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  WEEK 10 Plumbing systems In this week's lesson we begin to build an understanding of what goes into water fixtures and components related to them. We start off by learning about the different categories of water ranging from potable, grey and black water. Potable water being the water that we can directly drink; grey water is used for water fixtures like sinks, washing machines and toilets, and black containing dirty sewage water. There are ways to help purify some of the undesirable water thorough the use of water treatment plants.  We learn that the concept of implementing interior plumbing is a relatively new concept which gives designers like us the opportunities to make unique spaces. A bathroom is a heavily used room in a structure so it is important we follow specified parameters to ensure our designs are code compliant. Elements of a restroom consist of many different things ranging from sinks, toilets and showers and depending on the needs of the inhabitants. There ...
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Week 9  Electrical Systems & Lighting      In this weeks reading we learn about electrical systems and the many different elements that must be considered when implementing lighting into our structures. we first learn about the forms in which we get this electricity; like alternating current (AC) which is ideal for long distance transfer of electricity; typically electricity within powerlines. Then we also have direct current (DC) which can typically be thought of as stored electricity; like from battery storage units or cellphone batteries. This is ideal for short distances       This electricity has to be put to work in some way, so we can utilize ohms law to calculate what is the required power we would use for specific items. Items can range from a phone charger, TV or a washing machine. All those examples require specific levels of Wattage, Voltage and amperage. This is important to us as designers because we must plan for what the purpos...
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  Week 7  Ceilings  In this chapter we learn that ceilings aren't just byproducts of creating a building; it is an opportunity for designers to fundamentally change the whole experience of the structure. we learned in an earlier chapter that designers did not have the ability to decide how the structure of the roof was constructed but they did have a say as to the shape. This is exactly why they must have input as to how the roof is constructed because it directly effects the experience inside. Having this input creates opportunities for designers to create something like this. I personally am a fan of the use of wood on the ceiling; paired with the high windows it allows for plenty of light to come into the kitchen and reflects a warm brown hue that covers the room. Another element that I found interesting about this room was how the ceiling is not a perfect triangle. We see how there is a sloped protrusion that separates the ceiling into three planes. I find this to be ...
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 Week 5 Walls      In this weeks chapter we take a deeper dive as to what walls are capable of doing for our designs. The most important type of wall we must take into account when making a structure is a load bearing wall. what makes these load bearing walls detrimental to the plan is that it allows a path for the weight to be distributed throughout the building. This can be achieved through the use of steel, concrete or stud walls. although, these walls aren't just limited to structural elements; we as designers must find innovative ways to use walls to create spaces and experiences within the structure as well. In chapter 5 we learn that these walls could be utilized to protect the inside from the elements. A common way we do this is through the use of insulation. there are many varieties of insulation with all the same general goal. Insulation is a great way for us to control what the temperature in our home is. it can successfully keep cool air in during the sum...
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  Sustainability    Ranking Systems    In this weeks reading we are introduced to many new sustainability focused organizations. Each one focusing on having its own individual criteria for classification regarding various structures. some may ask "why is this important?", "is it really necessary to be an efficient architect / interior designer?" The answer to this may have more layers then anticipated. These various organizations each have their own requirements to receive specific rankings. In this chapter we cover the importance of striving towards a completely substantiable building; being that these buildings contribute as little pollution or environmental damage as possible.  How is this sustainability achieved? Well there are many contributing factors, such as, water efficiency, energy/atmosphere, materials and resources, innovation and design along with much more. Depending on where your building the primary organization may change, in the U.S we typ...
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