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-CT 10 1967
THE DESIGN OF AN INTEGRATED BUILDING SYSTEM
AND ITS APPLICATION TO AN URBAN UNIVERSITY
by
EDWARD PRESSMAN
B. Arch., Western Reserve University, 1964
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
at the
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
June 1967
Signature of Author..........
Certified
.
..
*........*
Edwarj
0...
Pressman
By.................
Eduardo F. Catalano
Thesis SUpervisor
Accepted By..
Lawrence B. Anderson, Dean
School of Architecture and Planning
Lawrence B. Anderson, Dean
School of Architecture and Planning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts
02139
Dear Dean Anderson:
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of Master of Architecture, I hereby submit this thesis
entitled, "The Design of an Integrated Building System
and Its Application to an Urban University".
Respectfully,
Edward Pressman
June 1967
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author wishes to thank the following persons for their
advice and assistance during the development of this thesis:
Professor Eduardo F. Catalano - Thesis Supervisor
Professor Waclaw Zalweski - Structural Engineer
Mr.
John Coburn - Mechanical Engineer
Joan Pressman - My Wife
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE OF THESIS
LETTER OF SUBMISSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE INTEGRATED BUILDING SYSTEM
INTENT OF THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM
Cantilever Flexibility
Planning Module
Design and Location of Cores
Circulation
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Columns
Primary Girder
Secondary Girder
Infill Girder
Double Tee Infill Beam
Diaphrams
MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
Air Supply and Return
Plumbing
Recessed Ceiling Fixture
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
DRAWINGS OF THE SYSTEM
PHOTOGRAPHS OF BUILDING UNIT MODEL
THE URBAN UNIVERSITY
INTENT OF THE FINAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT
THE PROGRAM
THE MAJOR DESIGN CONCEPT OF THE PROJECT
POTENTIAL GROWTH OF THE URBAN UNIVERSITY
DRAWINGS OF THE URBAN UNIVERSITY
PHOTOGRAPHS OF URBAN UNIVERSITY MODEL
INTENT OF THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT
The major intent of the initial phase of this thesis project was to design a footprint of structural, vertical
circulation and mechanical components which when combined
forms a self-sufficient, integrated building unit.
This
unit when combined with other such units could grow horizontally and vertically to form various building sizes with
different spacial qualities.
It was also important to design the structural components
in such a manner as to achieve:
flexibility within the
system; simplicity of construction; openings for cores independent of the structure; a variety of edge condition
possibilities; and possible circulation patterns.
The system developed for this project will be applied to
the design of an urban university as the final phase of
the thesis.
Thus the size of module and dimensions of a
typical bay should generally fulfill the needs of academic
buildings, laboratories, classrooms, office facilities, etc.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM
The system that I developed was a linear system.
Definite
advantages exist in chosing this system over a two-way system.
First, there is greater flexibility in creating openings
in the structure for stairs, courts, multi-story spaces and
cores because structural continuity is not required.
Also,
there is no need for on site scaffolding and complex posttensioning since the structural members are all simply supported.
Finally, the mechanical system is inherently a linear
one and since mechanical and structural should be integrated,
it seemed most logical to develop the one way system.
An important idea behind the development of this system was
to naturally cantilever out from a double dual column in
both directions.
By seperating the columns by ten feet
into two U-shaped elements,
I was able to reduce the span of
a typical bay, reduce the initial cantilever of the independent building unit, create a circulation pattern between
the split columns, and create a good mechanical distribution
pattern.
This basic building unit is thus composed of:
a split dou-
ble column; a primary double tee girder which is placed upon
the columns; two secondary girders that are placed perpendicular to and cantilever out from the primary double girders; and two double tee inf ill beams which are simply
supported between the secondary girders.
When constructed,
the floor area of the basic building unit covers 30 feet
by 40 feet.
By repeating these basic units on 60 feet by
80 feet centers and using infill girders and more double
tee infill beams, a typical structural bay can be formed.
Also, by simply excluding these infill girders or double
tee beams, a variety of spacial openings can be created
without disturbing the structural efficiency of the system.
The clear span between columns is 55 feet by 60 feet.
longest structural members are reduced to 40 feet.
The
The re-
duction in clear span and size of structural members is
made possible by the configuration of the cantilevered
building unit.
Cantilever Flexibility
The ability to vary the peripheral dimensions of the structural system plays an important part in giving flexibility
to interior spacial planning and in varying the visual exterior characteristics.
These considerations play important
roles in creating a flexible system.
The structural system was designed in such a way to avoid
unnatural, "glued on" cantilevers requiring scaffolding
and post-tensioning methods.
Here cantilevering is created
naturally in both directions and is an inherent part of the
system.
The distance the structure can extend from the edge
of the column in both directions can vary from 0 to 20 feet
and depends mainly on a balancing of the structural loads.
Planning Module
The basic modular dimension is 5'-0" by 101-0".
The 5'-0"
dimension between the double tee section will stay constant,
but in the other direction can vary depending on the size
of the space enclosed.
This, in turn, influences the place-
ment of the diaphram members.
In larger spaces the diaphrams
might not be needed, but in smaller spaces, say a 10'-0" by
10'-0" office, there could be four 5'-0" by 5'-0" modules
or two 5'-0" by 10'-0" modules.
These considerations would
depend on the function and character of the spaces being
created.
The cantilever from the face of the column provides the
possibility of locating rooms along the building periphery
which could vary in depth from 10'-0" to 40'-0".
Design and Location of Cores
The sizes and characteristics of the cores are defined by
their location within the building.
clude:
The core elements in-
passenger elevators; freight elevators; fire stairs;
toilets; storage areas; and janitor, electric, and telephone
closets.
This system allows for the cores to be placed any-
where between the girders which means the dimension in that
direction will be a constant 40'-0".
In the other direc-
tion, it can grow in 2'-6" intervals according to functional
needs.
The cores are structurally independent of the struc-
tural system; thus, they can be constructed separately.
Circulation
Horizontal circulation could exist within the system in a
variety of ways.
One possibility would be to place peri-
meter corridors between the split columns.
Therefore a
linear pattern of circulation could be established, while
at the same time perimeter room depths could vary depending on their function and cantilever flexibility.
Another
condition would be the interior circulation pattern.
This
major circulation, interconnecting the cores, could occur
alongside the columns.
In this case, the corridor width
between column and core would be 10-O".
Vertical circulation can occur in two ways - through the
cores or by means of open stair wells.
The cores contain
a continuous means of vertical travel by elevators or stairs,
single and scissors.
Open stairs can exist to link major
two story spaces or to reduce the number of stops for the
elevators, since people could use the stairs for traveling
between areas with the same functions.
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
The components of the structural system are all made of
pre-cast concrete.
The shapes were developed with these
important factors in mind:
high structural efficiency;
prefabrication; ease of transport; and construction and
erection process.
The final results yeilded a minimum of
components, simply shaped and easily erected.
The basic
components are two U-shaped columns at each support, primary double tee girders, secondary girders, infill girders,
double tee infill beams, and diaphrams.
Columns
The columns are cast in floor to ceiling lengths of 10'-0"
thus reducing the weight and size of each member for ease
of transport to the site.
The columns are U-shaped to at-
tain lateral stability, achieve continuity between the
backs of the columns, and have one side open for access
to the mechanical equipment.
sides are open.
The top and bottom column
Here reinforcing rods are extended to
achieve continuity between columns and girders.
Each side
of the column measures 1'-4" by 6'-4" and encloses a mechanical space 3'-8" by 41-6".
Primary Girder
This prestressed girder was developed for a combination of
functions.
It takes the shape of a double tee in section.
This provides an immediate horizontal floor slab to walk
on.
Construction is simplified by placing the girders,
as one, upon the columns.
The slab also helps to strengthen
the section in tension and provides lateral stability.
The
slab of the double tee girder is 10 feet by 39 feet and
has two openings which correspond to the openings for the
mechanical in the columns.
These double tee girders have
a total depth of 3'-8" and a width of 1'-4" directly over
the columns.
The other width dimension is 1'-0" but it
has a 2 inch ledge on each side to add to the compressive
strength of this member and to provide a seat for the ceiling fixtures.
Two openings are located at the center of
the girders, where shear is at a minimum, to provide for
horizontal passage of the mechanical components.
Secondary Girder
This member is used to support the double tee infill beams
and also to transfer their weight back to the primary girders.
It has a length of 25 feet and a depth of 3'-8".
The width of this girder is X'-O" with 2 inch ledges which
increases its compressive efficiency and also provides a
seat for the ceiling fixtures.
stressed.
This member is also pre-
Tension takes place at the top while compression
acts at the bottom of the section.
Small openings occur
on 5 feet centers to allow the end of the mechanical runs
to pass through.
Two other openings also exist acting as
slots for the primary girder connections. (See drawing "Sections through Structural Components")
Lugs are placed 5
feet on centers and simply support the double tee infill
beams.
Infill Girder
This girder is simply supported on the ends of the secondary girder and is 35 feet in length.
Its other dimensions
and characteristics are the same as the secondary girder
except that compression takes place at the top while tension
acts at the bottom of the section.
Double Tee Inf ill
Beam
This prestressed member can be placed anywhere between the
secondary or infill girders and is simply supported on
their lugs.
The tee sections are 5 feet on centers with
a slab overhang of 2'-6" on both sides.
Thus the slab of
the double tee beam is 10 feet by 39 feet but could vary
by casting tee sections to meet the need of interior openings or exterior fascia conditions.
Examples could be
single tees or double tees with one 2'-6" slab overhang
removed.
The depth of the double tee beam is 3'-8" and
its width is 5 inches with 2 inch ledges which increase
the strength of the member in tension and act as supports
for the ceiling fixtures.
Casting the slab as part of the
double tee simplifies construction and strengthens the
section in compression.
Two openings occur in the center
of the beams to allow for mechanical circulation.
This is
the most efficient place for openings in a simply supported
beam because of minimum shear.
Diaphrams
These members are placed between the beams either on 5 feet
or 10 feet centers or not used at all, depending on the
size and function of a room.
Their dimensions are 6 inches
wide by 10 inches deep by 4'-7" long.
Diaphrams are needed
to take partitions in the transverse direction and to support the coffered ceiling fixtures.
MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
The mechanical system distributes itself integrally within the structural system between the floor of the double
tee beams and the recessed ceiling fixtures.
The mechani-
cal module is the same as the structural and follows a
similar pattern of growth.
Thus wherever extensions or
voids exist within the structural system, they can be mechanically serviced without special conditions or awkward
patterns of distribution.
Air Supply and Return
Duct space is provided within each double split column.
A single high velocity air duct at 4,000 f.p.m. supplies
cooled air vertically through one of these columns.
The
other column returns the used air through a duct at a low
velocity of 1,500 f.p.m.
This system was designed to han-
dle five floors with the mechanical equipment being at one
location.
(If this equipment were located at the top and
bottom of a structure, it could handle twice as many floors.)
At each floor the air system is distributed horizontally
around each double split column to cover an area of 4,800
square feet or one bay.
Located between the two split
columns is a velocity reducing, sound reducing attenuator
box.
Here supply air is reduced in velocity to 1,500 f.p.m.
The main branches of the supply and return ducts split in
two and run parallel between the split columns for 30 feet.
Secondary branches are taken off perpendicular to the main
branch and run parallel between the double tee beams for
40 feet.
Reheat coils are inserted into the main and sec-
ondary supply branches according to where different zone
control is needed.
Supply diffusers and return grilles
are attached to the underside of the secondary branches.
These in turn are connected to the recessed ceiling fixtures.
Plumbing
The pipes, including hot and cold water supply, waste, and
ventilation are distributed vertically at two locations
depending on their function.
Pipes located in core shafts
serve toilets and janitor closets.
Secondary piped services
are located in columns with the air supply ducts.
These
pipes follow the same horizontal distribution pattern as
the supply and return air system.
All of the vertical and
horizontal pipes are accessible and may be readily serviced
or replaced.
Recessed Ceiling Fixture
This unit which sits on ledges provided by the structural
components serves many purposes.
First, it acts as an
acoustical isolation barrier between rooms and as a sound
absorber within rooms.
Secondly, this fixture contains
built-in fluorescent panels which illuminate evenly each
recessed ceiling module and the floor below.
Each light
panel could contain from two to four bulbs depending on
the foot candle intensity needed for each particular room.
Also, this fixture contains two air grilles at each end
of the light panel; one for air supply, the other for air
return.
(In some larger spaces, like laboratories or work rooms,
diaphrams and recessed ceiling fixtures would not be needed.
Here the mechanical system could be exposed with lighting
units hung down from the ceiling.)
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
1.
The U-shaped columns are placed upon the primary girders and column below, and welded at their bearing
plates.
2.
Reinforcing rods that extend from the columns and
girders are tied together and the rectangular open
joints are poured thus attaining continuity with the
structure below.
3.
Primary double tee girders are positioned on each set
of split columns and welded at four bearing points.
Four rectangular open joints between columns and girders are poured to gain continuity.
4.
Secondary girders are supported perpendicularly to
and on the end extensions of the primary girders.
They are positioned into place from the sides and
secured by welding
5.
Infill girders are placed, simply supported, on the
end extensions of the secondary girders.
They are
dropped into place from above and their bearing connections welded.
6.
Double tee infill beams are placed from above anywhere between secondary or infill girders.
The
beams are positioned onto lugs of the girders, grouted
and welded secure.
7.
Electrical and telephone chases for wiring are placed
on top of the structural pre-cast floor.
8.
A four inch topping is then poured over the top of
the structural pre-cast floor thus insuring continuity within the structure.
9.
Mechanical duct work and pipes are placed vertically in the columns.
10.
Ducts and pipes are then hung horizontally from the
underside of the pre-cast structure.
and re-heat coils are placed.
Attenuators
Then all the neces-
sary connections are made.
11.
Diaphrams are inserted, where needed, between the
webs of the double tee beams.
12.
Recessed ceiling fixtures are then placed on ledges
in the ceiling modules created by the tee beams and
diaphrams.
13.
All the necessary electrical connections for the
lighting and mechanical connections for supply outlet diffusers and return inlets are then made.
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INTENT OF THE FINAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT
The major intent of the final phase of this thesis project
was to develop a new campus in an urban environment using
the flexible building system developed previously.
The pro-
gram and system affords us an opportunity to develop prototype
campuses that have the ability to expand horizontally and
vertically within the limitations of the system and to serve
functional changes that are expected to occur.
It was also important to investigate the potential use of
a continuous grid developed over the site as a means of designing the university.
The structural module, the removal
of non-supporting construction elements to create voids and
define spaces, the location of cores were all important factors in the development of a concept for this urban university.
Finally, this project was used as an exercise in large scale
planning and in the organization of many functions within
the limits of a previously developed flexible, integrated
structural and mechanical system.
THE PROGRAM
A site was to be chosen or created near the center of a very
The basic area allotted
densely populated area of the city.
for campus development was 65 acres.
of construction.
This includes two stages
The first stage for approximately 6000 stu-
dents would satisfy the college needs until 1980.
The enroll-
ment was planned to double at the turn of the century for the
second stage.
The elements of the program are divided into four major parts:
academic; group activities for public and student use; housing;
and parking and mechanical areas.
The academic disciplines
include science, engineering and computer center, architecture
and planning, and humanities.
Group activity functions in-
clude a university library, museum, auditorium, theater, arena,
athletic facilities, and a student center which includes a
medical department.
Housing for students includes an under-
graduate center, graduate center, and married student housing.
The parking areas are to provide space for at least 2500 cars,
most of these to be placed below the university along with the
mechanical areas and the power plant.
THE MAJOR DESIGN CONCEPT OF THE PROJECT
In developing a hypothetical site I was given the opportunity
to set my own limitations for the project.
site inclosed by four streets was chosen.
A rectangular
One major divided
roadway is on one short side, a secondary road is on the
other side.
On the long sides are two public transportation
streets with a mixture of older residential and commercial
buildings facing the campus.
Around the whole general area
surrounding the site are older low and high-rise apartment
The density of these areas is extremely high.
buildings.
Eventually it is expected that the construction of the new
university will influence the renewal of such areas which
hopefully will become an integrated part of a larger development.
The major pedestrian entrances and automobile entrances are
on the long sides of the campus.
Minor entrances for pedes-
trian, automobiles, and services are on the short sides of
the campus.
The major design concept behind this proposed campus was the
development of two major axes of circulation within the university.
The first axis is perpendicular to the long street
with the main entrance to the campus at its center.
along this axis are public activity buildings.
Grouped
The student
center and athletic facility with an arena above are on opposite sides of the main entrance.
Inside the heart of the
campus and facing each other are the theater and auditorium.
The end of the axis is culminated by the university library
and museum.
The functions in these highly active areas will
obviously attract a great number of people.
Thus the way
in which the buildings are grouped forms the major space.
Working as a void in the system, the space is created by
removing twelve structural bays.
The dimensions of the space
The second axis is perpendicular
are 200 feet by 240 feet.
to the first and is created by two parallel spines that are
each three floors high.
persed.
Here interior circulation is dis-
At the center of the campus all activity buildings
grow out from the spines.
At the ends of the spines are the
academic buildings; humanities, science, engineering, and
architecture and planning.
Secondary academic spaces are
formed by the removal of nine structural bays at the two
ends formed by the two circulation spines, the academic
buildings and the theater and auditorium.
The dimensions of
the secondary spaces are 165 feet by 200 feet.
By separating the buildings that grow out from the two spines,
secondary pedestrian entrances to the interior spaces and the
Thus at ground level each entrance to
spines are formed.
the courts is open with separate entrances into the buildings
through the spines.
The second and third levels of the spine
are inclosed for through circulation and link all the functions of the university.
Also the spine carries the needed
vertical circulation through the cores that are spaced along
these circulation paths.
Also placed along the spine at
these two levels are multipurpose lecture halls that could
serve all academic functions plus lectures open to the public from the surrounding community.
The upper level of the
spines and the roofs of the theater and auditorium are used
for exterior circulation with entrances to most university
functions from this level.
It is hopeful that enough funds
could be raised to landscape this important circulation level.
The building design of the academic units were handled in
such a way as to decrease the floor area on the upper floors.
This was done in order to create laboratory spaces that would
be used for long periods of the day, thus the necessity for
natural light.
Upper terrace areas are developed by stepping
back the structural bays in certain areas on each upper floor
above the spine.
scaped.
Hopefully these areas could also be land-
The lower floors, which have much greater floor
areas, contain offices at the perimeter and interior classrooms which are only used for short periods of time.
Below the ground level of the university complex are two
lower level floors.
The basic shape is a simple rectangle
which covers almost the entire building area that grows above.
This level contains truck dock facilities, parking for 1500
automobiles, and the vertical cores that serve shipping and
vertical circulation.
Therefore, the pedestrian by taking
elevators in a specific core could go directly to his destination.
land.
In the center of this level is a pedestrian is-
It contains the lower levels of the theater and audi-
torium with some of their related functions plus escalators
that connect their lobbies.
Space is also provided for shops,
like a small drugstore or bookstore.
Most important though
are the landscaped courts that are open to the major and
secondary spaces above with stairs directly connecting these
spaces with this lower parking level.
The lowest level con-
tains parking for 1000 cars, a vertical circulation pattern,
space for mechanical equipment, and the university power plant.
Housing for the university is developed across the streets
at the ends of the public activity axis.
Each of the two
developments contain three towers growing from a main terrace which connects the university with pedestrian overpasses.
One group of towers contains undergraduate housing, the other
group contains graduate and married student housing.
At
grade level under the raised platform are commons facilities
and open courts with stairs that lead to the overpasses and
the campus.
Below each commons area is one level of park-
ing facilities for the students.
POTENTIAL GROWTH OF THE URBAN UNIVERSITY
The first stage of construction for 6000 students covers
approximately 45 acres of the 65 acres of the purchased land.
Ten acres on each end of the site still remains to be developed.
Thus when the university expands, it will expand
linearly in two directions and will continue to grow out
from the two spines.
The public activity areas will not expand except for the library which will expand downward and take over the two floors
of parking just directly below the library.
Thus the center
of gravity of the university and the character of the central space will not be altered by expansion.
Major expansion for the university will take place in the
academic facilities where floor areas will double in size.
This expanded growth is designed in such a way as not to
change the architectural character of the first design stage
and its surrounding spaces, but to create a continuous sequence of spaces by proper placement of the new buildings.
Two levels of parking and services will expand below and
in conjunction with the new buildings.
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