Affordable Housing Project

Description

     The affordable housing project I designed is a Habitat for Humanity house located in Noblesville, IN. A map of the area is provided below. This house was designed for the Cook family, a family of four. There are two adults and two children sharing a three bedroom home. Incorporated into the house are the following sustainable design features: Feasible daylighting and Energy Star rated appliances. Being constrained to the Habitat for Humanity guidelines, I had to keep the house within 1070 square feet. To give the relatively small home an open and, thus, larger feeling, I arranged all of the home's rooms around an open living room/kitchen/dining room area that was minimally separated to both save space and provide an open, flowing atmosphere. The client originally wanted an attached storage area, but after incorporating it into the design, it put the total area over the limit. Removing it, however, put the area somewhat under the limit. The client and I eventually agreed to remove it from the final plans.

Bubble Diagrams

Sketches

Site Plan

Renderings

Dimensioned Floor Plan

Elevation Views

Wall Section View

Window and Door Schedule

Room Schedule with Square Footage Total

Electrical Plan

Plumbing Plan

Calculations

Water Pressure Calculations: LINK 
I found the actual water pressure to be somewhere around 44.51 (rounded) PSI, which achieves the residential minimum.
Note: Due to some technical difficulties with Excel, some of the values on the spreadsheet are of a smaller font than the rest of the document. This was not intended, and is still readable if you zoom in slightly with the buttons in the top left of the window.

Activity 2.3.2

1.    Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

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A rain barrel would be an effective and cheap way to harness and reuse fallen rainwater.

2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

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Using blown-in recycled paper insulation that is fire treated is an efficient option that keeps paper that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill in use.

3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 

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Separation of waste material so that it may be easily recycled later and ordering optimal quantities of materials to reduce unused portions of said materials are effective strategies for minimizing construction waste during the construction process.

4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?

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A designer of any building might start by choosing a building site that would  facilitate green construction, choose a cheap, effective insulation material that has a high R-value, and use an energy efficient heating/cooling system that does not far exceed the necessary output.

5.    Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.        

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Constructing a building in a region in which a geothermal energy system is feasible would be a good way to use the Earth's heat to effectively heat (or cool) a structure and possibly provide a source of alternative electricity as well.

Conclusion

1.    Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
 An electric generator that would use part of its power to charge a battery that was dedicated to running said generator. This would allow the generator to theoretically run forever. Even though the concept of a perpetual machine was disproven many years ago, it is a philosophical concept that has been cause for much pondering.

2.    Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.
A grey water system that reused cleaner wastewater to provide water to the outdoor garden. This is an improvement because currently, water is pumped from the well rather than reused. 

Activity 2.2.2 Shed Cost Estimate

Click here for spreadsheet.

Activity 1.1.2

1.)Principle of Design: Rhythm
    Justification: The beams and arches appear to exhibit a certain rhythmic quality

2.)Principle of Design: Horizontal Balance
Justification: The two halves are symmetrical if a vertical line is drawn down the center.

3.)Element of Design: Emphasis
Justification: The color difference between the tower and the building draws attention to the tower.

4.)Principle of Design: Shape
Justification: The building has a sort of oblong look to it, exhibiting the shape of a spheroid.
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5.)Principle of Design: Unity
Justification: The colors chosen all exhibit a quality of similarity that makes them visually appealing.

6.)Principle of Design: Rhythm
Justification: The repetition of the triangular shapes of the roofs that continues down the structure shows rhythm.

7.)Principle of Design: Unity
Justification: The consistent use of materials and color bring about the said principle

8.)Principle of Design: Proportion
Justification: The arches on the upper level of the structure are of a shorter height than those on the bottom.

9.)Element of Design: Horizontal Balance
Justification: If one were to cut the building into two halves, they would both be nearly identical.

10.)Element of Design: Color
Justification: The buildings, while appearing identical, are distinguishable by their vibrant colors.

Conclusion
1.) In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which a structure was created?
     Because certain cultures from certain parts of history used certain elements and or principles to create a distinct type of architecture characteristic to that certain culture. 
2.) What factors might account for an incorrect identification?
     If a culture were to copy a previous culture's building style (for example the Romans copying the Greeks), then a less educated person may incorrectly identify it.
3.)Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact the function of a building.
     A building that has a symmetrical layout likely could have more flow and may or may not be able to use space more effectively.

Utility Shed

Activity 1.2.1

1.    What is your age?

I am 26 years old.

2.    Where do you live?

I live in Manhattan, New York City.

3.    What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy extended periods of meditation and computer-related projects.

4.    What is your job title?

Drafter

5.    When and why did you choose your career path?

Shortly after High School, I chose the architecture path when trying to decide my Major.

6.    What is the name of your company or employer?

I work at Sideris Kefalas Engineers P.C.

7.    Describe your primary duties and skills. [Cite your source(s)]

I use a CAD program to draft representations of the head architect's designs. Occasionally, I am on site with the construction workers, helping the architects to oversee construction. (Source)

8.    Describe your physical work environment.

I generally work at a computer, sometimes from home, and more often from the office. Sometimes, I spend a work day on a construction site.

9.    What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is actually seeing the building I worked on completed.

10. What is your salary? [Cite your source(s)]

My annual salary is $45,500 (Source)

11. Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree? [Cite your source(s)]

I attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN. My degree was: Bachelor of arts in Architecture. (Source)

12. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career. [Cite your source(s)]
The three most important classes I took were Architectural Design 4, 5, and 6. They encompassed both the structural design and the aesthetic design of Architecture. (Source)

13. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging. [Cite your source(s) and include a course listing from the appropriate degree program] The two courses that I found most challenging were Structural systems 1 and 2. (Source)

14. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses? [Cite your source(s)] While the Digital Simulation and Fabrication labs were incredibly helpful, I found that just studying in the school's extensive library proved to be most helpful. (Source)

15. Regarding the two most challenging courses, how did you persevere?  

Honestly, it was as easy as studying extensively. I figured out what I was having trouble with, read a lot of books on the topic, and stayed attentive in class. Now, I find that SS 3 is even easier than the first course.

16. From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees? [Cite your source(s)]

I received my graduate degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. (Source)

17. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)? [Cite your source(s)]

I obtained my Master's degree in Architecture. (Source)

18.  What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses? [Cite your
source(s)]

I completed my three-year internship in the field, then, after completing that, took my Architect Registration Examination and passed on my second attempt, which licensed me as a professional. (Source)

19. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?
They would likely speak of me highly, likely describing me as a diligent worker with an eye for detail.

20. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?

I would like to own my own architecture firm that specializes in both residential and commercial modern architecture.

21.  Why should a high school student consider a career in your field?  What important contribution(s) can they make?
High school students that have a vivid imagination and a knack for mathematics might consider a future in architecture. They can provide a means of imagination outlet, a necessity for anyone, and can also provide for the general public, a necessity for society. Frankly, architecture can and does provide for anyone and everyone, and that is why a high school student might want to consider a career in architecture. 

Conclusion

1.    You described a career related to civil engineering and/or architecture. Is this the career field that you are currently most interested in at this stage in your life?

Honestly, no.

2.    Rank and describe the three most important characteristics that you value in choosing a post-secondary school.
1. Quality of education
2. Prestige
3. Quality of party scene (I couldn't think of anything else) 

3.    Rank the following in the order of importance to you regarding a career: job satisfaction; salary; making a difference; level of responsibility; titles; benefits; hours; co-workers; supervisors.  How will a career in civil engineering or architecture satisfy the factor that you ranked highest?
1. Job satisfaction
2. Salary
3. Level of responsibility
4. Making a difference
5. Benefits
6. Hours
7. Co-workers
8. Supervisors
9. Titles
I suppose that it would satisfy my highest-ranking factor, but not nearly as much as my other career plans. 

Project 1.1.3 Powerpoint

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Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Introduction

Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of civil engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us with awe even today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time of modernization? These structures have paved the way for many new advances in the design of the structures you see today.

In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.

Equipment

·       History of Civil Engineering and Architecture presentation

Procedure

In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings. Copy and paste the following questions in your blog, and answer them in a different color.

1.     Define civil engineering.

The design and construction of public works such as dams, bridges, and other large facilities.

2.     Define architecture.

The art and science of designing and constructing buildings.

3.     Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

The concept of architecture has been around for about as long as humanity has been building permanent structures, however, more prominent displays of architecture were especially common as early as the time of the Greeks.

4.     In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

They were chosen by what materials were available in the near vicinity.

5.     Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Two examples of vernacular architecture would be the dwellings constructed by natives from building materials such as rock or clay. Another example is the log cabins built by the pioneers back during the westward expansion of the United States.

6.     Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.

Many early buildings were constructed using Vernacular Architecture. Vernacular Architecture is the use of locally available building materials to construct buildings.

7.     What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?

They were often used as temples to their gods, or in the case of the Egyptians, sometimes as tombs for kings or other important figures.

8.     What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.

The Parthenon was constructed using a form of a Post and Lintel system, with the columns bearing the weight of the roof.

9.     What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

Older systems had the problem of not being able to support larger, heavier roofs.

10. Explain how an arch is created.

Arches are created when blocks are placed in a curved formation in a way that they all provide support for each other.

11.  How is the vault used in civil engineering?

The vault can be used effectively for, among other things, strong hallways

12.  Give an example of an arch and dome system.

Perhaps the most prominent example of an Arch and Dome system would be the Roman Pantheon.

13.  Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?

Perhaps the best example of a material available to us that wasn't available then would be titanium. I suppose the buildings in ancient times would have been a lot heavier.

14.  What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

The Roman aqueducts were primarily used to transport water across long(ish) distances for the purpose of running water. The water was transported by gravity, not water pressure.

15.  Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Greek roads ran parallel to rivers, while Roman roads ran across rivers. The purpose of this is that the Greek roads were for transporting goods while Roman roads were for transporting troops and military equipment.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

Generally, Roman bridges were formed by arches for support with a flat area on top to move on.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

After the collapse of Roman civilization, a period called the Dark Ages began, where Roman advances were lost to time until relatively recently. During the Dark Ages, the most prominent building style was Lath and Plaster.

Conclusion

1.     Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?

An example of a modern pyramid is the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. It is used as a sports stadium, whereas in the past, Egyptian pyramids were used as tombs or religious shrines.

2.     Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.

The Golden Dome

3.     What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
Modern roads, primarily payed for by taxpayer money, are used for transportation.