Design Journal Entry - Module 8

Scored
Your Name
Aigbekaen, Jovan
Journal Entry For
Module 8 - Structural Framing Systems
ACC Folder Link
ACC Revit File Link
Created
Jan 6, 2025 12:34 AM
Last Edited
Jan 6, 2025 12:34 AM
Created by
Glenn Katz

Coordination Model:

image

Structural Model:

image
image

Structural Framing Material Selection:

  • I opted to select mass timber as the primary structural framing material for my design. The framing system consisted of Glulam Western Species 10.75x10.5 columns, 6.75x16.5 girders and 6.75x10.5 joists in a beam system with a max spacing of 6’. For the structural floor, I selected 3” LW Concrete on 2” Metal Deck.
  • The selection of mass timber as the structural framing material was motivated by a design desire to pursue maximal material sustainability. Wood is a locally available material in abundance with relatively low acquisition and production costs, and can be sourced sustainably. Mass timber has the added benefits of prefabrication and intimate connection with local design vernacular of Sao Paolo and Brazil at large.

Design Strategy:

  • I created 3 separate but connect grid systems for each three main areas in the design, the eastern and western wings, and the central/main building. While there are slight differences between the grid systems in each of the 3 buildings, there are moments of continuity between these systems at key points to establish a sense of linear uniformity and create a framing system with high structural integrity.
  • Many columns were placed to be visible in certain areas such as along the facade glazing elements, in atriums, lining corridors, and in open office spaces to act as visual features that outwardly express the structural nature of the building and reinforce the overall design motif of the building being a timber canopy. Other columns were hidden/embedded in walls in rooms that needed more clear space such as MEP rooms, bathrooms, and classrooms. Some exceptions were made to ensure that framing was structurally sound
  • Beams and beam systems were positioned with an offset of -0’3” to be just below the 3” LW Concrete on 2” Metal Deck floor.
  • The maximum spacing between gridlines was set at 26’6” so as not exceed the maximum possible span for mass timber framing.
  • I created a an overall framing system with elements that are strategically placed to be embedded as design features a part of the user experience. This was largely implemented in the atrium spaces and in the cafe area.
    • image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image

Challenges

  • As of now, the structural framing does not extend to the roof as I would like to seek guidance on how best to approach the framing design for my sloped roofs
  • I had some difficulty in determining the sizing of the timber columns to adequately carry the design loads. I am concerned the my columns may not be wide enough.
  • Creating a grid system that addressed structural needs while not impeding the fairly irregularly spatial layout and formulations. With the current grid, each exhibit has 1 or 2 columns in the middle the space. These columns could be leveraged to create an interesting architectural moment or feature, but they may also force a rethink of the programming and flow within the exhibit spaces