NATIONAL UNIVERSITY - LAGUNA

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

BUILDING DESIGN

ACTIVITY

PALILEO, JERRY ANN

Section: BSCE211D

Submitted to:

JOMAR LLANTO
FACULTY

MARCH 5, 2024

SCORE
 A. Definition

The comprehensive method of designing the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems
that keep buildings comfortable and functional is known as building systems engineering. It's the
skill of effectively integrating various systems to promote occupant well-being and sustainability.
The science and field of designing a building's electrical, communications, and ventilation systems
is known as building systems engineering. When architects create a structure, they can hire outside
specialists or employ their own engineers to develop the many components that make the building
function. Building design includes plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and communications systems, all
of which are frequently concealed from building owners and occupants. Once a building or
residence has been structurally designed, with all framework and foundations defined and
documented, the building systems engineering can begin. Systems engineers will use the existing
framework design to incorporate all utility connections for bathroom, food service areas, and
offices or living areas. Since the 20th century, many of these designs are done using computer-
aided design CAD software that will place utility connections directly into the building design.
Building system design requires interdisciplinary collaboration among modelers, engineers,
temporary workers, and other partners. It includes considering components such as building codes,
vitality proficiency, supportability, inhabitant consolation, and lifecycle costs. The objective is to
make coordinates frameworks that work together consistently to meet wants of the building and its
inhabitants.
Building systems are your facility's vital systems, including electrical, HVAC, security, life
safety, lighting, utilities, telecom, and energy management. These systems are rarely, if ever,
separate entities; instead, they rely on one another to function. For example, most building systems
rely on the facility's primary electrical supply for electricity, and computer systems frequently
require additional cooling to function effectively. You can create equipment systems that illustrate
the links between systems, assemblies, and components. You can then link an equipment system to
the building system of which it is a component. All building systems are normally planned,
installed, monitored, maintained, and supported by a dedicated team of domain experts. They are
frequently examined and controlled as independent systems
 B. Different types

• Structural Systems

The specialized method used in building construction to put together and form a structure's
structural components such that they may safely support and transfer applied loads to the ground
without putting more stress on the parts than is permitted. The basic types of systems include
bearing wall, post and lintel, frame, membrane, and suspension. They can be divided into three
categories: long-span, high-rise, and low-rise. Long-span structures, defined as column-free
portions longer than 100 feet (30 meters), use two types of systems: funicular systems, which are
built for either pure tension or pure compression, and tension plus compression systems, which are
prone to bending. Bendable structures include slabs, two-way grids, and girders. Funicular
structures include vaults, domes, cable, and membrane structures.
 • Plumbing systems

A plumbing system is a utility that consists of pipes and fixtures for the distribution of
water or gas in a building and the disposal of sewage.0 It includes water supply and distribution
pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, soil, waste, and vent pipes, sanitary and storm sewers, and
building drains, as well as their respective connections, devices, and appurtenances within the
premises, and water-treatment equipment. Plumbing uses pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, tanks,
and other devices to transport fluids for a variety of purposes, including as heating and cooling,
waste removal, and potable water delivery. Plumbing excludes the trade of drilling water wells,
installing water-softening devices, and producing or selling plumbing fixtures, appliances,
equipment, or hardware. It is intended to efficiently convey water.
 • Mechanical and Electrical systems

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) is the installation of services that offer a
comfortable environment for building inhabitants. Specialized MEP engineering firms frequently
design these aspects for residential and commercial structures. Mechanical accounts for over 70%
of the overall MEP system's workload. MEP design is critical for planning, decision-making,
correct documentation, performance and cost estimation, construction, and operation/maintenance
of the resulting facilities.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Systems

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is a subfield of mechanical engineering

that employs a variety of technologies to regulate the temperature, humidity, and purity of air in an
enclosed environment. Its purpose is to offer thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.3
HVAC systems oversee heating and cooling both residential and commercial buildings, and they
use fresh air from the outside to maintain high indoor air quality. The V in HVAC, or ventilation,
refers to the process of replacing or exchanging air within a space.0 The selection and design of
HVAC systems can affect many other high-performance goals, including water consumption and
acoustics.1 HVAC can be easily confused with the term AC, which simply refers to air
conditioning on its own
 • Wall Systems

In architectural design, a wall system refers to the interconnected components and

structures that compose a building's walls. It consists of load-bearing elements such as studs and
beams, thermal insulation, moisture, air, and weather barriers, and finishing materials for practical
and aesthetic purposes. These components work together to add structural integrity, energy
efficiency, environmental protection, and architectural attractiveness to the overall building design.
This design process comprises material selection, construction methods, and finishes to achieve the
desired aesthetic, functional, and performance objectives. Designers can choose from a range of
wall choices, such as load bearing, curtain, and partition walls, depending on the design purpose,
energy efficiency requirements, and structural restrictions. Thermal performance, acoustic
insulation, and fire resistance are all important considerations when designing and organizing wall
systems.
 • Environmental System

In building design, an environmental system is an integrated network of technologies,

techniques, and components that regulate and optimize the indoor environment for occupant
comfort, health, and energy efficiency. These systems usually comprise heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) equipment, as well as passive design elements like natural ventilation,
daylighting, and thermal mass. Environmental systems also include insulation, shading devices,
energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy sources to reduce energy consumption and
environmental effect. Environmental systems help to create sustainable, comfortable, and healthy
indoor environments by controlling temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting levels, all while
lowering the building's carbon footprint.
C. Function and Uses

Structural Systems
In building design, the structural system accomplishes several goals and vital roles. Its main
function is to support the building by distributing loads caused by the structure's own weight,
people using it, and outside factors like wind and seismic activity. This ensures stability and safety.
It also makes optimum use of available space, controls architectural aesthetics, and makes interior
space construction easier. Additionally, the structural system interfaces with other building systems
and elements, promoting sustainable design principles and flexibility and adaptation. Ultimately, a
building's structural system serves as its skeleton, guaranteeing its durability, usefulness, and
structural integrity over the course of its lifetime.

Plumbing Systems
The plumbing system has several applications and serves several crucial purposes in
building design. Its main function is to make it easier for the building's residents to have access to
clean water for cooking, drinking, cleaning, and sanitation needs. The plumbing system is also in
charge of effectively removing sewage and wastewater from the structure, avoiding pollution, and
upholding hygienic standards. It also consists of equipment like faucets, sinks, showers, and toilets
that enhance the building's general use and comfort. In addition, the plumbing system can include
water heaters or boilers, which would increase comfort and energy efficiency. All things
considered, the plumbing system is essential to maintaining building occupants' comfort, health,
and safety while advancing sustainability.

Mechanical and Electrical Systems

The mechanical and electrical (M&E) system in building design serves vital functions and
offers diverse uses. Primarily, the mechanical system encompasses heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC), providing climate control to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and
air quality. Additionally, it includes systems for plumbing, fire protection, and elevators, ensuring
essential utilities and safety measures within the building. On the other hand, the electrical system
encompasses lighting, power distribution, communication networks, and security systems, enabling
illumination, connectivity, and protection throughout the building. Together, the M&E system
ensures the functionality, comfort, and safety of building occupants while promoting energy
efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in building operations.

HVAC Systems
In building design, the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
performs vital tasks and has a variety of applications. HVAC systems are primarily used to control
indoor air quality, humidity, and temperature in order to protect the health and comfort of
occupants. In the winter, heating appliances like boilers and furnaces give warmth; in the summer,
air conditioners chill and remove moisture from the air. In order to maintain a healthy interior
environment, ventilation systems transport fresh air throughout the building, eliminating
contaminants and resupplying oxygen levels. Furthermore, HVAC systems are essential for energy
efficiency since they maximize air circulation and temperature regulation, which lowers energy
usage and operating expenses. In general, HVAC systems have a major positive impact on the
sustainability, comfort, and productivity of buildings in a variety of settings, including residential,
commercial, and industrial.

Wall System
The wall system in building design fulfills key tasks and has a variety of applications. Its
primary function is to give structural support by partitioning internal spaces and supporting the
load-bearing elements of the building. Furthermore, the wall system aids in thermal insulation by
managing heat flow between the interior and outside environments, resulting in comfortable indoor
temperatures and lower energy use. It also acts as a moisture, air infiltration, and weather-resistant
barrier, ensuring the building envelope's durability and integrity. Furthermore, the wall system
takes aesthetic considerations into account, giving surfaces for finishes, cladding, and architectural
detailing to improve the structure's visual appeal. Overall, the wall system is critical to generating
practical, comfortable, and robust buildings in a variety of architectural styles and construction
methods.
Environmental System
Environmental systems in building design cover a wide range of functions and applications
targeted at improving indoor environmental quality while reducing energy consumption and
environmental impact. These systems usually comprise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems, as well as lighting, water management, and waste disposal systems.
Environmental systems help create comfortable, healthy, and resource-efficient building
environments by using sustainable design concepts and technology including passive solar heating,
natural ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving fixtures. Furthermore, these systems
play an important role in obtaining green building certifications and meeting legal criteria for
energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Overall, effective integration of environmental
systems into building design is critical for improving occupant well-being, lowering operational
costs, and minimizing buildings' environmental footprint.
 References:

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024b, February 3). Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical,_electrical,_and_plumbing

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024c, February 19). Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heating,_ventilation,_and_air_conditioning

Reed, P. (2024, February 12). What is Building Systems Engineering. All the Science.
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-building-systems-engineering.htm

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Structural system. Encyclopædia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/structural-system

The environmental system: The Geography of Transport Systems. The Geography of Transport
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