STRUCTURAL DEPTH

The new 440 First Street building tackles most of the structural issues that were present prior to its renovation in 2012, however there is still room for improvement. 440 First Street consists of both a concrete (typical floors) and steel (newly added floors + penthouse) structural system and no major problems were observed in the analysis of the structure as aforementioned. However, there is an interest to create uniformity i.e. the use of the same structural system in the entirety of the building.

Changing the entire structural system may have significant effect on the mechanical system, specifically the ductwork and piping. These elements currently passed through openings created in the existing composite beams due to the limited floor to ceiling heights. The use of a composite steel joist frame will accommodate for the ductwork and piping as they can be passed through the open web of the joists or beneath the bottom chord of the joists. The use of shear walls in the core can also have an impact on the MEP system and has to be considered carefully to ensure the proper integration of all the building systems.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DEPTH

An in-depth cost analysis of the proposed composite steel joist frame will be completed and compared to the existing system. Furthermore, the impact on the construction schedule will be examined, noting changes to the critical path and total length of construction. The results will be checked for practicality and economy.

MECHANICAL DEPTH

The penthouse is taken up entirely by the mechanical system in the original design. This is purposefully done so the building has a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) with 100% fresh air to provide improved outdoor air supply and better ventilation. With that said, a mechanical breadth will be explored which involves the use of solar thermal panels as collectors to preheat outdoor ventilation air. This technology uses solar energy to preheat outdoor air when the building is in heating mode, which helps cut down overall heating costs in the building and saves energy by reducing the load on the building’s heating system..