Architecture Program Report Master of Architecture - Roger Williams ...

Course: ARCH 333, Mechanical & Electrical Equipment of Buildings, 3 credits
Course Description:
This course provides a basic study of the mechanical, sanitary, water supply, sewage disposal, heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, fire protection and electrical equipment and systems used in buildings. The
student learns the basics of active and passive heating, cooling and ventilating systems, load calculations, life
safety ventilation, psychometrics, plumbing, storm drainage, fire protection systems, and electrical, energy
codes and management with discussion of energy conservation and construction budgeting as well as M & E
construction documents. Particular emphasis is given to systems integration. First is the recognition that
buildings consist of seven component systems; space planning, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing
(including fire protection); enclosure, and fitments (fixtures and furniture). Second is the need to consider
these systems as early in the design process as possible. Design considerations such as points of origin,
generating equipment, distribution devices, delivery mechanisms, control systems and energy usage are
studied. Sustainability is embedded in the nature of these subjects with a particular emphasis on energy
conservation and efficient design practices. Where possible “rules of thumb” sizing and diagramming
techniques are examined and technical design development are explored from the point of view of, energy
efficiency, the architect’s design and the engineering consultant’s criteria. Classroom lectures, case studies
(on hard and soft technologies) and a field trip are used to expand on the reading assignments and to provide
a general introduction and overview of the subject.
Course Goals & Objectives:
The course is intended to familiarize the student with the mechanical and electrical aspects of the design
process of engineers and other consultant and how they are affected by what architect’s do. The student
learns the basics of heating and cooling load calculations, identification of heating systems and cooling
systems, ventilation systems, life safety ventilation, psychometrics, plumbing, storm drainage, fire protection
systems, and electrical, energy codes and management with discussion of energy conservation and
construction budgeting as well as M & E construction documents.
Student Performance Criteria addressed:
B.3. Sustainability
B. 8 Environmental Systems
also
A.4. Technical Documentation; A.5. Investigative Skills; A.7. Use of Precedents; A.11. Applied
Research; B. 10. Building Envelope Systems; B. 11. Building Service Systems; B.12. Building
Materials and Assemblies; C.1. Collaboration; C. 3 Client Role in Architecture; C. 6. Leadership; C. 7.
Legal Responsibilities; C. 8. Ethics and Professional Judgment; C.9. Community and Social
Responsibility
Topical Outline:
Systems Integration 14%; HVAC System 14%; HVAC Equipment 7%; Thermal Resistance & Loads 14%; Fire
Protection Systems 7%; Plumbing 11%; Electrical 11%; Energy Management 11%; miscellaneous 11%
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Textbooks/Learning Resources:
Stein, Benjamin, Building Technology: Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Allen, Edward and Joseph Sano. The Architect's Studio Companion
Leslie, Thomas. Louis I. Kahn: Building Art, Building Science
Guise, David. Design and Technology in Architecture
Bachman, Leonard. Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture.
Rush, Richard. The Building Systems Integration Handbook
Offered: Fall
Faculty assigned: Jeffrey Staats, AIA, Professor of Architecture