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DSNI 322

DSNI 322: Building Systems and Construction

Prerequisite: C or better in DSNI125; Junior standing.

Credit Hours: (3) Two hours lecture, two hours lab.

A focus on construction processes, sustainability, life-safety, project management, and building systems, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and lighting. 


Detailed Description of Content of Course

A focus on construction processes, sustainability, life-safety, project management, and building systems, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and lighting. 

Major topics to include: 

  1. Sustainability 
    1. Environmental + Social + Economic  
    2. Geographical influences 
    3. Passive solar principles  
    4. Indoor Air Quality 
    5. Life cycle costs 
    6. Energy  
    7. Waste management 
    8. Material Considerations 
    9. Green Certifications 
  2. Construction processes 
    1. Stakeholders, trades, and industry partner  
    2. Project management 
    3. Roles and Responsibilities  
    4. Sequences and Timing  
    5. Gantt Chart  
    6. Estimating 
  3. Building Systems
    1. Structural systems 
    2. Framing 
    3. Construction Materials; steel, wood, glass, concrete 
    4. Geographical influences 
    5. Structural Loads & Systems 
    6. Distribution systems and their controls  
    7. Thermal systems: HVAC and Passive thermal 
    8. Plumbing systems: Supply systems and Drain, Waste, Vent (DWV) 
    9. Power systems: Electrical and Wireless systems and Planning and Specifications  
    10. Lighting 
      1. Natural/Daylighting strategies: geographical influence and windows 
      2. Artificial lighting strategies: illumination, layout, and specifications  
    11. Interior systems 
    12. Construction Detailing 
    13. Vertical circulation types 
    14. Acoustical strategies  
  4. Life safety systems 
    1. Code origins 
    2. Occupancy and Load Considerations  
    3. Compartmentalization 
    4. Fire detection & suppression


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instructional strategies to include: 

Lecture: 

  • In-class activities, exercises, worksheets, and homework problems 
  • Discussions  
  • Exams and quizzes  
  • Reports with presentations 

Laboratory: 

  • Hands-on projects (luminaire, lighting layout, furniture design, etc. 
  • Team activities and exercises 
  • Field Trips 


Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:  

  1. understand the built environment includes structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems. (14d, 14f) 
  2. Identify construction methods, process, and sequences. (5a, 6f, 13b)  
  3. understand design solutions are impacted by structural and mechanical systems.  (14d, 14f, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g) 
  4. Communicate effectively with members of allied disciplines and stakeholders. (5a, 5b) 
  5. Understand the roles and responsibilities in project execution. (6d, 6f)  
  6. demonstrate awareness of the environmental impact of design and construction methods. (13c, 14a, 14g, 14h, 14i, 15a)  
  7. Account for light, sound, and thermal properties in the built environment.  (4a, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12j, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e)  
  8. Understand the fundamental principles of life safety systems include building codes and standards, and occupancy and load considerations (16a, 16d, 16e, 16f) 

Note: Learning outcomes pertaining to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) standards are listed by number/letter code. These standards may be furnished upon request. 


Assessment Measures

  • In-class activities, exercises, worksheets, and homework problems 
  • Exams and quizzes  
  • Reports with presentations 
  • Hands-on projects  
  • Team activities and exercises


Other Course Information

N/A


Review and Approval

01/2011

February 21, 2024

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