The Architect's Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design

The Architect’s Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design 6th Edition is the labor-saving design that helps architects, engineers and builders with the preliminary selection, configuration and sizing of the structural, environmental and life safety systems of a building. The book reduces complex engineering and building code information to simple approximations that enable designers to lay out the fundamental systems of a building in a matter of minutes, without getting hung up on complicated technical concepts. Complete with a convenient flex binding that lies flat for easy use, the book gives readers quick access to reliable rules of thumb that offer vital help for the preliminary design of: structural systems; heating, cooling and electrical systems; building code height and area limits; exit stairways and other egress provisions; accessibility regulations; surface parking and structured parking garages; and daylight provisions. Features includes use of current US and Canadian building codes; new coverage of passive heating and cooling systems; guidelines for designing for natural ventilation; extensively updated structural design guidelines.