Lesson 2.1.1
Foundation Systems Options + Opportunities
Lesson Overview
This lesson will introduce the fundamentals of design for building substructure and foundation systems. It will present an overview of factors impacting the selection of a foundation system and provide a series of potential options for deployment in your studio design work. The lesson will introduce factors that influence the selection and design of a foundation system including soil and seismic conditions, ground water and programmatic needs. The lesson will review types of shallow and deep foundations as well as retaining wall systems.
Lesson Goals.
The goal of the lesson is to empower students to make informed clear decisions on the selection of a foundation system during the schematic design phase of a building design. The lesson does not delve into load calculations and structural design of foundations but rather focuses on developing a strategic understanding of foundation options and site and program conditions influencing foundation design. Students should be able to directly use this material in the design of their studio projects.
Lesson 2.1.1a Foundation Systems Part 1
This lesson will dig into the load factors and site conditions that an architect need consider when designing a foundations system for a building. The lesson will provide an overview of types of foundations and their relative appropriateness for particular building types, loads, and soils.
This lesson is in two parts for your viewing ease and pleasure. Be sure to watch both!
Click here to download a pdf version of the complete (both parts) Lesson 2.1.1a (no sound.)
Lesson 2.1.1a Foundation Systems Part 2
This is Part 2 to your introduction into foundation systems and system selection.
SECTION 001 Follow this link to complete the Lesson 2.1.1 Learning Check.
SECTION 002 Follow this link to complete the Lesson 2.1.1 Learning Check.
Lesson 2.1.1b Foundation Examples
Supplemental Lesson: Not Required. No associated Learning Check.
In this lesson we will look at the spatial, programmatic, experiential and expressive potentials for the architect when considering the design of foundation systems and a building’s relationship to the ground.
Click here to download a pdf version of Lesson 2.1.1b (no sound.)
This is not a link to the video, but a photo from it. The link to the video is to your right at the bottom of the text.
Lesson 2.1.1c Design Case Study.
Recommended Lesson
This video tracks the design and construction of a home on a very challenging site in the midst of London. The particular challenges of the site made the design of the foundation system and its integration into the program and living spaces of the home of paramount concern.
The video is an edited and annotated version of an episode from the program “Grand Designs”.
It is quite good and well worth watching.
Unfortunately, our You Tube channel is blocking this video due to copyright issues. We have uploaded it to our course Canvas site in the “Media” folder.