Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics: Sustainable Design Methods for Architecture

The building systems related to plumbing, electricity, acoustics, fire protection and vertical transportation are critical to almost every building, and essential for the architect to understand.  This companion to Lechner's best-selling Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects makes the complex issues of these topics simpler, and together with that book provides complete coverage of all common building systems for architects. Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics also presents these critical systems in the context of making decisions that support the sustainability of buildings.  These include issues of water conservation, non-traditional sanitary and storm water drainage systems, and the energy impact of a building's transportation systems. The difficult subject of acoustics is explained not just on the physics of sound, but also on the perception and health aspects, including guidelines for sound absorbing materials and contruction systems. Whether offices or theaters, design to lessen impact noice, HVAC noise and outdoor noise are covered. Organized in Lechner's straightforward style, each chapter starts with a short historic overview, followed by an explanation of basic concepts, and the subject affects archtitectural design. Numerous guidelines help the architect's decision making.