Abstract | The course Structural Design III complements the courses Structural Design I and II by introducing building materials and construction techniques. |
Learning objective | After a successful conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the structural behaviour of a building and of its main components 2. Conceive and control design parameters as part of the design process 3. Design structural systems in compliance with diverse performance criteria including architectural, structural, constructive, and environmental aspects altogether. 4. Design structural systems consistent with the material used 5. Dimension structural elements using different building materials 6. Develop construction details in compliance to a specific static scheme |
Content | The course presents a holistic approach to the design of structures by integrating static equilibrium, learned in previous semesters, with considerations regarding materials and construction techniques.
The course explores the relationship between architecture and structure by introducing and discussing design parameters and their implications with respect to different performance criteria. In addition to those related to statics, performance criteria also include aspects related to use of material and energy resources, which is directly connected to questions of environmental footprint.
The objective of the course is to show that structural design tasks must consider a number of aspects belonging to different disciplines simultaneously. This results in a level of complexity that very rarely can be reduced to a univocal “right” answer. Critical thinking and technical knowledge must support each other. The course aims at giving the tools for developing these skills.
After a brief review of the key aspects taught in Structural Design I and II, the course Structural Design III will examine different load-bearing elements, how they relate to each other, and their possible relationships with the architectural space.
Starting from 2D spanning structures, a series of 5 lectures will illustrate the functioning of the main load-bearing elements of multistory buildings by means of graphic statics as well as analytical methods.
Implications at the level of structural performance, spatial performance, material use, and environmental footprint will be thoroughly discussed throughout the entire course by analyzing buildings of exemplary quality.
The content of the lectures will be strengthened through 5 exercise sessions during which students will apply the knowledge gained during the lectures and refine their design skills through dedicated design exercises under the supervision of a tutoring team. |
Literature | "The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X)
"Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0)
"Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4) |
Prerequisites / Notice | To take part in this course, it is recommended to first complete the courses Structural Design I and II or to have knowledge of graphic statics. |
Competencies | Subject-specific Competencies | Concepts and Theories | assessed | | Techniques and Technologies | assessed | Method-specific Competencies | Analytical Competencies | assessed | | Decision-making | assessed | | Problem-solving | fostered | Social Competencies | Negotiation | fostered | Personal Competencies | Creative Thinking | assessed | | Critical Thinking | fostered |
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