Interior Building Systems

Delia Tacheny
INT 322 - Building Systems

Weekly Summary 

This week, our reading (Chapter 11) covered the topic of "Interior Building Systems." This is a somewhat vague title, and honestly, that's because it encompasses a multitude of interior systems: technology, energy control, security, vertical circulation, and systems furniture. 

First, various technological and telecommunication devices must be considered in a building and are basically necessities in our day-and-age. This may include telephone lines, internet connections, wireless service, and routers. In commercial offices, teleconferencing spaces are basically necessary nowadays. When designing such a space, it is important to carefully consider the placement of the LED projector and phone jacks, as well as reduce any glare entering the space by utilizing window screening. On a similar topic, audio-visual is another factor that requires some intentionality. In a space with a projector or tv screen, the closest person should be no closer than 2x the screen height. Additionally, the top of the screen should form an angle of NO more than 30 degrees from the horizontal slight line of the viewers. 

Security is an extremely important system for the vast majority of buildings. Besides any form of technology, security can first be controlled through space planning. Sight lines must be considered; for example, retail stores require lines of sight to the entrances, exits, and cash registers. Additional alarm and control systems are necessary as well, for retail, healthcare, airports, etc. These systems include audio security alarms, lockdown systems, burglar alarms, metal detectors, and wand scanners. 

Vertical circulation is a very large and important category, especially for interior designers, as circulation can define our designs and is a necessary safety feature. Stairs come in all forms, and are typically built of wood, metal, or concrete. As designers we need to understand the difference and be knowledgeable in all the necessary codes when it comes to treads and risers. Necessary tread depth and riser height can be researched and found through various equations. The reading notes the difference between a guardrail and a handrail which helped me learn something new! A guardrail is the horizontal rail at landings, and it must be 42" high; a handrail is the rail that follows the incline of the stairway and must be between 34 - 38" high. A guardrail is required anywhere there is a change in floor height of more than 30". 

On to elevators, there are two types: hydraulic (used for buildings with only a couple floors) and electric (used for high rises). Hydraulic require a piston and space under the elevator to push the elevator upwards. Electric are faster and require a rooftop mechanical room for the cable traction system that pulls up the elevator. Escalators -- the slightly scary moving stairs -- come in standard widths of 24, 32, or 40" and should typically never exceed 30 degrees. Ladders are not used as a public form of circulation but can be used to reach an attic or loft in residential buildings or rooftop access in commercial buildings. They require a 5" minimum tread depth, a 20" minimum tread width, and a maximum riser height of 9.5".

System furnishing are moveable furniture systems such as cubicles. For commercial office design, it is necessary to be aware of proper design considerations when it comes to system furnishings. They typically require power which can be gained through wall plug receptacles, cellular floors, an under-floor steel bus duct, flat wire, or access from above. Paneling systems should never intersect existing glazing; they must align with the mullions. It is important to consider the surrounding fenestration, lighting, and acoustics. 

Last but not least, always make sure to include signage and wayfinding in non-residential buildings. Wayfinding is done simply through efforts of design that cue occupants on how to navigate throughout a space. Signage is actual signs giving direction, example: exit signs.

(As always, consider sustainability.)

Benching Systems vs. Cubicles

A benching system in contrast to a cubicle system is an open concept layout that encourages collaboration and communication between users. While cubicles offer more privacy and have often been the more popular system, the benching system has been shown to increase productivity and employee culture. Both have their pros and cons. The benching system feels roomier, but it also has less personal storage and privacy. I think they can both be positive for different work environments and types of people.

During the rise of Covid-19 and the past two years, I'm sure that for sanitary purposes, the extra dividers and private space of cubicles were the selection of choice. However, now being in post-pandemic life, I think people more than ever crave community after being deprived of it so long. That being said, I can see how the benching system may continue to expand in commercial office design. 

Cubicles vs. Benching Systems: What's the Difference? | iSpace (ispaceoffice.com)