The first part of the course examines structural form in response to vertical and lateral loads. Students will apply these loads to structures and gain an understanding of how structures resist loads through form. There will be a particular emphasis on the relationship between structural analysis and design, emphasizing graphical methods and an understanding of static determinacy. The class will also focus on economic, environmental, and aesthetic issues that influence design.
Lectures will incorporate slide and video presentations, as well as case studies. Weekly lab sessions will provide students with practical exercises.
Students will learn the basic tools needed to understand structures as a whole and the elements that make up a structure. They will gain insight into structural analysis and design. The capabilities of timber, masonry, steel, and concrete as structural elements will be introduced.
Final grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance..............................5%
Homework...............................50%
Design Project.........................15%
Final Exam...............................30%
Each student will complete a structural design project and will give a brief presentation of their design.
Attendance is mandatory and the final grade will be lowered automatically for any student with three absences or more.
Zalewski, W., and E. Allen. Shaping Structures. John Wiley, 1998.
Lechner, N. Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects. 2nd Ed. John Wiley, 2000.
On reserve at Rotch Library:
Schodek, D. Structures. 4th Edition. Prentice Hall, 2001.