Blog 11- Interior Building Systems

  

This week in Building Systems we learned about Interior Building Systems. There are several different systems that work within an interior that impacts its environment. While some of these are optional, others are essential. There are data, voice and telecommunications systems, energy control systems, security systems, vertical systems, and how these systems furniture interfaces with the building.  

The first type of systems are data, voice, and telecommunications, which are essential in many commercial settings and are becoming increasingly popular in residential settings. These can include devices such as telephone lines, internet connections, wireless service, and routers. In commercial offices and other similar settings, they often have teleconferencing spaces. This allows communication to be made easier for those who cannot physically be present. Audio visual systems are primarily used in areas to watch television or screen. While these have been used widely in movie theaters for years, they are now used in homes, in living rooms, tv rooms, and even a home theater. This environment must be set up acoustically so everyone can hear, and the seating placed meticulously so everyone can see.  

Energy control is an important system that should be carefully monitored to regulate and control the use of energy, which can play a big role in sustainability. This system is affected by both the HVAC and lighting. Of course, the system where your energy is acquired from plays a big role in this, solar and wind energy being more sustainable. However, if there is too much lighting, your HVAC system will have to work hard to keep your building cool. If your windows are not well insulated the HVAC system will have to work hard to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The better a building is designed in the first place can have a large impact on its sustainability and its ability to regulate and control its use of energy.  

Security systems have been used in banks, retail stores, and healthcare settings for many years. These are usually pretty evident, with cameras, secured entrances, alarm systems, and theft devices appearing in plain sight. When designing these systems, space planning is extremely important to consider sight lines, and alarm and control systems used by security. In the case of a fire or theft, there are usually alarm systems that go off. There can also be lock down features to secure an area in case of an emergency or to secure a building for after hours. These are typically in prisons, retail malls, and schools. In homes and commercial buildings there can be burglar alarms to alert people that someone is entering a building or in the event of a fire. In very secure buildings, such as government facilities or airports, they have metal detectors or wands, to keep weapons and hazardous materials from entering the premises.  

Vertical circulation or conveying systems are how people move from floor to floor of a building or a space. This can be with stairs, elevators, escalators, or even ladders. 

• -When it comes to stairs, there are a lot of different terms, many of which are regulated by codes, such as the size of the treads, the height of the risers, and the overall width of the stairs. Stairs are typically made from wood, metal, or concrete. On stairs, guard rails are used on the landings or the top of the stairs (being horizontal), while handrails follow the slope of the stairs (are angled). These must follow code, having typical heights and other requirements. 

 

• -Elevators today are typically either hydraulic or electric elevators. Hydraulic elevator systems can only be used in low rise buildings, requiring space for the piston. Electric elevators are used in high rise buildings and are faster, they require a rooftop mechanical room for the cable traction system to pull up the elevator.  

 

• -Escalators are mechanical stair systems running off a mechanical belt. These can be flat or create a stair like structure up to 30 degrees.  

  
  

• -Ladders are permanently used to access areas such as attics, lofts, or rooftops. These cannot be used as a public form of vertical circulation since they are not ADA accessible. They must also follow codes with both their height, width, and depth.  

 

Furniture systems are often used in office settings, they require powering, which is distributed through the interface with the building shell. There are several different ways to power these systems; wall plug receptacles, cellular floor units, under floor steel bus ducts, flat wires, and even access from above. Interface with the building shell are system furniture panels. These are integrated with a building's fenestration. They are places in relation to electric lighting, which can impact the performance of its user and help with acoustics.  

One more thing to note is signage and wayfinding. Signage alerts people to exits and directs people where to go. Way finding is all visual cues, including signage, which help any occupants to navigate through a space. 

 
(Cubicle Configuration Systems)

Blogging Assignment: 

When it comes to benching systems vs traditional cubical configurations there are a lot of different pros and cons. 

• -Benching systems 

• -Pros: less expensive, open environment, emphasis on collaboration and community, more flexible 

• -Cubicle configurations 

• -Pros: fewer physical distractions, quieter environment, more storage and display space, and less exposure to germs 

-The pros for each clearly show the cons of the other. The presence of Covid 19 has encouraged the use of cubicles more than bench systems. Cubicles allow more privacy, allowing less contamination and more separation. This means that germs are less likely to spread.  

(Bench Systems)

 

https://www.arnoldsofficefurniture.com/cubicles-vs-benching-systems/?srsltid=AfmBOooY3IN5fAxagDqcwGxqwrNCubRU6x6gJ0zmlE8EKAvq8dVHNX1C