This document outlines an assignment for architecture students to understand solid and surface construction structures. It provides objectives, learning outcomes, and tasks for a group and individual project. In groups, students must select a building using solid or surface construction, identify the structural systems used, make a scale model, and produce an analysis booklet. Individually, each student must complete technical drawings showing construction details. The assignment aims to teach students to identify structural systems, compare solid and surface construction, analyze forces and loads, and apply construction implications in design. Students will be assessed on their understanding of construction functions, model design and quality, documentation in their booklet, and individual technical drawings.

1. 1
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Center for Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2 [ARC 2513]
Project 2 : Understanding Forces in Solid Structure and Surface Structure
Marks : 30% (20% teamwork & 10% individual)
Duration : 5 weeks
Submission date : 23 June 2015 - Week 12
Introduction
A building will normally comprise several different types of structural systems, either due to its function or building
code requirements. As designers it is very important that you understand when and where each of the different
type of structural system is used.Solid and surface construction method is one of the most widely used structures
for building support. Solid and surface structure provides the required load bearing resistance and aesthetics
required by designers.
Objectives of Assignment
The objectives of this project are as follows:
 To create an understanding of solid structure and surface structure and its relevant structural
components.
 To understand how a solid structure and surface structure reacts under loading.
 To demonstrate a convincing understanding of how Solid Construction and surface construction works.
 To exploit the qualities inherent in Solid Construction and surface construction.
 To be able to manipulate Solid Construction and surface construction to solve an oblique Design
problem.

2. 2
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes assessed in this project include:
 Identifications of basic structural systems in construction
 Compare solid and surface construction systems.
 Differentiate solid and surface construction systems in terms of loads and forces acting on structural
elements.
 Recognize and apply the implications of construction system in design.
 Analyse the issues of strength, stiffness and stability of structures including modes of structural
systems, forces, stress and strain and laws of static.
Tasks - Methodology
(1) Group Task (20%)
1. You are to propose a building (solid construction or surface construction) and identify the different types
of structural systems used in the construction of the building of your choice. You are to ensure that the
building you select is using at least TWO (2) different types of structural system.
2. Describe each structural system identified in terms of Function, Material and Load distribution.
3. Produce a model showing the different structural systems used in the above building. Suitable scale
and material to be used for the construction of the model shall depend entirely on you. However, do
take note that quality and workmanship of the model produced will be considered in the assessment of
this project.
4. You are then required to prepare ONE (1) A4 size booklet, analysing the success or failure of the model
together with the mitigating measures. You are to include a brief introduction of the building,
construction method, modelling process as well as detailing of different parts of the buildings to show
how it is constructed.
5. Students are encouraged to use annotated sketches / diagrams to explain the forces, structural
movement experienced.
6. Photographs of the model and the process in making the model should also be incorporated into the A4
booklet.
(2) Individual Task (10%)
1. Individually, each student is required to do a 2D detail drawing (isometric, section) to show different
parts of the selected buildings complete with annotations and specifications to show understanding on
how the building is constructed.
2. Student must include a key drawing to show where the detail is taken from the building.
3. The drawings should be formatted in A3 size sheet complete with title block. Use appropriate scale for
the detailing.
4. The individual drawing will be submitted separately from the booklet in a brown envelope
complete with group member’s name and student ID.
Submission Requirement
 A3 sized model of the solid/surface construction (students name and ID should be clearly pasted onto
the base)
 An A4 booklet(landscape format) complete with visuals, sketches and inclusive of the detailing and
progressive documentation of your project (group task)
 1(ONE) A3 size sheet to show construction detail (individual task)
 Visuals / Photos used in the submission must be clear and well communicated.
 Sketches are meant to provide visual documentation and communication. Therefore sketches are
required to be neat, clear and annotated.
 Assumptions can be made through reference from book/drawings. DO NOT PLAGIARISE.

3. 3
Assessment criteria
The assessment for this assignment will be based on your :
 Clarity of the analysis on success / failure of the model.
 Quality / workmanship of the model produced.
 Quality of the documentation of visuals sketches, drawings and load and forces detailing of the construction
elements.
 Creativity and clarity of ideas, materiality and richness of content
 Clear visual and verbal communication of your understanding of the projects.
 Appropriate and sufficient referencing
Marking criteria
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
(1) Group Component ( will be calculated to 20%)
Marking
criteria
Marks%
Acquired
TGC
Fail
Poor
Satisfactory
Good
Excellent
FUNCTION OF SOLID AND
SURFACE CONSTRUCTION
Ability to identify the functional
requirements of solid and surface
construction.
30
DESIGN OF MODEL
 Originality & practicality
 Material attributes and
method of construction.
30
WORKMANSHIP OF THE MODEL
Quality / workmanship of the model
produced.
20
ANALYSIS BOOKLET
-Quality of the documentation of
visuals sketches, drawings and load
and forces detailing of the
construction elements.
-Clear visual and verbal
communication of your understanding
of the projects.
20
(2) Individual Component (10%)
 10% based on peer evaluation and instructor’s evaluation on individual performance of a group
member in a group
 10% individual task ( refer to individual task)

4. 4
Assessment CriteriaGroup(20%)
FUNCTION OF SOLID AND SURFACE CONSTRUCTION
Ability to identify the functional requirements of solid and surface construction.
(30%)
DESIGN OF MODEL
 Originality & practicality
 Material attributes and method of construction.
(30%)
WORKMANSHIP OF THE MODEL
Quality / workmanship of the model produced.
(20%)
ANALYSIS BOOKLET
-Quality of the documentation of visuals sketches, drawings and load and forces detailing of the
construction elements.
-Clear visual and verbal communication of your understanding of the projects.
(20%)
(Total 100% will be converted to 30%)
Individual
(10%)
 peer evaluation and instructor’s evaluation on individual performance of a group member in a
group.
 10% individual task ( refer to individual task)
(Total of 20% will be converted to 10 %)
References
1. Chudley, R. 2006, Construction Technology. 4thedition. Pearson and Prentice Hall.
2. Lyons, Arthur, 2004. A. Materials for Architects and Builders. 2nd Edition. Oxford. Elsevier Butterwort-
Heinemann
3. Seeley, Ivor H.1995, Building Technology. 5th edition. Basingstoke, Hants: MacMillan
4. Ching, Francis D.K. 1991. Building Construction Illustrated. New York. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
5. Simmon, H. Leslie, 2001. Construction: Principles, Materials and Method. 7th Edition. New York. John
Wiley & Sons.
6. Zannos, Alexander. 1987, Form and Structure in Architecture: The Role of Statistical Function. Von
Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York