, a sketch would be more logical.

 

3.     Why are organizations such as LEED important?

Orginizations such as LEED are important because they keep architects and engineers liable to their environmental footprint. They help make both a better more energy efficient home, and also help create less of a destructive environmental footprint.

 

4.     When planning a project, how does the availability of public utilities impact the design?

When planning a project, especially when talking about the water systems, the avalability of puplic utilities can greatly impact the process. If there is a public water supply, the home would not need to drill a well for water. Also, if the was a public sewer system, one would not need to build a septic tank.

 

5.     What options are available for the management of wastewater from a building?

In a residential home, there are a few different options for the management of wastewater. One would be a septic tank. This is mainly used out in the country, not near many others. In the more urban areas, one would have the option of a public sewer system.

 

6.     What are the important considerations when design a plumbing system?

Some important considerations when designing a plumbing system would be to keep your water heater in the central area, or near the majority of the plumbing fixtures. Also, one would try to keep the warm water pipes away from the side of the home.

 

7.     Why should a designer know about the different types of lighting and their applications?

A designer should know about the different types of lighting and their applications so that he could make the most energy efficient home. By knowing about things like skylights, and the correct window placement areas, the designer could make the home need much less artificial lighting in the daytime.

 

8.     What are the important considerations when designing an electrical system?

Some important considerations when designing an electrical system would be outlet placement. Also, one would try to wire the lights and other fixtures in the most energy eficient way possible.

 

9.     What information is important when documenting the design of a building?

Accurate dimensioning and labeling of the materials is important to include when documenting the design of a building. This includes views such as a dimensioned floor plan, a room schedule, and a wall section view.