An overhead floor, also known as an aerial floor, hanging floor, or suspended floor, is a design concept in modern architecture that refers to a deliberately designed suspended space inside or outside a building. This design is usually used in commercial buildings, office buildings, public buildings, residential buildings and other places, and a non-flooring space layer is set on one or several floors of the building. The overhead layer not only has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but also meets the multiple needs of building functionality and space efficiency.
--Functionality of the overhead layer
Landscape effect: The overhead layer provides a sense of lightness to the building and creates a unique visual impact.
Ventilation and lighting: Overhead floors can improve the natural ventilation and lighting conditions inside the building.
Spatial division: Raised floors can create new spatial hierarchies between different floors.
* Triage: Overhead layers are commonly found in large buildings, which can effectively divert traffic and improve the efficiency of space use.
Increase greenery: Setting greenery in the overhead layer can increase the ecological benefits of the building.
--Considerations in the design of the overhead layer
Structural safety: The design of the overhead layer must ensure its structural safety and meet the load-bearing requirements.
Blend into the environment: The adaptability of the overhead layer to the surrounding environment should be considered in the design, including wind, sunshine and other factors.
FunctionalityThe design of the overhead layer should take into account its functionality and practicality to ensure the actual use of the space.
Economical: While meeting the design requirements, it is necessary to consider the economy of the overhead layer construction to avoid unnecessary waste.
--Type of overhead layer structure
Beam and plate structure: A common form of overhead layer structure, with a combination of beams and slabs to support the space.
Suspension structure: The overhead layer is connected to the upper or surrounding building structure by means of steel cables or steel rods.
Truss structure: Using the principle of triangular stability, a truss is built to support the overhead layer.
Arched structure: The load is transferred through the arch structure to form a stable overhead space.
--The application of overhead layer in construction
Commercial buildings: An overhead floor in a commercial building can be used as an exhibition space, lounge area, or landscape platform.
Public facilities: Overhead floors are commonly used in public facilities such as museums and libraries to increase exhibition and communication space.
Office building: In an office building, an overhead level can be used as a relaxation area or meeting space for employees.
Residential buildings: The elevated floor in the residential building can be used as a private garden or outdoor activity area.
--Advantages of the overhead layer
High utilization: Make effective use of the original building space to create more layers and functional areas.
Aesthetically pleasing and innovative: The design of the overhead layer often has high aesthetic value and innovation.
Green ecology: Overhead layer greening can improve the urban ecological environment and provide a comfortable natural experience.
Economic benefitsProperly designed overhead floors can add commercial value and enhance the economic efficiency of a building.
--Challenges in the design of overhead floors
Technical difficulty: Overhead layer design often involves complex structural calculations and construction techniques.
Cost control: High levels of design and construction requirements can lead to increased costs for overhead layers.
Maintenance management: Overhead floors may increase the cost of maintenance and management of the building in the later stages.
Laws and Regulations: Ensure that the overhead floor design complies with local building codes and safety standards.
As a modern architectural design concept, the overhead layer not only enriches the spatial expression of the building, but also improves the functionality and practicality of the building. However, the design of overhead floors needs to take into account safety, aesthetics, functionality and economics, which is a reflection of the architect's constant search for a balance in innovation. With the development of technology and the deepening of innovative ideas, overhead layers will play an increasingly important role in the future architectural design.