INT324SEK

  Sustainability While the codes regulate how a building aids occupants in the event of a fire or emergency, sustainability focuses on the impact that a building has on the environment. Sustainable development is defined as the development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Essentially, this means that sustainability is creating and using certain elements that will not prove detrimental to the world and future generations. Certain measures are implemented to hold standards for these specific elements including Green Rating Systems, Life Cycle Assessments, and Environmental Product Declarations. Green Rating Systems The first green rating systems established was known as the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method and ten years later, the U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Both these continue to expand, ...

  Plumbing and Mechanical Requirements While most codes that were previously discussed within our book, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors , were utilized for the safety of the occupants within a building, the plumbing and mechanical requirements focus on addressing health and welfare concerns. This makes it critical for us as designers to know how to determine the quantity of plumbing fixtures needed in a project and how a design affects the differing components of a mechanical system. How to Determine the Quantity of Fixtures It is critical that the number of plumbing fixtures required is established in the early stages of a project. The number of fixtures is determined by the plumbing code which indicates water closets, lavatories, bathtubs and showers, drinking fountains, and other fixtures. Usually, each floor is required to have at least on toilet, but the actual number depends on the type of occupancy and the occupant load of the building. Within the IPC, Table 403.1 “M...

  Fire Protection Systems Within our reading this week, we learned of various systems that can be installed to help alert and protect a building’s occupants from a fire. While fire and smoke are the main threats to the occupants safety, there are other potential hazards when a fire is present, such as changes in temperature (heat) and gases. Due to the fact that any sort of fire poses a large risk, aside from just burning, it is very important to detect and control such a danger as soon as possible. There are certain systems designers and engineers use to communicate these dangers known as detection systems, alarm systems, and extinguishing systems. Detection Systems It should be well known that one of the best ways to protect occupants from the dangers of a fire is to simply know there is a fire as quickly as possible. Detection systems, or initiating devices, are required by the IBC and IFC in all new buildings unless exempt. However, choosing the appropriate detection syst...

Means of Egress Getting in and out of any building or structure is important, especially in the case of an emergency. The way in which emergency exits are designed and specified is just as critical to how quickly they lead occupants to safety. As a designer, it is our job to recognize, establish, and correctly design these spaces according to code and jurisdiction. Means of Egress System The codes divvy up the means of egress into 3 main categories. These categories are known as exit access, exit, and exit discharge. The exit access is a part of a means of egress leading from any occupied area to the entrance of an exit. The exit is the part of egress that is between the exit access and the exit discharge, or public way. The exit discharge is the part of egress between the termination of an exit and the public way. A public way is the space outside of a building that is legally considered public. In addition, areas of refuge are established as a space or area that is available fo...

  Construction Types and Building Sizes Construction types are what determine the construction systems and materials that are allowed on both the exterior and interior parts of a building. The construction type also determines the allowable size and height of a building. When it comes to interiors and the need to rearrange building elements, it is crucial to know and familiarize yourself with what changes can be made safely based on the building codes and construction type. Identifying Construction Types Each project is different, however, the need to identify the existing construction type remains constant. In addition, researching the fire-resistance rating requirements and building materials allowed by the code are just as critical. Buildings are classified by the lowest-rated element or the use of the most combustible material. Original construction documents are always the best source of information, but occasionally having to consult an architect, building official, or ...

  Chapter 3: Occupancy Classifications and Loads Knowing the occupancy classification and loads is important in understanding how occupants use a building or space. Within these classifications there are subclassifications and multiple different classifications for multiple purposes. In addition, occupancy classifications develop to address the different risk factors, or hazardous situations, within each type of use. These characteristics within occupancy classifications are in place so that people can be considered equally safe at work, a concert, or any other type of use. Understanding Occupancy Classifications Occupancy classifications are supposed to be assigned to every building or space within said building. Knowing and understanding the occupancy type within a building or structure is the first and a critical first step when designing the interior of a space. Three things should be understood and known for determining occupancy classifications. The first is the type of...