Lighting as One of the Most Important Factors When Constructing a Hall - Essay Example

Originally, the hall was constructed in 1948 and has undergone several renovations since then.

It was time to break the tradition as this hall underwent several renovations. The hall replaced concrete with cast iron both in places for primary and individual structural frames. The overall aim was to lighten the building. The ends of the beam were reduced to a depth of 10 inches. This was aimed at ensuring that a wide flange chosen was ideal to maximize ceiling heights while accommodating a thin perimeter roof overhang (Douglas J. Rothermel).

Lightning is one of the most important factors when it comes to constructing an institution-building, especially in a learning environment. For this reason, it was time to break the tradition and include less weight in the 12th main hall and provide a wider spacing for the students to learn. Lightening was achieved by the use of 12 pairs of exposed tapered steel HSS. The 12 pairs of HSS steel used was a symbol of the 12th man according to the culture of the University. In addition to this was a glass curtain made of integral steel and aluminium shading devices. This was also aimed at ensuring that there is sufficient light in the hall. Thin cantilevered entrance canopies with suspended stairs in addition to connector bridges summarized the lightning purpose. The 12 steel supported the whole building which is also an indication that if people work together in unity they can support each other.  Each of the 12 pillars had two arms spread upwards whose aim was to support the roof. The arm sections were made of half cone-shaped pieces of half-inch in thickness and 50-ski steel plate which were welded together on each side. The 12 arms were each 16 inches in diameter and extended 8ft above the cruciform shape. This was intended to support the roof. In addition to this, the pillars were painted with fire-resistant paint. They were also skewed 29° in one direction and 12.35° on the other side. This was aimed at accentuating the intended abstract from visible through the perimeter curtain wall.