AT IV, Building Systems Integration

Integrated Building Systems - Tech IV - is a course emphasizing the integration of technical domains like life safety, fire protection, environmental systems, structure, and enclosures, to aid interdisciplinary collaboration and provide the course participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in modern building design. One of the central challenges in building construction is the part-to-whole problem, where building components, systems, and processes must come together seamlessly to form a cohesive whole. Architects, engineers, fabricators, and erectors play pivotal roles in developing each part. Among them, architects hold a critical role in ensuring that the design intentions remain intact while orchestrating the successful synthesis of these elements.

An essential aspect of the course involves gaining a better understanding of different building systems and the constraints associated with them. Architects can integrate these systems more comprehensively and effectively by comprehending the intricacies of life safety, fire protection, environmental systems, structures, and enclosures. This integration leads to elegance and overall efficiency in the design of buildings with a higher likelihood of being successfully constructed. The course takes a fresh and comprehensive approach to examining the primary systems within a building. Participants explore the key drivers, requirements, and intentions surrounding each system, allowing for a deeper appreciation of their role in shaping the overall design. Techniques for rapidly iterating around design ideas and strategies are introduced to enable participants to fine-tune their designs efficiently.

The course’s primary objective is to provide participants with an intensive introduction to the practical application of technical systems in design. They are tasked with validating their design ideas against technical constraints and translating theory into real-world scenarios. Throughout the course, participants delve into the technical aspects of architecture, focusing on how these aspects reinforce and support design intentions. Concepts such as beauty, sustainability, functionality, and integration with the surroundings are at the forefront of the discussions. Various elements of building design, including structural form, environmental systems, materials, construction methods, and fire protection elements, are systematically developed and integrated to create a coherent design.

Structured in two modules, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The first module involves lectures on technical topics, equipping participants with the necessary foundational knowledge. The second module is designed to encourage real-case applications. Working in teams, participants will select a design concept from the previous Core Studio II, and with the guidance of mentors, they further develop this concept into a highly-detailed design. The project shall strive to achieve the highest standards in terms of carbon neutrality, sustainability, and resiliency. The tension between design intent and the technical constraints fosters a critical decision-making process, allowing for thoughtful and informed design choices.