After exploring the architectural design, I think the designer’s goal is to have an open aesthetic connected to the outdoors and blend into nature. This is evident in the building's atrium with a garden, a green roof, large curtain walls on the east and south sides, and the light-colored interior and door elements. I decide to use a steel structural system. It offers several advantages over wood framing, including strength and durability, fire resistance, termite resistance, cost-effectiveness, and dimensional stability.
Beams at vertical shaft spaces such as the staircases, elevator, and central atrium with a skylight are removed to prevent obstruction to access or view. Moreover, the steel frame resides within the building’s envelope to maintain the appearance of the facade. None of the beams span more than 30 feet. The following is some information about the structural framing system I came up with:
- Columns: Steel ASTM A992 - W shapes - W10*49 column
- Beams: Steel ASTM A992 - W shapes - W12*26 beam (* z offset value=-0’5’’)
- Beam systems: Steel ASTM A992 - W shapes - W8*10 beam
Overall steel structural framing systems:
Level 1 corridor:
Level 1 seating area:
Note that no columns are placed within this space.
Framing elements surrounding the atrium and stairs:
Skylight and floor opening:
Note that the beams do not span across the opening area.
Level 2 corridor:
Overall, I think my structural framing systems design made proper accommodations for the atrium, stairs, and elevator while considering the design intent of the building.