Module 3 - Points to Ponder

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Module 2 - Points to Ponder

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

  • The model is helpful for so many stakeholders and people a part of the building process. Construction crews definitely need to know the terrain of the site and what slopes they will be working on. Flattening and filling of slopes takes time and resources and it is always good to be prepared for that.
  • Additionally, clients and any real estate agents will also want to know the role of the terrain on their new building. The model should represent what is planned to the best of the designer’s ability, this includes the environment of the site.

When designing a project...

  • I believe that in design one should always adapt their structures to the terrain. Not only is this less intrusive to the ecology of the sight, it lends itself to a more creative building. The environmental implications of disturbing a terrain in an effort to build a structure last far longer than the structure probably will.

Why do stairs follow specific proportions with a set relationship between the tread length and riser height?

  • When stairs have a consistent riser and tread height and length, there is less possibility for injury. We anticipate while going up/down stairs that each one will feel like the last, most stumbles on steps occurs when someone assumes something about the next step but isn’t true.