Charles Prior-Lecture II

Today in the PP2 lecture with Charles Prior, we discussed and researched flooring, access and stairs.

One of the interesting parts about the lecture, was the method by which you lay your foundations.

First layer- Coarse hard-core

Second layer- Type 1 hard-core

Third layer- Blinding Layer (sand)

Forth Layer- Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

Fifth Layer – Pour concrete and polish to satisfactory finish,

We also discussed about how concrete is a great insulator, and has a high specific heat capacity, yet takes very little heat to warm up to temperature.

Lateral bracing systems were also touched upon. The way they are designed is interesting, however, not as interesting as the fact that if set up correctly, can be stronger than RSJ’s.

Vertical access

Whilst learning about vertical access, we started discussing legislation, where i came across this quote.

“Legislation is the development of the natural tolerances of the human condition.”

I like the fact that legislation is constantly developing, yet at the same time i dislike it, due to the fact that it is legislation, and it prevents the more outrageous designs in the world being physically created.

Containment-A barrier that prevents people from falling one floor to the storey below.

Flight- The part of a stair or ramp between landings that has continuous

Series steps or a continuous slope

Going- The horizontal dimension from front to back of a tread less any overlap with the next tread above.

Helical stair- A stair that describes a helix round a central void.

Ladder- A means of access to another level formed by a series of rungs or narrow treads on which a person normally ascends or descends facing the ladder.

Ramp- A slope steeper than 1 in 20 designed to conduct a pedestrian or wheelchair user from one level to another.

The rise of a stair should be between 150-170mm.

The run of the stair should be 250mm, except when disabled access is required, when 300mm is the minimum.

The standard width of the stairs, should be 1000mm.

Height of the handrail should be 900mm above the run tread.

Stairs are usually built at a ratio of 13:20.

Always one more riser, than you have runs.

Journal

So, This is my first post! Guess I ought to explain my self a little!

My name is Callum Max Gillard.

I am currently studying interior design at the University of the west of England.

But i’m different to most of the class two reasons;

1. I’m Male- Out of 34 Students, there is 2 men
2. I didn’t come from college, or 6th-form. I have no levels at all!

I came from a company called Berthon, where i spent four years completing an apprenticeship as a marine engineer, specialising in boat building.

You might be wondering what a marine engineer is doing on a course like this?

Well, I want to study and design the interiors of super yachts. I think it is a good foundation to any design career, as you’re faced with the challenge of creating an ascetically pleasing interior, in a limited amount of space. Does the Quality of the interior have to suffer, or should the customer simply buy a bigger boat!

I want to be the Designer that removes the compromise.

C