Ballast: Chapter 30 - Building Configuration and Budgeting Flashcards
What needs to be simultaneously coordinated in building configuration?
- Application of program requirements
- Methods of organizing space
- Circulation patterns
- Evidence-based design
- Social and cultural influences
- Historic Precedent
What does a program consist of?
- List of required spaces and their adjacencies
- Individual space needs
- Climatic influences
- Building code requirements
- Expansion plans
- Budget
Programmatic Concepts
Statements about functional solutions to the client’s performance requirements
Design Concepts
Physical solution to programmatic concepts
Organization Concept - Linear
Series of spaces or buildings placed in a single line. Very adaptable; easy/economical for structural grid and mechanical
Organization Concept - Axial
Spaces or buildings placed along two or more major line segments. Can have secondary paths out of the primary axes. Easy/economical for structural grid and mechanical
Organization Concept - Grid
Consists of two sets of regularly spaced parallel lines, each set perpendicular to the other. A strong and flexible pattern where portions can be added, subtracted, and modified. Can become monotonous and confusing - good for very large buildings. Equally as flexible/economical for structural/mechanical as linear and axial
Organization Concept - Central
One primary space or point about which secondary elements are placed. Formal method of spatial organization. Mechanical systems can be laid out in an economical grid or a less economical radial pattern.
Organization Concept - Clustered
Loose composition of spaces or buildings either related around a path, axis, or central space; or simply grouped together. Informal method of spatial organization. Very adaptable, but may be more complicated for structural/mechanical depending on the exact layout.
Circulation Pattern - Linear Dumbbell
Simplest and most flexible circulation pattern - spaces are laid out along a straight path, or spine, that connects major elements at each end. Can bend at a right angle if needed.
Establishes a regular, one-way structural grid perpendicular to the direction of the path. Two-way can also be used.
Very efficient for single story or multistory if MEP can be economically stacked.
Circulation Pattern - Doughnut
A linear dumbbell in a complete loop. Provides double-loaded corridors and a continuous exit route. Good for square and rectangular sites. Spaces of many different sizes can be accommodated at the perimeter
Circulation Pattern - Grid
Used for very large buildings (ie hospitals) where access must be provided to many internal spaces. Not appropriate for small buildings (inefficient)
Circulation Pattern - Radial
Oriented around one major space with paths extending from this central area. A large site is needed for a radial layout - better for large buildings and complexes. Difficult for structural grids
Circulation Pattern - Field
Network of paths with no strong direction. Uses primary and secondary paths. Orientation is difficult, as is integrating structural and mechanical
Expansability
Capability of a building to be enlarged or added onto as needs change or growth occurs
Convertibility
Allows an existing space or building to be changed according to a new use
Versatility
The ability to use the same space for multiple uses in order to make maximum use of limited space
Environmental Design Research
Focuses on the interaction between humans and their environment. Aims to use scientific research as a rational basis for design decisions. There can be too many variables to pin down real a basis for design, though
Evidence Based Design (EBD)
Bases design decisions on credible research that links one or more environmental elements with a desired outcome.
Eg. patients in hospitals who have visual and physical access to nature recover faster and better
Social/Cultural Influences - Political Conditions
Political attitudes and policies may affect design thinking (such as with sustainable design)
Social/Cultural Influences - Economic Conditions
Prosperity can lead to lavish designs, whereas uncertain times can lead to more austere work
Social/Cultural Influences - Cultural Attitudes
Shared values, religion, fashion, leisure pursuits, etc may reach into the realms of architecture
Social/Cultural Influences - Symbolism
A colonial-style home vs a neo-classical bank
Social/Cultural Influences - Regionalism
Reflecting the local geographic area
Design Theory
Method to direct design based on a system of beliefs or philosophy
What factors should be considered when integrating structural systems into the project design?
- Length of req’d span
- Special requirements, like seismic load
- Efficiency and cost
- Time
- Fire protection
- Material availability
- Unique construction requirements
What are some special structural requirements a project may have?
- Seismic
- Unusual wind
- Heavy snow
- Extremely long spans
What are some unique construction requirements that may impact your structural design?
- Restricted site which forces use of small components and limited delivery windows
- Climatic restrictions suggesting lots of prefabrication
- Limited availability of skilled workers in a certain trade, making it necessary to use a different material
Integrating Mechanical Systems - Active vs. Passive
- Active systems can be hidden and are easier to integrate later in the design process
- Passive needs to be considered and integrated early on as it relies on natural energy and building elements need to be designed to make use of them
Neighborhood Context
Includes design style, massing, fenestration patterns, scale, points of connection, contribution to image, defensible space, and views
Climate
Includes solar orientation and wind patterns
Topography
Includes the best places for building siting, parking, entry points, and service
Transportation
Includes how people get to the site and building with pedestrian access, bus stops, and other transportations; driveway entrances; parking and other services
Drainage
Includes modification of contours, location of retention ponds, and coordination with rounding drainage patterns
Utilities
Includes the location of the closest sanitary and storm sewers, water supply, electrical service, and communication lines
Geology
Includes soil reports that indicate the best place for foundations, drainage requirements, and other geological factors
Landscaping
Includes existing trees and shrubbery, as well as any water features, rock outcroppings, and other natural features
What are the three general methods of refining a project budget?
- parameter method
- matrix costing
- unit cost method
Parameter method
Typically used during the DD phase and early stages. Uses an expanded itemization of construction quantities and assigns a unit cost to each. Possible to evaluate the cost implications of each building component
Matrix Costing
Matrix is drawn showing the various alternative construction components along one end and the individual elements that combine to produce the total cost of the alternatives on the other side
General Overhead
The cost to run a contracting business and involves office rent, secretarial help, utilities, and other recurring costs
Project Overhead
The money it takes to complete a particular job, not including labor, materials, or equipment. This includes temporary offices, telephone/data, sanitary facilities, trash removal, permits, and temporary utilities. Typically 10-20%
Unit Cost Method
Project is broken down into its individual components and the labor needed to install them. Most commonly used for bid. Most accurate method, but only useful when drawings and specs are accurate
Regional Cost Index
Method of comparing common unit costs across several regions. Based on a baseline of 1000.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)
Method for determining the total cost of a building, building component, or system.
Takes into account:
- initial cost
- cost of financing, operation, maintenance, and disposal
Costs are estimated over a period of time called the study period
Time Value of Money (TVM)
Because of the TVM, future costs discounted back to a common time (base date)
Discount rate
Converts future costs to their equivalent present values
Costs involved in a LCCA
- initial costs
- operational costs
- maintenance costs
- replacement costs
- finance costs
- taxes
- residual value (scrap value)
(estimate first 6 costs, discount to present value, add together, and then subtract discounted residual value to get the total LCC)
Value Engineering
process of analyzing a particular material, assembly, system, or even an entire design to see whether the same functional requirements can be met in a less expensive way
Value Engineering Steps (per SAVE)
- Gather information
- Perform functional analysis
- Generate alternatives
- Synthesize ideas and select feasible ones
- Select the best alternative
- Present recommendations to shareholders
