Why is it important to accurately model the land features of your project site with a toposurface?
- What aspects of a building design are most affected by the terrain features?
Visual design is the most affected by the terrain features. Sometimes the terrain cannot support tall buildings and especially those with very complex structures. Vertical layering of floors and a strong foundation may help wind stand any constraints presented by the terrain but that’s not always the case. So when the terrain does not support certain kinds of buildings, visual design takes a toll and buildings might need to become more practical.
When designing a project...
- Should the building adapt to the terrain?
It somewhat depends on how stable the terrain is. In the case of module 3, I adapted the terrain to be a hillside (as instructed in the assignment) when in reality my grandma’s house was built in a terrain prone to flooding. Meaning the terrain was low in altitude. In the case of a hillside, its composition and stability might remain constant if the area is not too rainy. Rainy weather on a hillside could lead to landslides (if the ground is not firm enough and high in altitude).
- Or, should you adapt the terrain to the building?
From my knowledge, the terrain (where my grandma’s house is established) was filled with multiple layers of gravel and sand to prevent flooding in a near future. It is very important to know that the annual climate in the area (Tabasco, Mex) is very rainy. Thus flooding was and still is a major threat. So under these circumstances, the terrain should be adapted for building construction.
What considerations affect a project team's decision-making when deciding the floor-to-floor height to use in a multi-story building?
- From a real estate developer's perspective?
- From a designer's perspective?
- From an engineer's perspective?
- From a builder's perspective?
- From an owner's perspective?
What are the advantages of stacking the levels of a multi-story building vertically?
- Can you share an interesting example of a building that doesn’t vertically stack (where the floor plates change their shaped radically between the floor levels)?
- What were the advantages or reasons for non-vertical stacking?
Why do stairs follow specific proportions with a set relationship between the tread length and riser height?
- How can building modeling help prevent the mistakes that often occur when designing and installing stairs?