When designing a project...
A building should ideally adapt to the terrain, particularly when the land has unique features or slopes that can provide natural advantages like drainage, insulation, or aesthetics. This approach can also reduce environmental impact by minimizing the need for extensive excavation or land alteration. However, there are cases where it makes more sense to adapt the terrain to fit the building, especially for larger projects or in urban areas where the land needs to be leveled for foundations.
What are the advantages of stacking the levels of a multi-story building vertically?
Vertical stacking in multi-story buildings is useful for simplified construction, efficient use of structural elements, and cost savings in materials and labor. It also helps with efficient energy use, as mechanical systems like elevators, plumbing, and heating are easier to organize. An example of a building that doesn't stack vertically is the Guggenheim Museum, which has a unique spiraling design. The non-vertical stacking in this case enhances the experience for someone visiting the museum since the continuous ramp allows for a smooth journey through the art exhibits, but it also creates challenges in terms of structural complexity and space efficiency.
Why do stairs follow specific proportions with a set relationship between the tread length and riser height?
Stairs follow specific proportions to ensure they are safe and comfortable for people to use. The relationship between the tread (the part you step on) and the riser (the vertical part) is important because if one is too steep or too shallow, it can make the stairs difficult to navigate. Building modeling helps prevent common mistakes by allowing us to visualize the stairs in a sort of model 3D environment, allowing us to make sure that proportions are accurate before construction starts. This process can help prevent errors that would lead to uncomfortable or unsafe stairs and ensures compliance with building codes.