Integrating Structure and Architecture: Guidance for the Structural Engineer

Abstract

National organizations have been making efforts to implement a more integrated practice environment, as exemplified by ASCE’s aspirations shared in their vision documents or the American Institute of Architects’ launching of Integrated Project Delivery. Because architectural projects are a substantial portion of construction spending, structural engineers would benefit by increasing their integrated design skills. However, little attention has been given to the structural engineer’s role in integrating architectural design priorities with structural design priorities. A qualitative research study was launched to learn more about the components of integrated design and interviews were conducted with 84 architectural and structural practitioners. Based on the findings, there is a craft to architecturally based structural engineering, especially when the goal is integrated design. Structural engineering participation in integrated design processes was examined and the characteristics were identified, including the qualities of engineering design for architecture, the approach taken by the engineer, iterations strategies, and graphic communication skills. By understanding how engineers work collaboratively and the challenges to integrative design, structural engineers can improve the quality of their professional relationships and tailor their contributions more effectively.