Architectural Materials and Structural Systems: Key Concepts and Standards

What is the framework for material selection?

Formal: line, plane, volume; Qualitative: opaque, translucent, transparent.

What are the four groups of architectural design considerations?

Site; Appropriateness & Function; Form, Material, Assembly; Genius Loci.

What are key drivers in material selection?

Perceptual qualities, appropriateness, availability/craft, strength, dimensional stability, water, decay, maintenance, thermal, light/UV, weathering, fire, health, cost, embodied energy/carbon.

What are the main ideas from Mayne and Allen quotes?

Mayne: less styling, more emphasis on making; Allen: constraint is an opportunity for invention.

What are the primary building systems in the course?

Wood, Steel, Concrete, Masonry.

What is the case study of Zumthor Swiss Pavilion about?

Materials and methods as conceptual/design driver; details include ties interlocking roof to foundation.

Who grants the right to practice as an architect?

Individual state registration boards.

What are three typical requirements to become a Registered Architect?

Education (NAAB-accredited degree), Experience (AXP), Examination (ARE).

What are the core responsibilities of a Registered Architect?

Protect health, safety, welfare of occupants and public; legally responsible for errors.

What are the relationships in Design-Bid-Build?

Owner contracts with architect and contractor; architect works with engineers.

What are the phases and typical fee percentages in architectural design?

SD 15%, DD 25%, CD 40%, Bidding 5%, Contract Administration 15%.

What are the deliverables in Schematic Design?

Site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, models, narrative on systems/materials.

What are the deliverables in Design Development?

Plans, elevations, sections, critical wall sections, typical details, outline specs.

What are the deliverables in Construction Documents?

Schedules, plans, elevations, sections, details, specifications.

What occurs in the Bidding/negotiation phase?

Prepare bid documents, evaluate bids, final deliverable is construction contract.

What is the role of Contract Administration (CA)?

Architect administers contract on owner's behalf; site visits to observe progress.

When can architects request a Change in Services?

When extra drawings result from changes or unknown site conditions.

What is the subject and purpose of Assignment 2?

Reading technical drawings for the Thayer House.

What is the basis for drawing set organization?

Uniform Drawing Standards (UDS) from AIA + CSI.

What are the sheet prefixes used in architectural drawings?

G, C, L, LS, AC, S, M, P, FP, E.

What is the architectural sheet series?

A000 notes; A101 plans; A201 elevations; A300 sections; A400 views; A500 details.

What is the rule for symbols and abbreviations in construction documents?

Use consistently; define all to prevent confusion.

What is the cell structure of wood?

Long tubular cells parallel to trunk axis; cellulose bound by lignin.

What is the difference between sapwood and heartwood?

Sapwood: living cells, food storage; Heartwood: inactive, decay-resistant.

Where does tree growth occur?

By cell division in the cambium.

What are the structural properties of wood?

Strength depends on species, load direction; stronger parallel to grain.

What is the difference between hardwoods and softwoods?

Hardwoods are used for finish carpentry; softwoods for structural lumber.

What is seasoning in wood?

Controlled drying to a target moisture content.

What is the difference between S4S and S2S surfacing?

S4S is surfaced on four sides; S2S on two sides.

What are the categories of lumber and board foot?

Boards

What are the categories of lumber?

Boards

What is a board foot?

Board foot = 12 sq in nominal cross-section × 1 ft.

What is plywood?

Thin veneers glued; face grain along sheet length, crossbands perpendicular; always an odd number of layers.

What is the difference between OSB, particleboard, and fiberboard?

OSB: structural, stronger/stiffer, cheaper than plywood. Particleboard: non-structural, base for veneer/laminate. Fiberboard (MDF): fine fibers + resin, interior only.

What are the basics of nails?

Sized in pennies (d); common/box nails for structure; finish nails for finish work; exterior use requires corrosion-resistant types.

What are manufactured wood components?

Includes wood I-joists, glulam, framed panels, SIP, SSP, and CLT.

What is the difference between heavy timber and light frame construction?

Heavy timber: frame independent of walls, 5"+ members, fire resistive. Light frame: bearing walls, small members, combustible.

How does surface-to-volume ratio affect fire behavior?

High ratio materials ignite easily; large timbers absorb heat and burn slowly.

What defines IBC Type IV Heavy Timber?

Members ≥ ~5" nominal; noncombustible exterior walls; solid floors/roofs without concealed cavities.

Why is engineered wood more common in large architecture?

Dimensional precision/stability, improved structural consistency, and digital fabrication for custom geometry.

What are examples of engineered wood structures?

Zumthor Vals house, Shigeru Ban Nine Bridges, Piano Cologne store, Brock Commons Vancouver.

What are the pros and cons of wood light frame construction?

Pros: versatile, low cost. Cons: burns/decays, unattractive framing.

What is the difference between balloon and platform framing?

Balloon: full-length two-story studs; Platform: one-story studs on floor platforms.

How does sheathing contribute to lateral resistance?

Sheathing (plywood/OSB) nailed to frame forms a structural unit and resists racking.

What is a continuous load path?

Connections must carry loads continuously through the structure to the foundation.

What is the purpose of bridging in framing?

Bridging between joists prevents out-of-plane buckling and distributes load.

What are light frame foundation types?

Stem wall with raised floor/crawl space or slab on grade.

What are some notable wood structures?

Thorncrown Chapel, Prostho Museum, Santa Monica House.

What are key milestones in metal history?

Crystal Palace (1851), Eiffel Tower (1887-89), Bessemer process (1850s).

What are early examples of skyscrapers?

Monadnock, Home Insurance, Carson Pirie Scott.

How does fire affect steel?

Fires rarely melt steel but weaken it; codes limit exposed steel to 1-5 stories.

What is the definition of steel?

Iron alloy with

What are types of steel alloys?

Structural steel, stainless steel, high-strength low-alloy, weathering steel.

What is galvanic action?

Dissimilar metals in contact corrode; the more vulnerable corrodes.

What are common structural shapes in steel?

Wide-flange (I-beam), angles, channels, tees, plates.

What are steel angles used for?

Short beams, lintels, connectors, diagonal braces.

What is the difference between cast and cold-worked steel?

Cast: molten steel poured in molds; Cold-formed: light-gauge sections.

What are OWSJ and joist girders?

OWSJ: mass-produced truss; Joist girders: prefabricated trusses carrying joist bays.

What are methods for joining steel?

Rivets, bolts, and welds; bolts are high-strength and welding is stronger than members.

What is the difference between moment and shear connections?

Moment: beam flanges connected across the joint; Shear: only beam web connected to column.

What is decking in construction?

Corrugated steel deck; composite deck works with concrete topping.

What are the characteristics of Farnsworth House welds?

Hidden welds to avoid visible joints.

What do opaque materials allow?

Opaque materials allow light on the surface but not to pass through.

What are materials allowing unencumbered view and light?

Transparent.

What does genius loci mean?

Spirit of place.

What did Thom Mayne stress making over?

Styling.

Who grants the right to use the title 'architect'?

State registration boards.

What are NAAB-accredited degrees?

B.Arch or M.Arch.

What does AXP stand for?

Architectural Experience Program.

How many parts does the ARE have?

Six (6).

What is an RA's primary responsibility?

Health, safety, and welfare.

In Design-Bid-Build, who are the architect and GC under contract with?

The owner.

What is the typical fee for Schematic Design?

15%.

What is the typical fee for Design Development?

25%.

What is the typical fee for Construction Documents?

40%.

What is the typical fee for Bidding?

5%.

What is the typical fee for Contract Administration?

15%.

What are SD cost estimates typically based on?

Volume.

What does DD include?

Outline specifications identifying major materials.

What are the basis for contractors' final cost estimates?

100% Construction Documents (CDs).

What is the final deliverable of the bidding phase?

The construction contract.

Who administers the construction in CA?

The contractor.

What are extra drawings during construction called?

Sketches.

What is a reduced CA scope called?

Construction Observation (CO).

What does UDS stand for?

Uniform Drawing Standards.

What do sheet prefix S drawings denote?

Structural drawings.

What does sheet prefix LS denote?

Life safety.

In which series are architectural elevations found?

A201.

What binds wood cells together?

Lignin.

In which zone does growth occur?

Cambium.

Is wood stronger parallel or perpendicular to grain?

Parallel.

Is wood stronger in compression or tension?

Compression.

What type of lumber is primarily used for structural purposes?

Softwoods.

To what moisture percentage is framing lumber seasoned?

19%.

What does S4S mean?

Surfaced four sides.

What is the nominal thickness of timbers?

5 inches or more.

How many layers does plywood always have?

An odd number.

What is the most common fiberboard type?

MDF (medium-density).

How is nail size measured?

In pennies (d).

How many perpendicular layers does CLT have at least?

3.