NATIONAL UNIVERSITY - LAGUNA

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

BUILDING DESIGN

ACTIVITY

CAPARAS, CLARENCE S.
Section: BSCE211D

Submitted to:

JOMAR LLANTO
FACULTY

MARCH 5, 2024

SCORE
 A. Definition

Building design means the process of planning, conceptualizing and creating the structure and
layout of a building according to certain functional, aesthetic and regulatory requirements. It takes
into account various factors such as the purpose of the building, environmental conditions, safety
requirements, space management, accessibility, sustainability and the preferences of residents or
customers.

The design process usually begins with the definition of project requirements and objectives. ,
followed by site analysis, programming, schematic design, design development and construction.
Architects, engineers and other professionals collaborate to develop design solutions that satisfy the
needs of users and also include technical aspects and artistic elements.

Construction design covers both the exterior and interior of a structure, including its form,
materials, spatial solutions. , traffic routes, lighting, ventilation and other important elements. It
aims to create spaces that are functional, comfortable, visually appealing and promote the well-
being and productivity of residents.

Effective building design combines creativity, technical expertise and practical considerations to
produce efficient and sustainable buildings. and meets the needs of users and the surrounding
environment.
 B. Different Types

Building design involves different types depending on factors such as the purpose of the building,
architectural style, materials used and special requirements. Here are some of the more common
types of building design.

Residential design: This includes the design of houses, flats, apartments and other residential
buildings. Residential design focuses on creating functional and comfortable living spaces that are
tailored to the needs and preferences of homeowners or tenants.

Commercial design: Commercial buildings include offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and
other spaces intended for business or commercial purposes. Commercial design prioritizes efficient
use of space, branding and creating an inviting environment for customers and employees.

Industrial Design: Industrial buildings are designed for production, manufacturing, storage and
other industrial activities. Industrial design emphasizes functionality, safety and optimization of
workflow and logistics functions.

Institutional design: institutional buildings serve public or community functions such as schools,
hospitals, government offices, libraries and religious institutions. Institutional planning focuses on
responding to the specific needs of these organizations and also taking into account factors such as
accessibility, security and sustainability.

Civic planning: Civic buildings are attractions, cultural centers, museums and administrative
buildings. Civic design often incorporates symbolic and cultural elements while also serving
practical functions such as public meeting spaces, exhibition spaces and administrative offices.

Sustainable design: Sustainable building design prioritizes environmental aspects such as energy
efficiency, use of renewable materials and waste. reduction. and minimize the carbon footprint.
Sustainable design aims to create buildings that are environmentally sustainable and resource
efficient throughout their life cycle.
Adaptive reuse design: Adaptive reuse refers to the reuse of existing buildings for new purposes,
such as converting old warehouses into loft apartments or converting historic buildings. into
museums. or cultural centers. Adaptive reuse design requires creative solutions to preserve the
integrity of existing structures and accommodate new functions and modern amenities.

Mixed-use design: mixed-use buildings combine multiple functions in the same building, such as
residential or office space over commercial space. buildings with integrated leisure areas. A multi-
use design promotes walkability, urban density and multiple activities in a compact footprint.

These are just a few examples of the different building designs that architects and designers can
create to meet the needs of clients and customers. communities Every construction project presents
unique challenges and opportunities for innovation and creativity.

C. Function and Uses

Function and purpose of use are the main elements of building design, because they determine the
purpose and practicality of the structure. Here's a breakdown of how function and uses affect
building design.

Identifying Function: The purpose of a building refers to its intended purpose or primary function.
It can be residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, civic, recreational or a combination of
these. Identifying the function is crucial because it guides all subsequent design decisions.

Spatial arrangement: The function of a building affects its spatial organization and appearance. For
example, residential buildings typically include living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens,
while office buildings require open workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms and support spaces.

Accessibility and Circulation: The function of a building determines the movement of people. and
you can access different parts of the structure. Accessibility design ensures that people with
different abilities can move around the building comfortably and safely.
Aesthetic considerations: The function of a building often affects its aesthetic design. For example,
a museum or cultural center may have unique architectural elements and artistic flourishes that
reflect its purpose and attract visitors.

Technical Requirements: Different functions of a building have specific technical requirements.

For example, industrial buildings require heavy materials and structural systems to support heavy
machinery, while healthcare facilities require specialized equipment and infrastructure to support
patient care.

Regulatory oversight: Building codes and regulations often differ depending on the function of the
building. . Designers must ensure that the building meets all relevant safety, accessibility and
environmental sustainability codes and standards.

User Experience: The operation of a building directly affects the experience of its occupants or
users. Designers must consider factors such as comfort, convenience and functionality to create
spaces that improve the well-being and productivity of those who live in or visit the building.

Flexibility and adaptability. Designing with flexibility in mind allows buildings to adapt to change.
needs over time. Multi-purpose spaces, modular components and adaptive arrangements can adapt
to changing uses and ensure the longevity of a building.

Finally, understanding the function and purpose of a building is important to guide the design
process and create a functional, practical and aesthetic. spaces pleasant and responsive to the needs
of users and the surrounding context..