Structural Systems

 

Although the interior designer's job is not to build the structural system of a building, it is important for the designers to understand and recognize and understand the building structure when working on a building. For the purpose of obtaining a building permit, as permitted by law, interior design includes the analysis, planning, design, documentation, and management of interior non-structural/non-seismic construction and alteration projects in accordance with applicable building design and construction, fire, life-safety, and energy codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines. Qualified through training, experience, and testing, interior designers have a moral and ethical duty to safeguard clients and tenants by creating ADA-compliant, inclusive, and code-compliant interior spaces that address well-being while taking into account the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.

For buildings and other structures to be stable, secure, and long-lasting, they must have a structural system. It gives a construction crucial support, guaranteeing that it can sustain a range of loads and environmental pressures without losing structural integrity. Structural systems also have an impact on how a structure is designed architecturally, how interior space is used, and how appealing it looks. Additionally affecting the economy and the environment, efficient structural design lowers construction costs and encourages sustainability. In the end, a well-designed structural system is essential for producing built environments that are secure, useful, and long-lasting. Structural forms come in various types such as cable, post, beam, truss, arch, and shell. Most of these styles are made from heavy timber, steel, and masonry and concrete bearing walls. An example of this is the image to the left of the different types of structural trusses built from heavy timber. 

To understand the structural system, it is important to understand building loads which is why we have a structural system. Loads can be classified as dead or alive loads. Dead loads are the weight of the building materials, equipment, and enduring elements like walls and roofs. Contrarily, live loads are transient and include the weight of humans, furnishings, and outside forces like wind, snow, and earthquakes. The image to the left shows a diagram of the different loads in a building. Loads are caused by tension, compression, and deflection in the building. When the loads are being transferred from the foundation, they are being transferred in three different ways; through bearing walls, stud walls, and the structural frame. 


ALTERNATIVE BUILDING SYSTEM

Alternative building refers to building techniques that are different from those used in traditional modern architecture. They frequently employ organic building materials and place a major emphasis on eco-friendly architecture.

An example of this is using bamboo has a framing structure. Using bamboo as the main material for framing and support during construction is known as a bamboo framing structure. Due to its strength, adaptability, and sustainability, bamboo is a quickly growing, renewable resource that has many benefits in building. Bamboo poles are frequently utilized as columns, beams, and trusses in bamboo framing structures to provide structural stability. To build a strong framework, these bamboo components are frequently connected utilizing contemporary connectors or conventional lashing methods. Lightweight, affordable, and suitable for a range of architectural uses, bamboo framing systems are especially useful where bamboo is easily accessible. They are recognized for being resilient and eco-friendly, making them a viable option for sustainable building techniques.

Comments

  1. Delia T.September 16, 2023 at 8:39 AM

    Izzy,

    This is a great blog! You summarized the chapter well in a way that drew out the most important points without an overwhelming amount of detail. You sounded like you understood the material and then explained it in a progression that helped us follow along. I especially like your image on the difference between an Interior Designer and Architect, as well as the image of all the building loads (this one is really helpful).

    I loved that chose bamboo for your alternative system! What a fun and unique choice of building material/ system. It would have been interesting to read a little more about the historical and/or cultural uses of bamboo as a building structure, so maybe you'd want to look into that! Otherwise, you explained the general use and all the positives of bamboo very well.

    Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Eva SerratoSeptember 17, 2023 at 10:08 AM

    Izzy,

    I liked your summary on the chapter and felt like the pictures you used were beneficial for my understanding as well. I liked how you went into depth in you went on the different loads and pressures that can be distributed on a building. I liked you building system analysis. I thought the bamboo was an interesting system that showed be researched as used more in building construction.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 17, 2023 at 2:27 PM

    Izzy,
    Excellent summary of our topic of Structural Systems. Your introduction that describes what the differences and similarities between the responsibilities of architects and interior designers was great! I love the image.
    Your paragraph on structures and the various loads that affect them was well written and thorough. Great image.
    Your choice studying Bamboo framing and structure was an excellent choice. This building alternative is being studied and used with great success these days.
    50/50 points.

    ReplyDelete

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