quick notes

AUTHORS’ QUICK GUIDE

Donald Watson
Michael J. Crosbie
John Hancock Callender
 quick notes
PART I
Part I Architectural Fundamentals gives the
principles and cross-cutting discussion ap-
plicable to many topics and at many scales.
Fundamentals provide the connecting verbs
and qualifying adjectives and adverbs of the
grammar of architectural knowledge.
—from the Introduction
 quick notes
1 Universal design and
accessible design
Universal design asks the designer to consider
people of all ages and abilities in every aspect
of design. The result is a humanistic approach
to architectural design, that includes
accomodation for people with a
range of abilities.
authors: John P. S. Salmen, AIA and Elaine Ostroff
 quick notes
2 Architectural regulations
This discourse on the “social ethics of
architecture,” or the responsibility of the
designer, provides a background for under-
standing building regulations. Also
discussed is Alvar Aalto’s design principle
“to do no harm.”
author: Francis T. Ventre, Ph.D.
 quick notes
3 Bioclimatic design
Design of a building should be based on
an understanding the microclimate. The
Bioclimatic design process will enable you to
analyze the unique climatic characteristics of
a locale and select appropriate design
elements. For documentation, access the
URLs on climatic data and charts.
authors: Donald Watson, FAIA and Murray Milne
 quick notes
4 Solar control
A comprehensive study of solar control and
sun shading. By designing sun shading
controls for facades and windows, the
designer can reduce energy requirements
for heating, cooling and illuminating buildings.
Easily applied design methods are
See
described and illustrated.
Interactive
author: Steven V. Szokolay
 quick notes
5 Daylighting Design
Building design can take advantage of day-
light, without creating glare or overheating.
The author discusses design principles and
strategies, including the testing of
lighting models.

author: Benjamin Evans, FAIA

 quick notes
6 Natural Ventilation
A comprehensive overview of natural
ventilation. This article describes the
principles of natural ventilation design,
which facilitates air change and in-
creases comfort and reduces backup
cooling requirements.

author: Benjamin Evans, FAIA

 quick notes
7 Indoor air quality
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a relatively
new issue among architects. This article serves
as an insightful primer. Beginning with initial
programming criteria and following through in
subsequent phases of design. The article high-
lights issues to be reviewed at each step.
author: Hal Levin
 quick notes
8 Acoustics
Examples of theory and definitions begin
this article on acoustics. The second part
describes practical usage and applications
of these principles in relation to types of
spaces, materials and sound criteria.

authors: Part I: M. David Egan, P. E.;

Part II: Steven Haas and Christopher Jaffe, Ph.D.
 quick notes
9 History of building and
urban technologies
The closing decades of the 19th Century
saw a proliferation of newly invented
building technologies. Innovations of this
period form the basis for many of today’s
building technologies.
author: John P. Eberhard, FAIA
 quick notes
10 Construction materials technology
A review of common building materials, this
article describes the chemical and physical
properties of materials, and their applications.
Durability and environmental hazards are also
discussed.

authors: L. Reed Brantley and Ruth T. Brantley

 quick notes
11 Intelligent Building Systems
Electronic innovations and related tech-
nologies are increasingly integrated in
building design. This article describes an
approach that can be applied across
a broad spectrum of building elements.
author: Jong-Jin Kim, Ph.D.
 quick notes
12 Design of atriums for
people and plants
Atriums are common features of major build-
ings, which can be used to great advantage and
may help reduce operational costs. Misapplica-
tion of design can be costly, creating overheat-
ing, overlighting and glare. A Table presents the
range of design factors based on climate.
author: Donald Watson, FAIA
 quick notes
13 Building Economics
Architects must often account for the cost
of construction, as well as “life cycle costs,”
the lifetime of the investment in a building.
The article provides ways to apply economic
analysis to design and construction.

author: David S. Haviland, Hon. AIA

 quick notes
14 Estimating and Design Cost Analysis
Uniformat II is a systematic approach to evalu-
ating preliminary costs. Using Uniformat II,
architects can weigh and document the relative
costs of various design options. Download a
cost analysis spread sheet for use in projects.

See authors: Robert P. Charette, P. E., CVS and Brian Bowen, FRICS
Interactive
 quick notes
15 Environmental life cycle assessment
Life-cycle assessment (LCA ) provides a frame-
work to understand a building’s lifetime impact
on the environment. The first part defines the
“Life Cycle” approach. The second part provides
guidelines and design practices, along with re-
lated tables. Product directories and literature
are listed as resources.
authors: Part I: Joel Ann Todd; Part II: Nadav Malin and Alex Wilson
 quick notes
16 Construction and Demolition
Waste Management
Reducing construction and demolition waste
saves money and lessens the harmful impact
on the environment. The architect plays a
helpful role in C&D management through
adopting the important principles: reduce,
reuse and recycle.
author: Harry T. Gordon, FAIA
 quick notes
17 Construction specifications
Exemplary practices in specification writing
are discussed in this article, along with an
explanation of MasterFormat and
Uniformat. See Matrix of Part II Design Data
and MasterFormat [Introduction]
for related articles.
author: Donald Baerman
 quick notes
18 Design-Build delivery system
A primer for both architects and building
owners on Design-Build practices, this article
describes contract issues which differ sub-
stantially from Architect-contractor-owner
agreements. Definitions of terms are provided.
authors: Dana Cuff and AIA California Council
 quick notes
19 Building commissioning:
a guide for architects
Building commissioning ensures quality and
conformity to the intent of design. The article
describes new practices by which tests are
applied during and after construction.
authors: Carolyn Dasher, Nancy Benner,
Tudi Haasl, and Karl Stum, P. E.
 quick notes
20 Building Performance Evaluation
On-going evaluation is emphasized to augment
“post-occupancy evaluation.” BPE is an
approach by which building performance is
evaluated in all phases of development. This
approach benefits architectural offices by
supplying constant feedback and allowing for
extensive documentation of projects.
authors: Wolfgang F.E. Preiser, Ph.D. and Ulrich Schramm, Ph.D.
 quick notes
21 Monitoring building performance
This article describes the process of
monitoring building performance.
State-of-the-art tools and measurement
devices are described, for investigating
thermal and visual conditions

authors: William Burke, Charles C. Benton, and Allan Daly

 quick notes
PART II
Part II Design Data are in these terms
the “nouns,” that is, the knowledge and
information placed in the sequence of
construction, as suggested by the
Uniformat classification system.
—from the Introduction
 quick notes
A Substructure
Substructure, or below-ground construction, highlights critical
structural considerations, including the capacity of soil to with-
stand the loads of a building, and diversion of water courses away
from the building. For design of spaces below ground, including base-
ments or fully habitable spaces, provisions for moisture control
and for thermal insulation are critical. In some locales, for example
southern United States, provisions of termite control are critical.
In locales subject to earthquakes, the substructure and the de-
tails of construction at the earth’s surface plate, are very critical.
The point that demarks below-ground and above-ground construc-
tion is in almost all building a critical point of detail.
—from the Introduction
 quick notes
A1.1 Soils and foundation types
This is an informative presentation of soils
and foundations. Details of foundations
types, are useful for preliminary design.
Tables provide representative values for
column footings and standard pile caps.

See
Interactive
authors: Philip P. Page, Jr.; edited for 7th edition
 quick notes
A1.2 Retaining walls

This article describes structural require-

ments for retaining walls built for base-
ments and landscaping. Tabulated values
and illustrations are provided.
authors: Martin Gehner, P.E.
 quick notes
A1.3 Subsurface moisture protection
Good design will anticipate the effects of
groundwater on building. Three critical strate-
gies are discussed: damp-proofing, water-
proofing and subsurface drainage. Standard
subsurface footing details are illustrated.

author: Donald Baerman, AIA

 quick notes
A1.4 Residential foundation design
A comprehensive article for architects on
designing residential foundations. Strategies
and criteria for insulation are discussed.
Illustrations depict details of common
foundation types.
See
Interactive
authors: John Carmody & Joseph Lstiburek, P.Eng.
 quick notes
A1.5 Termite control
Termite shield design can eliminate or minimize
the destruction of property. Details of termite-
resistant foundations are provided. A reference
map indicates US regions prone to termite
damage.

author: Don Pearman; Copper Development Association.

 quick notes
B Shell
The shell of building consists of the structure and the external en-
closure or envelope that defines the internal environment and serves
as barrier and/or selective filter to all environmental factors acting
upon it. In general, the shell of a building is designed to last a long
time, although components of the shell and enclosure assembly, such
as roofing and sealants, require regular maintenance and cyclical
replacement. The roof is the element of the shell most exposed to
extreme climatic variation. Roofing systems protect the structure,
but also may provide openings and access for daylighting, mainte-
nance and fire protection. Walls are complex assemblies because they
perform a wide range of often conflicting functions, including view,
daylighting and sun tempering, protection of building systems, while
presenting the predominant visible representation of the design within
its natural and/or civic context.—from the Introduction
 quick notes
B1.1 An overview of structures
This article is an introduction to basic
structural systems. Tables by Dan
Schodek illustrate a straightforward
method for selection of structural
system types.
See
Interactive
 quick notes
B1.2 Design loads
In the preliminary stages of structural design,
the varied forces imposed on a building through-
out its lifetime must be carefully assessed. This
article defines design loads, weights of common
building materials, live loads and dead loads.

See
Interactive author: Martin D. Gehner, P.E.
 quick notes
B1.3 Structural design–wood
Information is supplied for preliminary design
of wood-frame structures. Details of frames
with bearings and connections are provided.
Table 3 lists common wood sizes vs. their
range of applicability.

author: Martin D. Gehner, P.E.

 quick notes
B1.4 Structural design–steel
The overview discussion in this article will help
architects understand steel framing design
and construction, along with methods typi-
cally used in steel engineering design. Details
of steel connections are illustrated
author: Jonathan Ochshorn
 quick notes
B1.5 Structural design–concrete
Explanations of basic design concepts in this
article will help architects understand the
ramifications of a selected concrete system,
and arrive at a framing concept with reason-
able preliminary estimates. Typical concrete
floor systems are illustrated.
author: Robert M. Darvas
 quick notes
B1.6 Structural design–masonry
This article provides a comprehensive overview of
structural masonry design. Common masonry
walls and details of connections are illustrated.
Surface treatments and coatings for masonry
are discussed. Table 7 is a summary of recom-
mendations for cold weather conditions.
author: Martin Gehner, P.E.
 quick notes
B1.7 Earthquake resistant design
The emphasis is on design principles that
mitigate damage and danger during and after
earthquakes. Criteria for earthquake resistant
design are listed. A table explains the Mercalli
Intensity Scale. Another table provides quick
reference on seismic performance of various
structural systems.
author: Elmer E. Botsai, FAIA
 quick notes
B1.8 Tension fabric structures
Tension fabric structures are a dramatic
means of spanning large spaces. This article
introduces the basic principles and practices,
including work of pioneering architects. A
glossary of terms is provided.

authors: R.E. Shaeffer, P.E. & Craig Huntington, S.E.

 quick notes
B2.1 Exterior wall systems
A thorough overview of exterior wall assemblies.
It emphasizes criteria for selection of wall
systems based on performance advantages.
Read the introduction to curtain wall design.
Common bearing walls are illustrated with
accompanying technical terms.
 quick notes
B2.2 Thermal insulation
This article explains the principles of thermal
insulation design, along with common refer-
ence terms. A “short-form” method of calcu-
lating heat flow is included. For insulation
values of typical construction assemblies, see
also Tables in Appendix III.
See
Interactive author: Donald Baerman, AIA
 quick notes
B2.3 Building movement
This article reviews the physics behind building
movement. Calculate the maximum probable
movement of building components, using
coefficients of expansion from Table A. Special
problems of expansion are discussed.
author: Donald Baerman, AIA
See
Interactive
 quick notes
B2.4 Corrosion of metals
Corrosion is often the source of damage mani-
fest in the exterior structures and envelopes of
buildings. The author provides a set of guide-
lines, prophylactic measures against corrosion,
to be integrated in the design. Structures that
frequently manifest corrosion problems are
listed in the concluding paragraph.
author: Donald Baerman, AIA
 quick notes
B2.5 Moisture control
For proper wall and roof design, it is essential to
understand the physics of moisture movement.
Practices are recommended based on specific
climatic conditions. There are illustrations of wall
sections appropriate for specific US climates.

author: Joseph Lstiburek, P.Eng.

 quick notes
B2.6 Watertight exterior walls
A companion article to B2.5, this article re-
views principles of design for wall waterproofing
systems. Common problems are discussed,
along with recommendations for remediation.
Details of precast elements and glass/metal
curtain walls are illustrated.
authors: Stephan S. Ruggiero & James C. Myers
 quick notes
B2.7 Exterior doors and hardware
This article reviews basic guidelines for
design and selection of exterior doors. Use
the checklist to assess material and as-
sembly options for pedestrian traffic doors.
Various materials, including glass, steel,
aluminum and wood, are reviewed.
author: Timothy T. Taylor
 quick notes
B2.8 Residential windows
This article provides selection criteria for
windows based on energy performance and
comfort. Insulative values for various window
systems are included, as well as recommen-
dations for window specifications based on
climatic conditions.
See
Interactive authors: John C. Carmody & James C. Myers
 quick notes
B3.1 Roofing systems
Roofs, almost synonymous with shelter,
represent continuous challenge for architects.
Along with a general summary, this article
lists design guidelines for low-slopes and
steep-slopes. A table lists recommended roof
slopes. Typical roofing details are illustrated.
author: Donald Baerman, AIA
 quick notes
B3.2 Gutters and downspouts
This article describes design principles and
common materials for gutters and downspouts.
Details and photos of diverse gutters and down-
spouts illustrate design principles. A table pro-
vides rainfall data and drainage factors for
US locations.
See author: Donald Baerman, AIA
Interactive
 quick notes
B3.3 Roof openings and accessories
Roof openings and accessories facilitate
safety and comfort. The article describes
design principles for skylights and roof open-
ings. There is a skylight selection checklist.
Selection criteria are listed for roof hatches
and heat smoke/vents.
author: Donald Baerman, AIA
 quick notes
B3.4 Radiant barrier systems
Radiant barrier systems reduce heat gain
through roofs and attics. This roof system
has become a proven alternative to reduce heat
gain in low-rise buildings in hot climates. An
illustration depicts placement of
radiant barriers.
author: Philip Fairey
 quick notes
C Interiors
Interiors includes elements for defining interior partitions, walls, ceil-
ings, floor finishes and stairwells, and may or may not be separate
from the superstructure or shell. Their purpose is to define, com-
plete and make useable the interior spaces of the building. Some
elements of the interior such as flooring and doors must sustain
heavy use. Both ceilings and some flooring systems are frequently
accessed to interstitial services spaces above and below. In general,
interior constructions are intended to be regularly maintained and
possibly frequently moved or replaced, especially to accommodate
changing uses.
—from the Introduction
 quick notes
C1.1 Suspended ceiling systems
This comprehensive review of suspended ceiling
systems provides an illustrative checklist of
integration issues. This enables the designer to
minimize wasted space in ceiling system depth,
resulting in a savings in building height. Sus-
pended ceiling systems are illustrated
author: William Hall
 quick notes
C1.2 Interior partitions and panels
Performance characteristics of interior
partitions are reviewed. Design and selection
criteria are provided. Partition systems
discussed in detail include: fixed, operable,
demountable, toilet, and acoustical walls

author: William Hall

 quick notes
C1.3 Interior doors and hardware
A review of performance characteristics and
selection criteria for interior doors, hard ware
and finishes. Designers and specification
writers may refer to this article for information
regarding specific characteristics of common
door systems, including steel, aluminum
and wood.
author: Timothy T. Taylor
 quick notes
C1.4 Flexible office infrastructure
The state-of-the-art office is achieved through
high quality interior design and technological
support. This article reviews the advantages of
designing for high indoor-air quality, ventilation
and illumination, along with a flexible
technological infrastructure.

authors: Vivian Loftness, AIA and Volker Hartkopf, Ph.D.

 quick notes
C2.1 Stair design checklist
Material for preliminary stair configuration is
provided, along with complete dimensional
reference data for stairs. Included is a glos-
sary of terms commonly used in stair design
and construction.
author: John Templer
 quick notes
C2.2 Stair design to reduce injuries
A companion article to C2.1, this article de-
scribes design practices that will increase
safety and minimize accidents. Because stairs
are the element of buildings most commonly
cited for accidents, this article is required read-
ing in every architectural office. Please read it
and pass it on.
author: John Templer
 quick notes
C2.3 Stair dimensioning
This article provides a quick-reference
dimensional nomograph, and a graphic
summary of overall dimensioning
of starwells.

See
Interactive
 quick notes
C3.1 Walls and ceiling finishes
Common materials and systems used for wall
and ceiling finishes are described in detail.
Selection criteria and guidelines are defined
for the designer and specifier, along with
interior finishes such as gypsum board,
plaster, wood, stone, paints, stains, and
wall coverings.
author: William Hall
 quick notes
C3.2 Flooring
Detailed information describes the characteris-
tics and selection methods of interior flooring,
including brick, stone, wood, terrazzo, resilient
flooring, carpeting, tile and access flooring. A
summary table appears as a quick reference
guide for flooring systems.
author: William Hall
 quick notes
D Services
Services are distinct subsystems that complete the inte-
rior spaces, making them comfortable, safe and effective
for habitation. They include conveying systems, plumbing,
heating and cooling, fire protection, electrical and commu-
nication systems, each subject to frequent
—from the Introduction
 quick notes
D1.1 Escalators and elevators
This article includes descriptions and fundamen-
tals in the design of escalators, people movers,
and elevators. The emphasis is on basic require-
ments of designing systems for proper carrying
capacity. Detail plates illustrate the most com-
mon elevator and escalator configurations
author: Peter R. Smith, Ph.D., FRAIA
 quick notes
D2.1 Plumbing systems
This article is a guide to plumbing system design.
Tables list specific information for preliminary
design of plumbing systems for residences and
small buildings. A concluding section describes
water conservation.
author: Arturo De La Vega
 quick notes
D2.2 Sanitary waste systems
An overview of sanitary system design.
Sanitary systems for residences and small
buildings are diagrammed in two Figures.
Criteria for sizing vents, are listed in Tables, to
enable the architect to make provisions for
vent stack space requirements.
author: Arturo De La Vega
 quick notes
D2.3 Special plumbing systems
A reference on special plumbing systems used in
modern hospitals and laboratories, including:
oxygen, vacuum, nitrous oxide, and compressed
air systems. Illustrations and tables provide
sizing criteria sufficient for preliminary design.
author: Arturo De La Vega
 quick notes
D2.4 Solar domestic water heating
Solar domestic water heating , when
integrated in the early stages of design, is a
viable energy saving approach. The article
provides a complete review of solar domestic
water heating. Tables serve as quick
reference guides for system selection.
author: Everett M. Barber, Jr
 quick notes
D3.1 Energy sources for houses
Examples of residential energy sources, and
energy-efficient approaches are integrated into
architectural design features. The recommenda-
tions include an approach to passive and active
system designs to reduce capital investment
and operating costs, while improving
interior comfort
author: William Bobenhausen.
 quick notes
D3.2 Heating and cooling of houses
A companion to D3.1, this article describes the
specifics of heating and cooling system design
for residences. Guidelines and illustrations are
useful for preliminary sizing of ducts for warm-
air systems and estimating the size of piped
hot water systems. Heat pump systems, which
conserve energy, are described in the
concluding section.
author: William Bobenhausen
 quick notes
D3.3 Energy sources for
commercial buildings
Understanding the general principles of energy
source will help architects reduce energy and
heating/cooling system requirements in commer-
cial buildings. This article gives an overview of
energy systems appropriate for commercial
buildings. A figure profiles energy use for common
building types, in different US climates.
author: William Bobenhausen
 quick notes
D3.4 Thermal assessment of HVAC
design
Human comfort is the basis of heating and
cooling system design. The article begins with a
discussion of the psycrometric chart as a tool
for analysis. A “quick study” method, using
nomographs, helps determine HVAC system
size requirements.
authors: Richard Rittelman, FAIA and John Holton, P.E., RA
 quick notes
D3.5 HVAC systems
This article will familiarize architects with
HVAC technology commonly used in commercial
buildings. Tables 3 thru 5 serve as quick refer-
ence on common HVAC types. Selection crite-
ria for HVAC components are listed in
Tables 8 thru 18
authors: Richard Rittelmann, FAIA, Paul Scanlon, P.E., Russ
Sullivan, P.E., and Tom Beggs
 quick notes
D3.6 Special HVAC equipment
This article serves as an introduction to HVAC
systems used primarily in industrial facilities,
including: dust and fume collectors, air cur-
tains and paint spray ventilation systems.
For more extensive reading, references
are cited.
author: Catherine Coombs, CIH, CSP
 quick notes
D4.1 Fire safety design
The principles of fire safety and regulations
for safety design. The article emphasizes
what can be accomplished through basic
building design to increase fire safety.

author: Fred Malven, Ph.D.

 quick notes
D4.2 Fire protection sprinkler systems
The sprinkler system is part of the interior
architectural design and detailing. Sprinkler
layout and fixtures vary. This article describes
the various types of sprinkler systems, instal-
lation specification and water supply require-
ments. Table 1 lists pipe schedule systems.
author: Bruce W. Hisley
 quick notes
D4.3 Standpipe systems
This easily read briefing of standpipe system
types will be useful to architects in planning
preliminary design and in construction
document detailing.

author: Bruce W. Hisley

 quick notes
D4.4 Fire extinguishers and cabinets
An overview of fire extinguishers types, the
information provided is easily read in brief
explanations for architects. It is equally useful
for preliminary design and construction
document detailing.

authors: Bruce W. Hisley

 quick notes
D4.5 Special fire protection systems
An important and additional reference that
explains specific agents used for fire pro-
tection. The article describes carbon
dioxide, dry chemical, halon, and foam
extinguishing systems

authors: Bruce W. Hisley

 quick notes
D4.6 Fire alarm systems
This article describes fire alarm systems that
must be incorporated into electrical system
design, as well as interior design and detailing

author: Geo rge Santonas

 quick notes
D5.1 Electrical wiring systems
This overview of electric wiring systems de-
scribes wiring systems commonly used in
large scale buildings. The article includes
reviews of the various types of electric distri-
bution that affect architectural design,
electric access sizing, and detailing.
author: Benjamin Stein
 quick notes
D5.2 Communication and
security systems
New and developing methods of communication
and security are becoming necessary elements
for building designs. This includes communication
and security system layout, sizing of electronic
equipment, and detailed consideration of system
equipment specifications
authors: Walter Cooper and Robert DeGrazio
 quick notes
D5.3 Electric system specialties
This article acquaints architects
with recent innovations in electronic
systems, including audiovisual facilities
and sound masking systems.
Illustrations demonstrate
plans and layouts for video conference
suites and sound masking systems.
author: Andrew Prager
 See
Interactive
quick notes
D5.4 Lighting
This article provides a comprehensive overview
of lighting design fundamentals and practices,
including a quick reference guide to lighting
source characteristics. A method is provided for
lighting calculations. A summary provides
a comprehensive lighting design checklist. See
additional lighting tables in Appendix (Part III).
author: John Bullough
 quick notes
D5.5 Solar electric systems
for residences
A basic briefing for architects on
system design requirements for solar electric
systems for residences and similar small-scale
buildings, including a summary of appliances and
related energy conservation measures that
reduce system demands.
author: Everett M. Barber, Jr.