9.1 EnvironmEnts and systEms
The general idea of looking at buildings and products in terms of
environments, systems, and assemblies was introduced in Chapter
3 and forms the basis for the way this chapter is organized and
presented. This approach reflects a way of thinking familiar in the
design fields. Engineers are commonly familiar with designing
systems. Systems are normally thought of as performing a functionally defined role. A system normally consists of several subsystems
as well as assemblies of physically defined components. Hence we
might have an energy system that consists of a great many components that serve specialized functions to generate, store, or distribute energy. Components such as fuel cells or batteries would
constitute parts of a larger system. These components can normally
be arranged in many different ways to form a physical assembly.
System performance is critical with respect to its functional role.
Assembly characteristics are more important from a manufacturing
and packaging perspective. Nanomaterials or nanotechnologies can
play an essential role in improving the performance of many functionally defined systems.
The idea of thinking about environments stems much more from
an architect’s or designer’s perspective. The term can have several
meanings, all relating to a larger spatial construct, context, or
condition that goes beyond narrowly defined functional systems.
Environments can be internal or external. They can be either occupied by humans or be critical surrounding conditions. At a more
abstract level they can be simply an organizing device for related
concepts.
291
Design Environments and Systems
Chapt Er 9
Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
The general idea of looking at buildings and products in terms of
environments, systems, and assemblies was introduced in Chapter
3 and forms the basis for the way this chapter is organized and
presented. This approach reflects a way of thinking familiar in the
design fields. Engineers are commonly familiar with designing
systems. Systems are normally thought of as performing a functionally defined role. A system normally consists of several subsystems
as well as assemblies of physically defined components. Hence we
might have an energy system that consists of a great many components that serve specialized functions to generate, store, or distribute energy. Components such as fuel cells or batteries would
constitute parts of a larger system. These components can normally
be arranged in many different ways to form a physical assembly.
System performance is critical with respect to its functional role.
Assembly characteristics are more important from a manufacturing
and packaging perspective. Nanomaterials or nanotechnologies can
play an essential role in improving the performance of many functionally defined systems.
The idea of thinking about environments stems much more from
an architect’s or designer’s perspective. The term can have several
meanings, all relating to a larger spatial construct, context, or
condition that goes beyond narrowly defined functional systems.
Environments can be internal or external. They can be either occupied by humans or be critical surrounding conditions. At a more
abstract level they can be simply an organizing device for related
concepts.
291
Design Environments and Systems
Chapt Er 9
Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.