Friday Shadow Visit Experience:
ARCH 333 - Environmental Systems I: 12:00 pm–1:20 pm
This course provides a basic study of the mechanical, sanitary, water supply, sewage disposal, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, fire protection and electrical equipment and systems used in buildings. The student learns the basics of active and passive heating, cooling and ventilating systems, load calculations, life safety ventilation, psychometrics, plumbing, storm drainage, fire protection systems, and electrical, energy codes and management with discussion of energy conservation and construction budgeting as well as M & E construction documents. 

Particular emphasis is given to systems integration. First is the recognition that buildings consist of seven component systems; space planning, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (including fire protection); enclosure, and fitments (fixtures and furniture). Second is the need to consider these systems as early in the design process as possible. Design considerations such as points of origin, generating equipment, distribution devices, delivery mechanisms, control systems and energy usage are studied. Sustainability is embedded in the nature of these subjects with a particular emphasis on energy conservation and efficient design practices. Where possible “rules of thumb” sizing and diagramming techniques are examined and technical design development are explored from the point of view of, energy efficiency, the architect’s design and the engineering consultant’s criteria. Classroom lectures, case studies (on hard and soft technologies) and a field trip are used to expand on the reading assignments and to provide a general introduction and overview of the subject.