Definitions Flashcards
What is BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method used to grade how sustainable, environmentally friendly and efficient a building is.
Define a Mission Statement
A general strategy or target that construction and architecture firms have that they apply to all projects they lead
What is RIBA
The Royal Institute of British Architects, an organisation that aims to deliver better buildings and places for communities and the environment.
What is a Design Brief
A key early document that descries the objectives, requirements, constraints for a project to be used as a guide for all steps moving forward.
Legislation
Laws set in place that govern planning, design, and construction to ensure safety , social compliance, environmental protection and accessibility.
Shear
Sliding force that pushes elements past each other in opposite directions
Compression
Pushing force that squeezes and crushes elements, lowers volume
Tension
Pulling force that stretches elements, increases volume
Bending
Compresses and tenses elements at the same time causing a curve or flex
Torsion
Twisting force that rotates an element
Deflection
The degree which a structural element is displaced/changes shape when load is applied
Live load
Dynamic loads that vary day by day or over time
Dead load
Permanent static loads the structure must support
Occupant comfort
The state of physical, mental, and social well-being experienced by individuals within a built environment that effects their productivity. Achieved through temperature, acoustics, air quality, aesthetics.
Organogram
Diagram that shows the structure of an organisation and the relationships different people and departments have with each other.
Shell structure
Thin plate structure designed to use compressive and tensive forces to hold the building up with out support columns.
Mass structure
A structure that relies on its mass to support its weight and withstand forces. Its strength comes from the density of the piled materials.
Frame structure
A structure comprised of a framework of beams and columns designed to transfer loads to the foundations of the building.
U value
Measures how well a building element like a wall or window allows heat to transfer through it. It is calculated: Surface heat loss (Q)=U value x Wall area x difference between indoor and outdoor temps
