ARC 350 Mechanical Systems in Architecture (3 credits)
Course Description
Introduction to basic mechanical systems for a modern building to function. Focus is given regarding design process and integration of mechanical and related spatial requirements.
Course Goals and Objectives
- Understand integrated design process with sustainable sites and resources
- Design incorporating comfort and indoor air quality needs
- Be able to calculate solar geometry and design shading devices
- Calculate heat loss based on a variety of wall section details and illustrate the temperature gradient along with dew point and location of condensation
- Understand the variety of heating and cooling systems available and appropriate installations based on type of building, sustainability goals, and climate
- Understand fundamentals of lighting design, acoustics, water and waste systems
- Understand principles of fire protection, signals, and building transportation systems
- Develop building section with innovative 3-D model to illustrate concepts including environmental design, solar geometry, thermal mechanical systems and lighting sources for a sustainable building
Topical Outline
10% Design Context
30% Thermal Control
10% Illumination
5% Acoustics
10% Water & Waste
5% Fire Protection
5% Signal Systems
5% Transportation
20% Term Project – Building Section & Site Visits
Prerequisites:
PHY 115 General Physics & Lab, Junior standing
Textbooks/Learning Resources:
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings: Grondzik, Kwok, Stein, Reynolds
Builder’s Guide to Cold Climates: Lstiburek
Architectural Graphic Standards: Ramsey Sleeper
Offered
Fall Semester, annually
Faculty assigned
Robert J. Sherman, AIA, Assistant Professor of Architecture
