A2 – Graders Overall Comments

1. For the most part, people found that working in teams improved their grade.

2. Most teams forgot to link their chosen building’s SketchUp File to their website.

3. Most teams included clear diagrams that showed the functionality of the structural, HVAC and architectural systems – some teams would have benefited from further annotation, and by incorporating these drawings into their discussion and analysis.

4. 3 students forgot to fill in the Team Evaluations – please remember to do so. Remember, you have until the day after the assignment is due to submit them – same time as your section the previous day.

5. There were no serious team conflicts or issues – please remember to remain professional when evaluating your peers.

6. Many students wrote well about system interaction and this is also encouraging, although some students did not – I would encourage those students to not ignore that section as your understanding of how different systems interact will be one of your most valuable skills as an architectural engineer.

7. Most impressive and informative analyses were seen by Teams 7 and 1 (Prof. Mitchell’s section) and Teams 9 and 12 (Prof. Dasaro’s section).

8. Significant figures were an issue although 1 point max. was taken off for it.

9. Few groups opted to complete the extra credit portions of the assignment.

10. Always include a scale and/or dimensions on drawings – even if they aren’t your own. If you don’t know the size of the building, try to estimate it and turn the pictures into diagrams if you need to.

11. Always indicate on the floor plan where and what directions the section cuts are.

12. Always include a key that designates/divides the space on floor plans (or label appropriately).

13. Include sources if the drawings/photos are not your own! Most groups added a source/reference page for this purpose.

14. Always show your work and calculations! Include equations if you can.

15. Elaborate and discuss all diagrams – try to use them as ‘talking points’ to discuss your theory of load distribution etc.

16. Overall the structure portion of this assignment was more complete than the architecture and HVAC sections.