What is site analysis?
The investigation and evaluation of conditions within which the project will be completed
What tasks should a site analysis include?
- Reviewing architectural plans
- Site walk
- Measuring & photos
- Determining views
- Understanding the neighborhood and social context of the project
- Documenting with drawings and existing elements
- Inventory of existing furniture and equipment to be reused
- Codes and regulations that pertain to the project
- Sustainability requirements and goals
- Verifying capacities of the HVAC and electrical systems for new occupants
- zoning, constraints, heating and plumbing capacities, septic tank capacities
What should a designer consider if new bathrooms or kitchens are to be added to an existing space?
Additional fixtures fit within the capacity of any septic tanks or drain lines
Potential additional electrical for addition of appliances or HVAC
What should a designer check if there is an addition to an existing house?
Check zoning setback requirements to make sure the addition is permissible
As the project design is developed, it should be reviewed against the existing buildings systems, which include what?
Structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting, security, and fire protection
When would an engineer be required?
Recommendation of additional structure when floors need to be strengthened for heavy loads
Advise on where floor penetrations may be made in a reinforced slab for electrical and telephone outlets
Calculate the amount of floor deflection expected when a slip joint is used in slab to slab partitions
Design modifications to a loadbearing wall if the client wants to penetrate one with an opening
Mechanical systems should be reviewed to check the capacity of the central plant, the condition of the distribution system, and the adequacy of what equipment that is planned for reuse?
Registers, thermostats, any other equipment
In a renovation, why should existing plumbing systems be reviewed?
Verify capacity or any new fixtures that are proposed, condition of pipes and fittings, determine where existing piping can be tapped for new plumbing fixtures
Why should a fire protection system be studied in a renovation?
Make sure it meets current life safety codes. Sprinkler system should be studied to determine how much additional work would be required for the new space.
Is slightly moving existing sprinkler heads inexpensive or an expensive?
Inexpensive
Why should electrical systems be reviewed in a renovation?
Capacity of service to the building, conditions of primary and secondary service, conditions of wiring and devices, conditions of lighting other electrical components
In addition to due diligence to sustainable design site investigations, the interior designer should consider the broader context of the project outside the perimeter walls of the space itself. These may include what?
Solar orientation
Transportation
Public facilities and amenities
Historical and cultural elements
What’s the difference between zoning & building regulations?
Zoning - control how land can be used
Building regulations - control how buildings are constructed for safety
What is a change of use in building codes?
A change of use occurs when a building or space is occupied for a different purpose, which may trigger new code requirements or occupancy classifications.
If a space may serve multiple uses (current or future), it must meet the most restrictive applicable code requirements.
Which interior construction elements may need seismic restraint or bracing in earthquake-prone areas?
- Tall or ceiling-tied partitions
- Suspended ceilings
- HVAC ductwork
- Light fixtures
- Sprinkler and piping systems
- Bookcases and storage cabinets
- Laboratory equipment
- Wall-mounted items
- Access floors
What is the difference in indoor air quality and general air quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - within buildings, particularly its effect on the health and comfort of occupants.
General Air Quality - introducing fresh outdoor air into indoor spaces, which is essential for diluting indoor pollutants.
What strategies can interior designers use to help improve indoor air quality (IAQ)?
1️⃣ Reduce pollution sources
2️⃣ Control building conditions (temperature & humidity)
3️⃣ Implement good maintenance procedures
4️⃣ Control occupant activities
Which U.S. standards and regulations address air quality that interior designers should be familiar with?
- NAAQS (EPA) – National standards for outdoor air quality
- ASHRAE 62.1 – Ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality (commercial buildings)
- ASHRAE 62.2 – Ventilation for low-rise residential buildings
- AQMD Rule 1113 – Limits VOCs in architectural coatings (paints)
- AQMD Rule 1168 – Limits VOCs in adhesives and sealants
What strategies help support resilient site design?
- Plan transportation access to and from the site
- Develop off-grid or alternative energy sources
- Coordinate electrical and HVAC systems with building professionals
In what ways can interior designers control sound in a space?
- separate noisy and quiet areas
- use acoustic wall and ceiling materials
- avoid hard, parallel surfaces
- use white noise to mask conversations
- increase wall transmission loss
- use acoustic panels or mass-loaded vinyl
Analyzing transportation available to your client’s proposed new urban business location would be part of which part of the design process?
site context analysis
In the Northern Hemisphere, __facing windows receive the most sunlight.
south facing
A building is turned into a space with a new use. A __ will need to be obtained as part of the project.
change in use classification
__ joints should be incorporated into the original building design by the architect. The interior designer can create __ joints to accommodate floor deflection and wind sway, and also design ceiling systems to withstand seismic events.
expansion, slip
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Chapter 1: Devoping Design Concepts44
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Chapter 2: Elements Of Design71
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Chapter 3: Principles Of Design29
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Chapter 4: Programming102
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Chapter 5: Site Analysis71
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Chapter 6: Info Analysis & Synthesis136
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Chapter 7: Building Regulations And Codes146
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Chapter 8: Means Of Egress94
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Chapter 9: Barrier-Free Design153
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Chapter 10: Sustainability67
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Chapter 11: Interior Construction109
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Chapter 13: Mechanical & Electrical Systems97
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Chapter 14: Accoustics58
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Chapter 15: Lighting63
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Chapter 16: Finishes117
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Chapter 17: Architectural Woodwork95
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Chapter 20: Selection Of Materials, Finishes & Furniture101
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Chapter 22: Communication Methods39
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Chapter 23: Measurement & Drafting41
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Chapter 24: Construction Drawings55
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Chapter 25: Construction Specifications47
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Chapter 26: Furniture & Furnishings Documents & Procurement57
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Chapter 33: Interior Design Business Practice45
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IDPX24
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FX PPI FLASHCARDS83
