Course Description

During the course of history, architects and engineers developed ways of designing complex structural forms by experimenting with physical models and through borrowing from structures found in nature. To continue this trend, this course provides architecture students with practical structural insights in relation to construction materials and fabrication processes.

Prototyping takes the form of sketching, model making, and experimenting with materials, and students learn how the act of making forms an integral part of the structural design process. In addition, in this course, students are given the opportunity to explore a physical feedback system, which enables them to gain practical insights on the structural forces and their effect on their studio design.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, student will be able to:

1. Identify basic theory concepts of structures and structural systems that are commonly applied to the built environment.

2. Analyze and solve exercises that are expanded from the lectures to account for more simple / complex linear, surface, and three-dimensional structural components.

3. Create and apply structural insights into a physical prototype by reviewing case studies and design/build/test of structural prototypes.