FINAL Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is Interior Architecture?
It’s the shaping of spaces inside buildings —how we organize, light, furnish, and finish them —to support human activity, comfort, and meaning.
(It connects the human body to the built structure.)
What do Ergonomics & Anthropometry help with?
○ Help design spaces and furniture that are comfortable and functional for the
human body.
[ ○ Examples: Seat height (~18”), counter height (~36”), reach zones. ]
What are Partitions and what do they do?
○ These are fixed or movable Partitions that define zones (private/public, work/live).
(e.g., accordion or operable panel systems).
What do Movable partitions do/increase?
○ Movable partitions increase flexibility in spaces like classrooms, offices, or event venues.
What is the difference between high and low ceilings?
○ High ceilings = openness, grandeur
○ Low ceilings = intimacy, coziness
Hard surfaces vs Soft surfaces.
○ Hard surfaces reflect sound (echo), soft surfaces absorb it (quieter spaces).
what do materials =
Materials = mood: stone feels cool, carpet feels warm.
what is lighting quality affected by?
- color temperature (measured in Kelvin).
How many Kelvin is in Warm vs cool lighting?
■ 2700K–3000K = warm, cozy light
■ 4000K–5000K = cool, energizing light
Lighting types?
Lighting types: Ambient (general), Task (focused), Accent (decorative)
What Are Passive Systems?
Passive systems are strategies that use natural forces (sun, wind, gravity) to provide comfort without
mechanical energy.
What is Thermal mass?
(Materials like stone, concrete, or adobe) that absorb heat during the day and release it at
night.
○ Example: Taos Pueblo’s thick adobe walls offer thermal stability.
What do shading devices do?
- Shading devices block summer sun but allow winter sun when properly oriented.
○ Vegetative shading (trees, green roofs) is passive, too.
Natural ventilation
○ Includes cross ventilation (windows on opposite walls) and stack effect (hot air rising out, cool air drawn in).
What do different lighting/window (daylight) strategy types offer?
Introduce daylight without glare or
compromising privacy.
(Clerestory windows, skylights, and light shelves)
Case Study: Council House 2 (CH2):
○ Uses wind stacks, cross ventilation, and evaporative cooling to reduce reliance on HVAC
systems.
What Are Active Systems?
These *require energy input (M.E.P:
1. mechanical,
2. electrical, or
3. plumbing)
to maintain environmental conditions.
● HVAC Systems: #
○ Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning provide thermal comfort and air quality.
○ Mechanical ventilation = fresh air exchange, (especially in large buildings.)
(E) Electrical Systems in Buildings: #
○ Include lighting (task, ambient, emergency), outlets, smart controls.
○ Larger buildings use centralized controls, backup systems, and daylight dimmers.
(P) Plumbing #
○ Like arteries and veins, plumbing brings in water and removes waste.
○ Includes potable water, wastewater, and fire suppression systems (sprinklers,
standpipes).
Smart Controls: #
○ Motion sensors, time-based dimming, and responsive systems help conserve energy.
What Are Hybrid Systems?
● Combine passive design (orientation, mass, insulation) with efficient active systems to maximize
performance.
● Require close collaboration between architects and engineers.
Case Studies:
● BedZED (UK):
○ Mixed-use eco-development that uses passive solar, high insulation, solar PV, and CHP
biomass plant.
○ Goal: Net zero energy — produce as much energy as consumed annually.
what is Zero Energy Development (ZED):
● Design approach where a building’s energy consumption is balanced by its own renewable
production (e.g., solar).
