Iterating Structures: Teaching Engineering as Design

Abstract

When structural engineering is taught as a design discipline, engineering and architecture students can understand the open-ended potential of structural engineering solutions and gain a better understanding of the opportunities for structure to shape and reinforce architectural concepts. By formalizing the iterative aspect of design processes common in architecture design studios, structural engineering courses can integrate design without requiring a radical configuration of the conventional lecture class structure. This paper outlines models that include design and analysis iterations in structures lecture courses. Developed for undergraduate and graduate architecture students, this model could be applied to engineering education as well. Student work from these exercises demonstrates integration of architecture and structural engineering. Three examples of iterations are presented to highlight a range of applications, including (1) iteration of method of spanning (e.g., truss, arch, and cable beam) in a structural fundamentals course, (2) iteration of structural configuration within lectures for an advanced structures class for architects, and (3) iteration of structural solutions from engineering and architectural perspectives. Each example is presented as a case study that includes a statement of learning objectives, a description of the projects and teaching methods used, and an assessment of the outcomes. Breaking from the traditional problem-set coursework where sizing a beam is considered structural design helps students to focus on the distinct tasks of analysis and assessment and enables informed design decision making. Students develop understanding of the relationship between structural form and force, recognize the variety of structural design options for a specific architectural proposal, and evaluate the effectiveness of a specific structural scheme, helping students to understand that there is more than one right answer to a structural design problem with the goal of encouraging students to attempt and rigorously evaluate unconventional structural solutions both within the structures curriculum and within the studio.