Building Services - Part 1

What is the difference between interior design and other design disciplines in terms of production process ?

Special notes on Interior Design

Final product of an interior project is always evolved in a design-construction process and unseen until the very day of project completion. 1:1 mock-up is normally not available to the client. Clients decision to proceed depends on design drawings / perspectives / model. There are big risks of misunderstanding. A project normally involves a large sum of money Technical aspect (Building Services) and Design aspect of the project are equally important.

Essentials of Interior Design Project

Design concept responds to clients brief Design development / Creation of spatial quality Good Design detailing Use of materials, colour, texture Comprehensive and clear construction drawings, specications and schedules Sufcient site supervision / coordination Well integrated Building Services Layout / Design

Why building services important ?

Building Services are technical systems making an interior space workable, usable and habitable. Poor layout and design of Building Services may spoil the whole design scheme and cause long term problems to a space.

Basic systems of Building Services

Air conditioning / Ventilation Fire Services Plumbing & Drainage Electrical Provisions Heating System IT / Cable Media Security / Intelligent System

Role of Interior Designer in planning Building Services

Interior Designer will not design the system of building services, but only specify the requirements in design drawings.

Select type of Air conditioning system and mounting location , and then brand and model of A/C. Select Hot water supply system (gas or electric heater) and heater location. Design Bathroom layout, and then select all sanitary wares / ttings. Design Kitchen layout, and then select all electric and gas appliances. Design Lighting layout, then conrm positions of all light ttings, switches and socket points

Schematic design of electrical layout

Lighting Points Switches Circuitry Socket Points Appliances Setting out of all mounting position

Small-scale interior projects

Owner / Client

Interior Designer

Registered Contractor Domestic sub-contractors Licensed building services contractor - plumber, electrician, air conditioning / ventilation

Large-scale interior projects including building works

Client / Project Manager

Architect / Interior Designer / Structural Engineer Building Services consultant / Quantity Surveyor

Registered General Building Contractor Nominated Sub-contractors / In-house Engineers Licensed building services contractors

Main duties of Interior Designer

Consolidate the design brief of building services of the interior space with client Summarize different system requirements Instruct the main contractor and building services sub-contractors to design the systems and prepare shop-drawings for approval Select and well position all exposed components of building services - A/C air diffuser, oor drain, socket cover, access panel, louver etc

Key Point 1 Designate suitable ceiling, wall and oor space for services

Key Point 2 Conceal most of the services routing, if possible

Key Point 3 Design the Interface details

Key Point 4 Select and well position all exposed components

Key Point 5 Allow Maintenance Access

ESSENTIAL REFERENCES
Hall, F. & Greeno, R. (2009) Building Services Handbook (UK: Butterworth-Heinemann) Alread, J. & Leslie, T. (2007) Design- Tech: Building Science for architects (UK: Butterworth-Heinemann) Bokalders,V & Block, M. (2010) The Whole Building Handbook (UK: Earthscan) McMorrough, J. (2006) Materials, Structures, and Standards (USA: Rockport Publishers, Inc.)