Your Design Journal entries this week should highlight your design thinking that influenced your decisions about:
- your overall strategy and the features of the structural system
- the material and framing system selected
- the locations of structural columns and major framing elements
- any special structural challenges
The overall strategy is to create a simple and stable structure by integrating large reinforced concrete shear walls that also serve as architectural elements. The design employs a hybrid framing system, predominantly featuring steel beams and columns, which complement the reinforced concrete shear walls. The columns are strategically placed along the edges of the building as well as near the stairwell and within the elevator shaft, optimizing both load distribution and interior space usage. The shear walls are designed to bear the majority of the vertical loads, ensuring structural stability. A notable challenge in this design is managing the forces associated with the hanging portion of the building, which requires careful coordination between the concrete and steel components to maintain overall balance and safety.