Expert: jonewall - 1/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: hi there. im an architecture student from malaysia. currently im designing high rise hospital (20 storeys)for academic purpose only,not a real project. i just want to know the water supply system that can be applied to my studio project. it would be very helpful if you can help me by describing some common system that usually used in high rise building. thanks a lot.
Regards.

ANSWER: Dear afif

First ,i must tell you that i am not an engineer and not qualified to
answer your question.But I will tell you that the question alone needs more information.
The highest building that i worked on in Chicago,Illinois (USA) was 18 stories.

It would be helpful to know the height,floor area (square feet),fixture count is important and would there be a fire system in your model. Water pressure required for the project is also important.ALSO BE AWARE OF THE BUILDING CODES IN MALAYSIA.Take note that an experienced mechcanical engineer would be helpful since hospitals required specialized systems.

I hope that the above will be useful to you.

Regards   Jon E

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for answering my question. first of all, you are way more than qualified to answer my question because i just know very little about the water supply. for the missing information, the floor area is 83080sqm, 20 storeys height, and the fixture for the building are the hospitals fittings, machine, rooms, such as hemodialysis room, surgical room,etc. And there will be a fire system,such as wet riser and sprinkler. if you do not have the answer for this question, you can help me by explaining any water supply system and also the sewage/drainage system for high rise as far as your knowledge. it would be very helpful if you can include diagram for water supply in high rise building. thanks a lot in advance and really hope you could help me with this topic.
Regards.  

Answer
afif
You must try to understand that as an architect you are the designer of the building and will be responsible to lead a team of professional that will help you in assembling documents to construct the building.

The professional team includes the architect,electrical,mechanical engineers,structural and other design professionals.
The owner and the architect will set the tone and direction of the development.

No,I'm not qualified to answer your question.

It appears that the field of architecture that you want to ( at this time ) pursue is in the medical /hospital  field.What ever field you decide to pursue, try to connect with a firm that specializes in that field.

There is an old saying in the construction business '' architects draw pictures and contractors build buildings ''

good luck in attaining your professional goals

Jon E

P S  I STARTED MY CAREER AS A CONSTRUCTION HELPER,WASN'T SATISFIED AND DECIDED TO BECOME A MASON,
    THAN A CONSTRUCTION JOB SUPERINTENDENT, A PROJECT MANAGER AND FINALLY A DESIGN BUILD
   GENERAL CONTRACTOR. ONE WORD OF ADVISE IS TO TRY TO BE THE BEST IN ANY FIELD,THE REWARDS   ARE FULFILLING.