Building Engineering and Systems Design

Frederick S. Merritt

Preference :

This edition is based upon a firm conviction of the authors that the purpose of, and the need for the book, as described in the Preface to the First Edition, are as critical today as they were when the first edition was prepared. In fact, now, there is a greater need for applications of systems design to buildings. This need occurs because of rising construction costs, greater demand for more and improved building services, and better quality control of construction. In brief, this book explains what needs to be designed, and the issues to be addressed in the design process. Revisions of the first edition have been aimed at refining the text and developing new topics which have emerged during the past decade. Increased attention is given to the involvement of architects in systems design, and to the inclusion of architectural goals and objectives in the value systems for optimized design. Traditionally, architects have been the only members of the building team whose formal training has included some work in all the major areas of building design. College courses in structures, plumbing, lighting, electrical power, mechanical systems, and building services in general, have, in the past, been included in most architectural education curricula.