Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This first technology and regulation unit will start to lead you through the process of basic construction techniques, the regulations that apply to that process and the structural principles that you as designers will have to consider. Whilst you are students looking at the architectural interpretation of interior spaces it is important that you have a good grounding in the fundamental principles and ecological context that govern the types of buildings and spaces you are likely to encounter.

This first unit is designed to introduce you to the basic systems that make up a simple building and will take you through them in the same sequence as they are applied in the building process. You will explore appropriate methods of communicating these processes and look at the various roles that regulations play.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit.
An introduction to the building site, regulatory issues and your responsibilities as a designer.

The building of systems:

• Foundation systems 
• Floor systems
• Wall, partition and cladding systems 
• Roof systems 
• Moisture, thermal and acoustic control

Structural Technology:

• Loading the Earth's crust; equilibrium; compression and tension; bending in beams; foundations
• The global ecological context of architectural works Drawing conventions appropriate to these areas

Method of Delivery
Lectures, demonstrations, studio projects, visits.

Aims

A1 To develop your knowledge of the techniques and processes involved in the construction of a simple structure
A2 To develop an understanding of the body of regulations as they apply to basic construction techniques
A3 To introduce the relevance of global issues of environmental design within a context of sustainability

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques and processes involved in simple building construction
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the role that regulation plays in the building process
LO3 Understand the global context of sustainability within which the architectural interpretation of spaces operates

Reference Material

Key
Barry, R. (1999), The Construction of Buildings Vol. 1 & Vol. 2: Blackwell.
Everett, A. (1994), Mitchell’s Building Series – Materials: Longman.
Foster, J.S. (2000), Mitchell’s Building Series – Structure & Fabric 1: Longman.
Francis, D.J. (1989), Introducing Structures: Horwood.
Gauld, B. (1996), Structures for Architects: Longman.
Lance, L.(2004), Constructing Ideals, Kendall/Hunt.
McDonald, A.J (2001), Structure & Architecture: Butterworth.
Mollerup, P. (2001). Collapsibles: A Design Album of Space Saving Objects. London: Thames & Hudson.
Wines, J. (2000), Green Architecture: Taschen, Cologne.

Recommended
Baden-Powell, C. (2001) Architect's Pocket Book. Butterworth-Heinemann
Fuad-Luke, A. (2005). The eco-design handbook – a complete sourcebook for the home and office. London:Thames & Hudson.
Kimmins, S & Woolley, T. (2000) Green Building Handbook : A Guide to Building Products and Their Impact on the Environment : v.2. Taylor & Francis. Mitton, M. (2003). Interior design visual presentation: A guide to graphics, models and presentation techniques. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons
Onna, E.van. (2003). Material world: innovative structures and finishes for interiors. Basel: Birkhauser Verlag.
Polley, S. (2005). Understanding The Building Regulations. Spon.
Wilhide, E. (2002). Eco - an essential sourcebook for environmentally friendly design and decoration. London: Quadrille.