6.4 - NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
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Principles of Building Planning
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Today, we will explore the principles of building planning. Can anyone tell me what 'functional objectives' might mean in this context?

I think it means the purpose of the building, right?

Exactly! The functional objectives directly influence how space is organized. We also consider the relationship between rooms, which can be vital for the flow of activities. Can anyone suggest why room relationships are important?

It’s important so that spaces like kitchens and living areas are conveniently located?

Correct! This highlights the communication between functional spaces. Remember the acronym SPACE: S for size, P for purpose, A for arrangement, C for circulation, and E for environment. Each is a crucial aspect of planning.

Got it! So the layout has to consider the environment too?

Yes! Topography and climate significantly impact our design choices. Let’s summarize: the principles include functional objectives, component relationships, site conditions, climate impact, and contextual considerations.
Building Classifications
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Now, let’s look at the classifications of buildings under the National Building Code. Why do you think it’s essential to have these classifications?

It probably helps in standardizing regulations for safety and design!

Exactly! There are various groups: residential, commercial, educational, and industrial. Can anyone give me an example of a residential building type?

A single-family home would be one!

Correct! Now, buildings are also classified based on their height. Can anyone tell me what qualifies as a 'high-rise'?

A high-rise building has between 12 and 40 storeys, right?

Yes! For those heights, you often need different safety regulations. Remember the heights: Low rise (<4 storeys), Mid rise (4-12), High rise (12-40).
Building Regulations and Open Spaces
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Let’s dive into building regulations, specifically on plot sizes and required open spaces. What might happen if we don’t follow these regulations?

There could be issues with safety, sanitation, or even just the flow of air and light!

Exactly! The regulations dictate minimum frontages, plots, and various open spaces needed for ventillation and aesthetics. Can someone tell me the minimum frontage for a row type building?

I believe it's 4.5 to 8 meters!

Spot on! And remember the FAR, which is crucial for determining how much of the plot can be covered? What does FAR stand for?

Floor Area Ratio!

Yes! It’s calculated by dividing the total covered area of all floors by plot area. It governs how we utilize the plot effectively.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines the essential principles of building planning, including the functional requirements and characteristics of various building types as classified in the National Building Code of India. It also discusses classifications of multi-storey buildings and specifies requirements for plot size, frontages, open spaces, and permissible areas.
Detailed
National Building Code of India
The National Building Code of India (NBC) outlines critical principles for building planning and specifies regulations from plot size to classifications of structures. Building planning involves systematically arranging components to fulfill functional needs while considering factors such as location, topography, and climate.
Principles of Planning
Key principles guiding building planning include:
- Functional Objectives: Determines the building's purpose.
- Component Relationships: Addresses sizes and interconnections among different rooms.
- Site Conditions: Evaluates plot shape and its natural features.
- Climate Impact: Analyzes local weather patterns.
- Contextual Considerations: Considers needs based on neighborhood characteristics.
- Building Types: Covers designs suitable for varied structures like single/multi-storied or detached houses and clusters.
Types of Buildings (NBC Classifications)
Buildings are categorized into groups:
- Group A: Residential
- Group B: Educational
- Group C: Institutional
- Group D: Assembly
- Group E: Business
- Group F: Mercantile
- Group G: Industrial
- Group H: Storage
- Group I: Hazardous
Classifications of Multi-Storey Buildings:
- Low Rise: < 4 storeys
- Mid Rise: 4-12 storeys
- High Rise: 12-40 storeys
- Skyscraper: > 40 and < 300m
- Super Tall: > 300m
- Mega Tall: > 600m
Building Regulations
- Discusses minimum plot sizes, frontages, open spaces required, and Floor Area Ratios (FAR) for various types of residential buildings. Important metrics include:
- Detached building: > 250 m²
- Semi-detached: 125-250 m²
- Row type: 50-125 m²
Moreover, the section sets requirements for minimum open space depending on plot height, ensuring adequate ventilation and sanitation.
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Classification of Buildings
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
- Group A: Residential Buildings
- Group B: Educational Buildings
- Group C: Institutional Buildings
- Group D: Assembly Buildings
- Group E: Business Buildings
- Group F: Mercantile Buildings
- Group G: Industrial Buildings
- Group H: Storage Buildings
- Group I: Hazardous Buildings
Detailed Explanation
The National Building Code of India classifies buildings into various groups based on their primary purpose. Each group denotes the function of the building, which is crucial for ensuring safety, compliance with regulations, and the provision of necessary facilities. For example, Group A covers residential buildings, emphasizing aspects like comfort and living space. Group B focuses on educational buildings like schools and colleges, which need spaces conducive to learning. In summary, proper classification helps in planning and ensures that buildings meet specific requirements.
Examples & Analogies
Consider planning a city where each area is designated for a specific purpose. Just like a shopping center is designated for businesses and entertainment, homes are grouped together for residential comfort. This city planning ensures that the right services and infrastructure are available for the buildings' intended use.
Classifications of Multi-Storey Buildings
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
Depending on the height, need and various other factors, multi storey buildings are classified into the following:
1. Low Rise building: A low rise multi storey building has few storeys (typically less than four), with the usage of elevators and stairs for vertical circulation.
2. Mid Rise building: A Mid Rise building has a number of storeys ranging from 4 to 12.
3. High Rise building: A High Rise building has a number of storeys ranging from 12 to 40, with the use of lifts and stairs.
4. Skyscraper building: A tall and habitable steel building having storeys more than 40 but height less than 300m is considered a skyscraper.
5. Super tall building: A Super tall building is the steel building with its height exceeding 300m.
6. Mega tall building: Mega tall buildings exceed 600m in height.
Detailed Explanation
Multi-storey buildings are categorized based on their height and functional requirements. Low-rise buildings are typically under four stories, providing easy access with stairs or lifts. Mid-rise buildings are between four to twelve stories, often found in urban areas, while high-rise buildings start from twelve stories and can reach up to forty. A skyscraper is an extremely tall structure, over forty stories high but less than 300m tall. Super tall buildings exceed 300m, and mega tall buildings surpass 600m. Each classification has different design, engineering, and regulatory considerations.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine residential structures as layers in a cake. A low-rise is like a one or two-layer cake, easily reachable without any special tools. A mid-rise could be a three-layer cake, needing tall utensils to serve, while a skyscraper is like a tall multi-layered cake that requires more advanced equipment to manage its height and stability.
Minimum Plot Size and Building Frontage Requirements
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
Different types of residential Building, plot size, and their frontages:
- Detached Building: Above 250 m², Above 12 m frontage
- Semi-Detached Building: 125-250 m², 8-12 m frontage
- Row type Building: 50-125 m², 4.5-8 m
Note: Minimum frontage on any street is 6m; for row housing, it may be 5.5m.
Detailed Explanation
The National Building Code stipulates minimum plot sizes and frontage requirements for different residential designs. Detached buildings require a larger area and greater frontage to ensure adequate space and access. Semi-detached buildings have mid-range requirements to balance efficiency and privacy. Row-type buildings are compact, with smaller plot sizes and frontages, designed to maximize land use while still complying with regulations. This framework prevents overcrowding and ensures adequate light and air flow.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a neighborhood as a puzzle; each piece (building) has to fit into a specific spot with given dimensions. If one piece is too big, it won’t fit without crowding the others—similar to the role of minimum plot sizes and frontages in ensuring harmony in residential design.
Key Concepts
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Building Planning: The systematic organization of a building's functional requirements.
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Floor Area Ratio (FAR): A critical figure in determining allowable construction on a plot.
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National Building Code: Guidelines for building safety and standards in India.
Examples & Applications
A residential building requires a design that accommodates kitchen, living room, and bedrooms in an efficient flow.
Open spaces are necessary for proper light and ventilation in dense urban environments.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
For a building strong and tall, follow NBC, and you won't fall.
Stories
In a bustling city, architects gathered to create a lively community where each building fits perfectly, ensuring flow, light, and safety, guided by the NBC.
Memory Tools
Remember SPACE for planning: Size, Purpose, Arrangement, Circulation, Environment.
Acronyms
FAR - Floor Area Ratio, a must to know, to help avoid overcrowding woe!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Functional Objectives
The intended use and requirements of a building, guiding its design and layout.
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
A measure that compares the total covered area of a building to the area of the plot.
- Open Space
Unoccupied spaces in or around buildings required for ventilation, sanitation, and aesthetics.
- National Building Code
A set of guidelines and standards for building construction and safety in India.
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