BLDG 1270 Building Systems Overview

Introduction to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within the built environment.

Course overview

Buildings are more than walls and roofs. They are complex collections of systems that keep them comfortable, safe, and functional. In BLDG 1270 Building Systems Overview, you will explore the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that make modern structures work. This course gives you the foundational knowledge every architectural technologist needs to design spaces that integrate these systems effectively.

You will learn how HVAC units move air, how electrical circuits distribute power, and how plumbing pipes carry water and waste. We will look at real-world examples from the Benchlands Campus facilities to see how these systems are planned and installed. You will also learn how to read basic system diagrams and coordinate your architectural details with the engineers and technicians who install this equipment.

Who takes this course

This course is a required component for students in the Interior Design Technology program. Understanding building systems is essential for designing interiors that work with, rather than against, the building's infrastructure.

Credits: 3 · Hours: 45

Prerequisites

None

Learning outcomes

• Identify the primary components of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings.
• Describe the function and layout of electrical distribution and lighting systems.
• Explain the basics of plumbing supply and drainage piping in multi-storey structures.
• Evaluate how building systems interact with architectural design and energy efficiency goals.
• Communicate system requirements clearly to other members of the design team.

Evaluation