Building Services

This project is related to our studio design project in semester 2 which relates to a domestic size building (i.e. a retreat house, etc.) Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of building services by proposing and designing the most appropriate systems for the building which include:
i) electrical supply system
ii) cold water and hot water supply system
iii) sewerage and sanitary system
iv) drainage system
Therefore we are required to produce appropriate drawings and diagrams which include specifications, symbols, legends, images, texts, etc. to describe the planning and installation of all the building services. Additionally, we may also include specific clauses from the Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) or other relevant Acts, Laws or guidelines which relate to the proposed systems into their presentation boards.

Project 1: Application of Building Services

1. To create awareness and understanding of the principles of services systems and to integrate the basic requirements such as plant room space, pump room, etc., in the schematic design stage.
2. To introduce various building services system that are available and the limitation of the choices – the services considered are primarily water supply, sewerage and sanitary system, mechanical ventilation and air conditioning system, electricity supply, fire protection system and mechanical transportation system.
3. To prepare students to adopt, apply and integrate these services requirements in their design work in later semesters.

Module Objective

In this module students will be introduced to services that are commonly provided in a building, primarily cold and hot water supply, sewerage disposal and treatment, drainage and storm water management, electrical supply, fire protection systems, mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems as well as mechanical transportation systems. Students are also made familiar with the basic requirements, planning, coordination and installation of these services besides the regulations especially the ones related to Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL).

Module Introduction

Objective of Project 1

1. To develop students understanding and knowledge of building services systems in design and construction.
2. To apply appropriate building services system and solution for a specific design.
3. To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of applicability of specific building services systems in the design in response to practical considerations.
4. To develop students’ ability to resolve issues related to specific building services systems.

Final Outcome for the boards

Learning Outcomes of Project 1

1. Identify relevant information related to water supply, liquid waste disposal, mechanical air-conditioning, fire safety and vertical transportation system.
2. Describe the planning of building services within the total design and construction process.
3. Describe the installation of building services within the total design and construction process.

Project 2: Case Study and Documentation of Building Services Systems

We are required to form a group of 6 students.
Under the tutelage of a lecturer, each group is required to choose a building of 5-storey high which can be either public or commercial buildings (i.e. office blocks, institutional buildings, shopping malls, etc.). Each group is to perform a thorough study and analysis of the following services systems associated to the building:
i. mechanical ventilation
ii. air-conditioning system
iii. fire protection system (active and passive fire protection system)
iv. mechanical transportation system
Each group will need to document their findings accordingly. It is entirely up to the group members on how they want to delegate the tasks to each of their members. The purpose of this assignment is to give a clearer picture of what the students will and have learnt in the classroom and to evaluate their understanding on the systems that they have observed.
The requirements of the project are as follows:
1. Identify all the required building services components installed in the building
2. Perform a thorough study on all the services systems
i. mechanical ventilation
ii. air-conditioning system
iii. fire protection system (active and passive fire protection system)
iv. mechanical transportation system
3. Obtain estimated dimensions and sizes of the spaces required for all the equipment and plant rooms identified
4. Provide brief explanation on how the building services components function. This explanation shall be in qualitative form and therefore no calculation is required.
5. Summarize the systems in diagrammatic form.

Objective of Project 2

1. To introduce students to the basic principles, process and equipment of various building services systems through real life project (experiential learning).
2. To expose students to the integration of various building services systems in a building.
3. To allow students to demonstrate their understanding of building services systems.
4. To develop students’ understanding and familiarity on the drawing conventions and standards for different building services systems.

Final Outcome for the case study and documentation of building services system

Learning Outcomes of Project 2

1. Identify and understand relevant information related to mechanical ventilation, air-conditioning, and mechanical transportation system as well as fire protection systems.
2. Understand how each building services functions including the connections and position of different parts equipment.
3. Understand and explain the principles and systems as well as space implications and regulations related to different building services.

Learning Outcomes of the semester

1. Identify relevant information related to water supply, liquid waste disposal, mechanical air-conditioning, fire safety and vertical transportation system
2. Describe the planning of building services within the total design and construction process.
3. Describe the installation of building services within the total design and construction process.
4. Explain relevant information related to water supply, liquid waste disposal, mechanical air-conditioning, fire safety and vertical transportation system.
5. Explain principles, systems, space implications and regulations related to water supply, storm water and waste water disposal.
6. Explain principles, systems, space implications and regulations related to internal air quality and mechanical air conditioning.