Building Systems and Components
Building systems are those primary elements which
together define the shape, utility, and comfort of built
space. They are classified by discipline: Architectural,
Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical. These systems
must be planned and designed in concert; individually,
they are composed of lesser components, such as
interior framing systems, air-conditioning units and
plumbing fixtures. Knowledge of how these systems
coordinate and interconnect, as well as familiarity with
the individual component systems and disciplines is
essential for the successful integration of these items.
Their coordination is critical to the overall appearance
and operation of the completed interiors project.
Architectural
Architectural systems define the volumes and
functions of a building. Every project begins with a
1
,statement of needs, developed by the end-user and
designer, from which an initial space plan is developed.
This plan sets the course for the rest of the project,
including the locations of mechanical rooms, electrical
closets, plumbing shafts, and data/communications
shafts within
the space. The development of other systems follows
the architectural lead. Architectural systems are
primarily concerned with enclosure (walls, roof), and
definition (partitions, floors, ceilings). For interiors,
definition is the primary concern. The primary system
of organizing or defining architectural space is the
partition. Partitions (or more commonly "walls")
define and divide space. In modern construction, the
stud-framed partition, either metal or wood, is most
prevalent. In commercial construction metal is most
frequently used. A typical partition consists of studs at
2
,400 mm (16 inches) on center with gypsum wallboard
on each side. The partition may bear directly on
structure, or sit on the finished floor, and may extend to
the ceiling or beyond - depending upon various
requirements placed on the wall to control thermal
variance, acoustics, firespread, etc. Its thickness may
range from 65 mm (2-1/2 inches) to more than 300 mm
(12 inches) depending on what services are contained
within, or what other requirements are placed upon it.
Stud partitions are basically hollow, thus providing
opportunity for distribution of power, communications
and tempering systems. In addition, they may be filled
or insulated for increased thermal and acoustical
performance. Partitions may be pre-constructed or
demountable—built in factories to modular sizes and
shipped to a jobsite for installation. In addition to
gypsum wallboard and wood or metal studs, partitions
3
, may be glass, wood, metal, or masonry. In each case,
the only requirement is that the partition satisfy the
demands placed upon it, and that the existing structure
be able to support it.
Floors and ceilings also define architectural spaces.
Although partitions in the strict sense of the word, they
are not typically referred to as partitions except in
specific instances. (When partitioning off a space, the
ceiling is a part of that partition and must therefore
meet code partition requirements; however, it is still
generally referred to as the ceiling.) Together, floor and
ceiling planes make up the largest share of an interior
environment. Floors are typically flat but level changes
can be added for spatial separation or aesthetic variety.
Floors in commercial structures are typically
constructed of concrete, or concrete on metal deck. This
can be left exposed, as in industrial facilities,or totally
4
Building systems are those primary elements which
together define the shape, utility, and comfort of built
space. They are classified by discipline: Architectural,
Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical. These systems
must be planned and designed in concert; individually,
they are composed of lesser components, such as
interior framing systems, air-conditioning units and
plumbing fixtures. Knowledge of how these systems
coordinate and interconnect, as well as familiarity with
the individual component systems and disciplines is
essential for the successful integration of these items.
Their coordination is critical to the overall appearance
and operation of the completed interiors project.
Architectural
Architectural systems define the volumes and
functions of a building. Every project begins with a
1
,statement of needs, developed by the end-user and
designer, from which an initial space plan is developed.
This plan sets the course for the rest of the project,
including the locations of mechanical rooms, electrical
closets, plumbing shafts, and data/communications
shafts within
the space. The development of other systems follows
the architectural lead. Architectural systems are
primarily concerned with enclosure (walls, roof), and
definition (partitions, floors, ceilings). For interiors,
definition is the primary concern. The primary system
of organizing or defining architectural space is the
partition. Partitions (or more commonly "walls")
define and divide space. In modern construction, the
stud-framed partition, either metal or wood, is most
prevalent. In commercial construction metal is most
frequently used. A typical partition consists of studs at
2
,400 mm (16 inches) on center with gypsum wallboard
on each side. The partition may bear directly on
structure, or sit on the finished floor, and may extend to
the ceiling or beyond - depending upon various
requirements placed on the wall to control thermal
variance, acoustics, firespread, etc. Its thickness may
range from 65 mm (2-1/2 inches) to more than 300 mm
(12 inches) depending on what services are contained
within, or what other requirements are placed upon it.
Stud partitions are basically hollow, thus providing
opportunity for distribution of power, communications
and tempering systems. In addition, they may be filled
or insulated for increased thermal and acoustical
performance. Partitions may be pre-constructed or
demountable—built in factories to modular sizes and
shipped to a jobsite for installation. In addition to
gypsum wallboard and wood or metal studs, partitions
3
, may be glass, wood, metal, or masonry. In each case,
the only requirement is that the partition satisfy the
demands placed upon it, and that the existing structure
be able to support it.
Floors and ceilings also define architectural spaces.
Although partitions in the strict sense of the word, they
are not typically referred to as partitions except in
specific instances. (When partitioning off a space, the
ceiling is a part of that partition and must therefore
meet code partition requirements; however, it is still
generally referred to as the ceiling.) Together, floor and
ceiling planes make up the largest share of an interior
environment. Floors are typically flat but level changes
can be added for spatial separation or aesthetic variety.
Floors in commercial structures are typically
constructed of concrete, or concrete on metal deck. This
can be left exposed, as in industrial facilities,or totally
4
