Architectural Design Studies 3

Overview

The lecture content of the module includes:
• a review of structural materials including an introduction to structural timber;
• an overview of the use of timber and structural steel in design;
• review of structural forms associated with timber and structural steel;
• means of making connections in timber and steel structures;
• the means of providing lateral stability in buildings;
• review of structural options;
• the means of connecting the building envelope to the main structural elements;
• instruction on the information to be conveyed in structural drawings;
• instructions on the format and information to be presented in the journal.

The studio element of the module requires each student having to act as the civil engineer to a number of groups of Year 2 architecture students. The architecture students have to design a small building using either structural steel, concrete or timber to its best advantage.

The remainder of the studio element will require each student to prepare a structural scheme design for the building, appropriate structural design calculations to allow preliminary sizing of the key structural elements and the creation of a logbook/journal and a poster with structural drawings.
A poster presentation in the final week will be given by each student as an overview of their project.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to assess:
• the influence of the choice of structural material on the different design schemes;
• the hierarchy of structure required within a building;
• the use of preliminary member sizing techniques;
• the importance of ensuring local and overall structural stability;
• the influence of the building envelope assembly and detailing on the location and behaviour of the structural elements within the building.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to:
• propose a structural strategy for a building by working in conjunction with architectural students;
• develop a scheme in terms of materials, sizes, details and cladding systems;
• develop a structural scheme from a concept stage through to a detailed stage of design;
• communicate the proposals by group discussion and individual presentations.

Skills

On completion of the course you should be able to:
• assess the suitability of different structural systems for a small building;
• liaise closely with architecture students;
• provide advice with the construction of a physical model to illustrate the structural frame;
• assist with the questioning at architecture critique sessions;
• develop a structural scheme from a concept stage through to a detailed stage;
• prepare an engineering design report with supporting drawings;
• plan and deliver an engineering poster presentation.

The course will enhance the following skills:
• the ability to compare and contrast different design solutions, with a view to selecting the most appropriate one;
• the ability to work independently (e.g. in preparing your design solutions) but also to work as part of a project team with students from a different discipline (e.g. be able to effectively communicate your ideas but also be able to listen and take on board other people’s ideas);
• the confidence to be able to solve general structural design issues.

Assessment

None