Basic Elements of Planning

In this unit, the principles of functional planning, architectural considerations, climatic aspects of planning and fire-resistance regulations will be introduced. Did you notice the word "introduced" ? Planning of buildings is a complex task and it is usually undertaken by architects, who train themselves over several years to deal with the whole range of issues involved. This whole range includes provision of sanitary facilities, electrification, lifts/escalators, fire-fighting installations etc. and they are not included in this brief presentation. 

Most of the architects specialize in the design of residential buildings; a few specialise in the design of educational and institutional buildings; rarer still are the architects who undertake the planning and design of mercantile and industrial buildings, and you will have to search for architects who specialise in buildings which store hazardous materials. 

All that we aim to present in this unit consist of the broad guidelines which the architects utilise so that the engineers who build these buildings have a proper understanding of the expertise that has into the planning and design of such buildings. Engineers usually have the tendency to modify the plans, elevations, sizes, position of openings and above all the finishes to conserve money or to suit structural design, and in the process alter the functions of the buildings and their appearance drastically. It is the primary duty of engineers to realise in practice what the architect has synthesized in his mind. 

The medium of communication between the architects and the engineers are the drawings and in this unit drawings will be utilised extensively. 

Objectives 

After studying this unit, you should be able to 

• understand the principles of planning of buildings, appreciate the architectural considerations, comprehend the climatic aspects of orientation of buildings, and provision of sun shine-control devices, 
• construct buildings that satisfy building bye-laws and fire regulations, 
• have a comprehensive List of the various components of different types of buildings and their functional arrangements, 
• plan the construction sequence in such a manner as to avoid costly modifications and rectifications at a later date, 
• decipher and understand drawings of a variety of buildings, and 
• choose building materials andmethods to suit the particular needs of the type of building mder consideration.