Overview
This course builds upon the Building Information Modeling concepts introduced in 120A/220A and illustrates how building modeling tools are used to design, analyze, and model building systems, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.
The course covers the essential physical principles, design criteria, and design strategies for each system and explores processes and tools for modeling those systems and analyzing their performance.
Topics include:
- Building Model Integration & Coordination
- Performance-Based Design: Goals, Targets, & Strategies
- Conceptual Design -- Building Context & Passive Design
- Schematic Design -- Space Planning & Building Layout
- Access, Egress, & Circulation Systems
- Building Envelope Systems
- Structural Systems
- HVAC Systems
- Plumbing & Fire Protection Systems
- Electrical Power & Lighting Systems
For each of these topics, we’ll be exploring:
- Typical System Components & Options Available
- Building Science Considerations that Drive Design
- System Requirements & Potential Design Goals
- System Modeling Techniques & Examples
- Simulation & Analysis Techniques for Evaluating and Refining your Proposed Design
Class Components
No Lecture Sessions
For this online class, there will not be any regularly-scheduled lecture sessions to present new materials. All of the learning materials are available as modules in Canvas, so you can view the class materials online and work at your convenience.
Weekly Module Kick-Off Sessions
We’ll have weekly online kick-off sessions to launch each class module -- time TBD. These sessions will be recorded and available to view later if you cannot attend the live session.
Weekly Design Project Check-In Sessions
We’ll also have individual weekly project check-in sessions - to be scheduled with the teaching team. These will be a great opportunity to check-in on your design progress, get feedback, and get specific tips about applying the techniques covered in class to your design project.
Deliverables
Integrated Design Project
There will be one integrated design project that you will continue to develop -- from initial design concepts through detailed system design -- throughout the quarter. This project will allow you to analyze and design individual building systems and integrate them into a holistic plan for a building.
Every week you will:
- Post a Design Journal entry documenting your progress on applying the techniques covered in class to your design. The key points to include in each journal entry will be outlined in a briefing document for each module.
- Meet with the teaching team to review your progress and get feedback and tips about how to proceed.
Practice Exercises
There will also be a series of practice exercises that allow you to hone your skills and apply techniques covered in each class module on a small sample building.
Testing and Grading
- There will be no mid-term exam or final exam.
- All assignments are to be completed individually, but collaboration and peer-to-peer community support is highly encouraged.
- All design project check-ins and practice exercises will be individually scored, and those scores will determine your grade.
- All class deliverables are to be turned in by 11:59 pm Pacific Time (before midnight) on their due dates. As in industry, getting your projects turned in on-time counts. Late submissions will be accepted for one week, but points will be deducted for late submissions.
Class Schedule / Roadmap
WEEKS 1 & 2
Module 1
Class Overview | 1.1 - Overview
1.2 - Our Class Community
1.3 - Class Structure
1.4 - Integrated Design Project
1.5 - Practice |
Module 2
Building Model Integration & Coordination | 2.1 - Overview
2.2 - Model Integration Examples
2.3 - Model Integration Workflows
2.4 - Practice |
WEEK 3
Module 3
Performance-Based Design:
Goals, Targets, & Strategies | 3.1 - Overview: Performance-Based Design & Sustainability
3.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
3.3 - Learning from Successful Examples
3.4 - Practice |
Module 4
Conceptual Design:
Building Context & Passive Design | 4.1 - Overview: Conceptual Design & Building Form
4.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
4.3 - Conceptual Design Modeling
4.4 - Simulation & Analysis
4.5 - Practice |
WEEK 4
Module 5
Schematic Design:
Space Planning & Building Layout | 5.1 - Overview: Building Layout & Core
5.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
5.3 - Schematic Design Modeling
5.4 - Simulation & Analysis
5.5 - Practice |
Module 6
System Design:
Access, Egress, & Circulation Systems | 6.1 - Overview: Circulation Systems & Occupant Flow
6.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
6.3 - System Modeling: Stairs, Elevators, Circulation & Egress
6.4 - Simulation & Analysis
6.5 - Practice |
WEEKS 5
Module 7
System Design:
Building Envelope Systems | 7.1 - Overview: Envelope Components & Thermal Flows
7.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
7.3 - System Modeling: Walls, Glazing, Shading, & Roofs
7.4 - Simulation & Analysis
7.5 - Practice |
WEEK 6
Module 8
System Design:
Structural Systems | 8.1 - Overview: Structural Components & Loads
8.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
8.3 - System Modeling: Structural Framing & Foundations
8.4 - Simulation & Analysis
8.5 - Practice |
WEEK 7
Module 9
System Design:
HVAC Systems | 9.1 - Overview: HVAC Components & Heating/Cooling Loads
9.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
9.3 - System Modeling: Ventilation, Heating, & Cooling Systems
9.4 - Simulation & Analysis
9.5 - Practice |
WEEK 8
Module 10
System Design:
Plumbing Systems | 10.1 - Overview: Plumbing Components & Water Flow
10.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
10.3 - System Modeling: Water, Sanitary, & Fire Sprinkler Systems
10.4 - Simulation & Analysis
10.5 - Practice |
WEEK 9
Module 11
System Design:
Power & Lighting Systems | 11.1 - Overview: Power & Lighting Components & Loads
11.2 - Requirements, Design Goals, & Strategies
11.3 - System Modeling: Power & Lighting Systems
11.4 - Simulation & Analysis
11.5 - Practice |