Final answer:
Plug loads and lighting are electrical building loads, while underfloor air systems and external shading devices are mechanical and passive building loads. These are essential for building performance and align with the concepts of 'skin and skeleton' and 'shell' construction systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plug loads and lighting are two examples of electrical building loads, whereas underfloor air systems and external shading devices are examples of mechanical and passive building loads, respectively. These components are integral to the design and function of a building, and their management and integration are critical to the building's overall performance and efficiency. In architecture, plug loads refer to the electrical consumption by devices that are plugged into the building's outlets, such as computers, printers, and appliances. Lighting is self-explanatory, pertaining to the various fixtures and systems that provide illumination within the building space.
Underfloor air distribution systems are part of the building's mechanical load, addressing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) requirements, contributing to the interior environmental comfort. External shading devices, on the other hand, are passive elements that help control the thermal gain from sunlight, reducing cooling loads and contributing to the building's energy efficiency.
The concept of 'skin and skeleton' construction comes into play when analyzing a building's structure, where the 'skeleton' usually refers to the structural framework that holds up the building, and the 'skin' refers to the building's exterior cladding. This is juxtaposed with the 'shell' system, where the structural and cladding components are one and the same, such as in a log cabin. Understanding these concepts is crucial for architects and engineers when they tackle the challenges imposed by physical loads such as compression and shear, ensuring the building's structural integrity while optimizing aesthetic and functional space.