A Holistic Approach to Building Design and Construction



When it comes to designing a space, Interior designers need to focus on ethical, moral and legal responsibilities. One critical part of interior design is the responsibility to have a sustainable building design. There are several inspections and tests that need to be passed in order to achieve a specific rating for the building. 

One of these processes of sustainable design is called Natural Step. Natural Step is just to process to decrease an environmental footprint by reducing our waste, how we treat the earth, and make intentional decisions on how we build and what we use. 

Hannover Principles is another well known theories of sustainable design. Hannover Principles just explain the steps designer must take to keep the world healthy and sustainable. We must accept resposiblity that when it comes to designing and building we must always keep in mind that it is our responsible to create sustainable designs and to improve living. We must also realize that we must leave the earth in order to secure a safe and healthy future for ourselves and later generations 

The proccess of building includes many member such as an architect, engineer, interior designer, general contractor, owner, specialist, and a LEED accredited professional. A LEEd accredited specialist comes in during the design process to make sure the building is making active sustainable decisions that benefit the earth and create less energy consumption. Specific factors to take into consideration when creating a building design is water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, energy intake, materials/resources, and many other factors. 
The space I chose on campus to analyze is the fitness center. Although the fitness center is a very functional space with minimal character the space is meant to feel open and organized. Physically, this building makes me feel very united with everyone who is in it. There are a few common spaces that are located right by main entrances which is usually where people gather. The building design also incorporates many interior windows to make the spaces not feel separated from each other but united. 
Due to the openness of the fitness center, the interior space is very bright and light in the day time which can effect people positively when relating to their emotions. When you walk in you are automatically greeted with natural light coming thought the windows on the ceiling and on the walls. 
Spiritually this building does not bring out many emotions. The building lacks character which can make someone who walks into it feel dull or bored. The building should be updated and I believe a renovation to bring in new materials and a more successful floor plan will give this space more character and with bring out more emotion to people who walk inside. Overall this building is quite successful for what it's purpose is. To train and unite people together.
























Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Indoor Environmental Quality

Image
Indoor Environmental Quality  One major part of interior design is indoor environmental quality. When an interior is designed successfully this can positively influence the comfort and functionality of the space. Thoughtful material selections when thinking about air quality and acoustics are the main focus of indoor environmental quality. Indoor environmental quality not only is important for interior design but also is highly important for the health and safety for building occupants.  One part of indoor environmental quality is how to create productivity and comfort. In many places privacy is highly important. in Medical Facilities (HIPAA) requires that personal medical information to be protected and in a private area. This is why sound separation by dividers are put in place around hospitals. Partitions are regularly used in workplaces and other corporate buildings. Sound waves can travel through the studs of walls, this is why partitions that create a private space with ...
Read more

Interior Building Systems

Image
Interior Building Systems November 10, 2023 Understanding sustainable energy control methods and types is important for today and the world we live in. Another important factor to think about is incorporating appropriate security features into interior design.  As interior designers we have to think about every aspect of the clients well-being, and this also includes ensuring the safety of them and installing security systems that with do so. This can include designing the different vertical circulation and transportation of the building not only to think about safety but also appropriate energy flow.  One important factor to think about when designing a space is the electricity and wires need for the type of space. Let's say you have a conference room, seen to the left, you will need a teleconference room. Often you will then need to incorporated phone wires, LED projector, a TV outlet, and maybe window screening to protect the video from the glare of the sunlight. It is impo...
Read more

Plumbing Systems

Image
 Plumbing Systems  Understanding plumbing is an fundamental part of interior design as it directly impacts the functionality and aesthetic of a space. Plumbing considerations inform the placement of fixtures like sinks, showers, and toilets, which are essential elements in both kitchens and bathrooms. Having a thorough comprehension of plumbing systems helps designers optimize space, ensuring efficient layouts that minimize construction costs and maintenance challenges. There are 3 types of water that is used and divided amongst a building plumbing system, these types of waters are known to be, portable water which is water good for drinking, black water, which is waste water that contains sewage, and gray water, which is waste water from sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. Different types of plumbing systems include, wetlands, sewer treatment plan, and septic tanks. All of these water treatment systems are placed below the ground. Some of the systems are sustainable and tr...
Read more