Explaining the Challenges of Using Structures in Architectural Design Case study: Architecture Students and Graduates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Islamic Architecture, School of Architecture and Urbanism, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Urbanism, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted on various aspects of structural knowledge. A complete study of the challenges and problems of structural design and its evaluation in the context of architecture within the conceptual process of structural design is not only limited and in its early stages in the structure design literature in the field of architecture and, but also it  has been neglected in the architecture literature in Iran. Therefore, in this research, the approach to the existing problems and challenges of structural design (at least) from two perspectives has been considered, namely its study in the architectural context and conceptual design stage. In the present study, according to the topics of structural theories and design process in the literature, these two perspectives have played a key role in all stages of research, including planning, data collection and data analysis. Structure formation in the design process stages, ranges from creating the form of the structure to computational solutions. Therefore, structure in the field of architecture, which is an integral part of architectural space, is known by examining various aspects of structural knowledge; an important issue in this process is the conversion of structural knowledge into architectural design and how to participate and use it effectively in the architectural design process. In other words, what type and volume of knowledge of structural knowledge in a multitude of design demands can be used in the design process? The stages of structural formation in a design process include two main steps of structural design and structural analysis. Design refers to the creation and overall design of a structure, which is more in the realm of the architects' duties; therefore, in this research, the step of structural design has been selected, which has various sections and is necessary for the activities of the architect in the early stages of the architectural design process (conceptual design stage of the structure). An important issue in the formation of the structure is how the knowledge of the structure is transferred in the early stages of architectural design. The main purpose of this study is to identify the challenges, issues and difficulties of structural knowledge participation in the architectural design process, especially in the conceptual design step of the structure. Qualitative research method has been selected in the form of an action research using questionnaire, interviews, note-taking and practical tests for data collection and analysis. The statistical population of the research is bachelor and master students of architecture and architecture graduates. The research findings show that despite having the necessary structural knowledge, many participants face challenges in terms of their participation in the architectural design process. The reason for many of these challenges is seen in the insufficient awareness of the participants about the relationship between architectural design and structural design and the lack of attention to the importance of geometric recognition of structural knowledge and structural systems.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  • محمودی کامل‌آباد، مهدی (1391). دانش ضمنی سازه در فرآیند طراحی. رساله برای دریافت درجه دکتری معماری، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی تهران.
  • Addis, B. (2007). Building: 3000 years of Design, Engineering and Construction. London & New York: Phaidon.
  • Alpana, R.  Dongre, S.  Deshpande A. & Ingle R. K. (2007). Emerging Architectonic Forms and Designed Forms. en Archnet-IJAR, International Journal of Architectural Research, 1(3), 55-67.
  • Ellis, G.W., Scordilis, G.E. & Cooke, C.M. (2003). New pedagogical approaches in engineering mechanics yield increased student understanding, confidence, and commitment, 33rd Annual Frontiers in Education, FIE 2003 (T4A-15). USA.
  • Herbert, G. & Donchin, M. (2013). The Collaborators: Interactions in the Architectural Design Process. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Company.
  • Ilkovic, J. (2014). To think in architecture, to feel in structure: Teaching Structural Design in the Faculty of Architecture. Global Journal of Engineering Education, 16, 59-65.
  • Kent, P. and Noss, R. (2002). The mathematical components of engineering expertise: the relationship between doing and understanding mathematics, Proc. I.E.E. Second Annual Symposium on Engng. Educ. (39/7). London.
  • Koschitz, D. (2020). Curved-crease Paperfolding Structures and their Tectonics. Advances in Architectural Geometry 2020 (174-187). Paris.
  • Larsen, O.P. & Tyas, A. (2003). Conceptual Structural Design: Bridging the gap between architects and engineers. London: Thomas Telford.
  • Lee, J. Maria, E.   & Moreyra G. (2009). Eladio Dieste and Félix Candela: a comparative analysis, Proceedings of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2009 (1562-1573). Valencia.
  • Leopold, C. (2006). Geometry Concepts in Architectural Design, 12th International Conference on Geometry and Graphics. Salvador, Brazil.
  • Lewis, W. (2005). Understanding Novel Structures through Form-Finding, Proceedings of The Institution of Civil Engineers-civil Engineering (85-178). China.
  • Liapi, K.A. (2002). Geometry in architectural engineering education revisited. Journal of Architectural Engng., 8, 80-88.
  • Luyten, L. (2012). Structurally Informed Architectural Design. PHD Thesis, Department of Architecture, Chambers University of Technology. Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Macdonald, A.J. (2019). Structure and Architecture. New York: Routledge Press.
  • Macdonald, A.J. (1997). Structural Design for Architecture. Woburn: Architectural Press.
  • Mainstone, R. J. (2001). Developments in Structural Form. Oxford: Architectural Press.
  • Maleczek, P. Mundilova, M. and o Tachi, T. (2020). Curved Crease Edge Rounding of Polyhedral Surfaces. Advances in Architectural Geometry 2020 (130-153). Paris.
  • Markadas, S. (2003). Geometry in Secondary School. Master Thesis, Florina: AUTH. Greek.
  • Millais, M. (2005).  Building Structures: From Concepts to Design. New York: Taylor & Francis press.
  • Motro, R. (2003). Tensegrity: Structural Systems for the Future. London: Hermes Science Publishing.
  • Romeo, F. (2010). The P.L. Nervi structural route: From intuition to computation through geometry, Processing of the First International Conference on Structures and Architecture, ICSA 2010. Guimaraes, Portugal. 21–23 July 2010, Editor Paulo J.S. Cruz School of Architecture. University of Minho. Portugal. CRC Press.
  • Sandaker, B.N. (2008). On Span and Space: Exploring Structures in Architecture. London: Routledge.
  • Shahriman, Z.A. Sigurjónsson, J. Liem, A. & Keitsch, M. (2008). On the role of form giving in design.  Proceedings of E&PDE 2008, the 10th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education. Barcelona, Spain, 04.-05.09.200810.13140/2.1.1922.4649.
  • Shareef, S. and Farivarsadri, G. (2020). An Innovative Framework for Teaching/Learning Technical Courses in Architectural Education. Journal of Sustainability. 12, 1-17.
  • Stringer, E.E.T. (2007). Action Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
  • Van Mele, T. Lachauer, L. Rippmann, M. (2012). Geometry based understanding of structures. J Int Assoc Shell Spat Struct, 53, 285–295.
  • Van Niekerk, R. (2010). The state of geometry education in South Africa, Proc. 16th Annual AMESA National Congress (34-50). South Africa.
  • Velasques, A. (2013). Geometry as a Tool for Visual Organization and Proportion in Designing Aesthetic and Attractive Poducts, International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education & September 2013, Dublin Institute of Technology (288-293). Dublin, Ireland.
  • Whitehead, R. (2013). Supporting Students Structurally: Engaging Architectural Students in Structurally Oriented Haptic Learning Exercises. In AEI 2013: Building Solutions for Architectural Engineering (236-245). USA.
  • Williams, K. Ostwald, M.J. (2015). Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future, Volume I: Antiquity to the 1500s. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning
Volume 15, Issue 38
March 2023
Pages 43-61

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics