Module 3 Points to Ponder
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Module 3 Points to Ponder

Submitted For
Module 3 - Points to Ponder
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Please share your comments on 3 of the following Points to Ponder questions. (Choose 3 of the questions below.)

Why is it important to accurately model the land features of your project site with a topo-surface?

  • What aspects of a building design are most affected by the terrain features?

The topography survey provides the contours and hence the existing elevations so that the cut and fill quantities are determined for the building pad. The most affected elements by terrain features are foundation systems since they transfer loads to the ground from columns and walls.

When designing a project...

  • Should the building adapt to the terrain?
  • Or, should you adapt the terrain to the building?

The building should adapt to the terrain for an optimal design, economy and sustainability.

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?

Clear, optimized rentable space

  • From a designer's perspective?

Clear spaces and high ceilings

  • From an engineer's perspective?

An optimal design and structural safety

  • From a builder's perspective?

Constructability and safety

  • From an owner's perspective?

Cost is an issue

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?

Shorter load paths are achieved with vertical stacking. Depending on the site constraints such as existence of utilities, tunnels etc. non-vertical stacking, can be used to transfer loads away from conflicts using walking columns.

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?

The tread length and riser height can be used to determine the stair slope.

Describe a case when it would be worthwhile to create a new custom component in Revit… How do you decide when customize versus using readily available components?

If the custom component will better facilitate conveying the design, its not readily available and can easily be created.