Introduction
Civil engineering and its related fields are very diverse and entail both structural design and architectural work. Structural engineering as we can deduct from the term ‘structure’ deals with the physical components of a given design. For example, in the house construction process, the structural engineer considers all the aspects of materials to be used and consults with the architect to ensure the durability of the home. On the other hand, architectural engineering refers to the technology of incorporating the basic functional aspects of a given design to make sure that an ambient environment has been created. My journey on this paper is meant to reflect on the relationship that exists between structural engineering and architecture and their sibling rivalry. The architect is applicable in several fields including software development, technical or physical engineering, and computer networks among others. The craft of architect involves designing of different forms as required by the client. (Edward, & Daniel 2010).
Basic understanding
Structural engineering commonly deals with the geometrics and the physical designs of any architectural work. According to the research conducted by Professor Happold, the performance of this concept relies on both knowledge and the physical laws. Very simple designs can be constructed and made of complex structures through structural engineering. However further research into Cecils works prove that the designs are interconnected. The fundamental goal of structural engineering is to minimize expenses while creating and innovating a pleasing, sophisticated design. I discovered that through coming up with architectural plans; structural engineers can construct bridges, buildings such as homes and offices as well as ports. The structural engineers and architectures are two important people in the construction process. Cecil’s work has been very helpful in creating an understanding of what structural engineering mainly entails.
Figure 1.1: transforming design into structure
The slight difference that exists between structural engineers and architecture is that while architects try to give satisfaction to the client based on the design that seems best, the engineers focus on manipulation of the physical elements of the design to create comfort. Architectural engineering is occasionally also referred to as building design, and it may be applicable in several fields such as the structural, mechanical and electrical disciplines. The role of an architect includes planning or designing various structures. Based on the research conducted by Stephen, (2012) in Architectural Technology, I realized that there was a difference between architecture and architectural engineering.
History
In my research, I discovered that architectural work is thought to have originated from either the Greeks or the Roman. I also found out that the roots of engineering are based in the Roman civil engineers though the first structural engineering process is usually related to the construction of the pyramids. However, for an extended period, people were not able to differentiate between architectures and engineers. The failure to distinguish the two disciplines was due to the close collaboration that the two personnel worked with in the creation of new designs and construction of the structure. The use of statistics in the development and construction process was not initially used, and it was only applied in the eighteenth century. It was during this time that most principles and equations were tabulated and made known to all engineers. The generation of these equations made possible the prediction of design behavior through the application of mathematical formulas, statistical values such as length and geometry.
Figure 1.2: Pont du Gard Bridge constructed by Romans (Koch, Nova website 2016)
Figure 1.3: an ancient Roman Temple (http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/arth200/politics/roman_architecture)
The discovery of iron and steel and the onset of their production marked a significant step in the construction industry. The nature of material can limit both design and its structural implementation. However, I realized that it was due to this progress (discovery of steel) that engineering studies were included in the school curriculums mostly in Britain as well as other developed countries in the 19th century. Education was an important factor in creating the difference between the architect and structural engineers, yet the two cannot work independently of each other. From the above discussion, it is possible for me to deduce that a difference between the two fields is based on educational approach and educational systems. The architects are trained to see and create design while engineers are trained to manipulate materials to fit in the design. The architect is a craft while engineering is an art.
Sustainability
A current topic of discussion relates to the issue of eco-friendly structures in the technological changes of structural and architectural engineering. Constructed buildings are said to contribute approximately 41% of the total carbon emissions. The estimated percentage of emissions is based on the American Society of Civil Engineers research (ASCE 2013). The introduction of environmental studies has influenced the relationship between engineering practices and conservation practices. The studies prove that there is a continuous interdependence between the environment, economic development and the social well-being that creates sustainability. Therefore, various scholars have come up with architectural designs that are aimed at the construction of buildings that release little or no carbon to the atmosphere. The Coca-cola Place Sydney in Australia is an example of a building that has apparently brought out the concept of sustainability in engineering. This building has been constructed to serve commercial purposes but it does not emit carbon into the atmosphere thus making it eco friendly. Future technological advancements are expected to make use of the current resources without compromising the ability of the supply to meet the needs of future generations.
Figure 1.4: Coca cola place Figure 1.5: Illustration of sustainability
Technology and design within structural and architectural engineering
Using my newly acquired knowledge, I have realized that the skyscrapers were hardly constructed in the nineteenth century due to structural, material and knowledge limitations. Initially, the idea to build taller building was there but the available materials could not permit the process. After the discovery of steel and iron, engineers were able to constructs solid steel beams that are currently used for the construction of skyscrapers, bridges, and other firm structures. A good example is the steel I-beams that have been employed in many cities to construct tall buildings. My opinion of the above concept is that technological advancement in the engineering field can be hindered by so many factors. However, as new discoveries are made, so does the area continues to expand, and innovation takes place. Originally, the idea of taller buildings was initiated by architectures but the means of actualizing the idea lied with the structural engineers (Utterback, 1994).
Figure 1.6: construction using I-beams (Sotton, 2013)
After critical reading and analysis of Dan M. Fragopol’s (1997) work, it was clear that architectural designs can only be based on the reality of the structural existence. In other words, if an architectural design cannot be implemented into a structure then there is a failure. The structure should be able to tolerate a different kind of loads in its lifetime without deterioration in its performance. For example, a house should be designed in a way that it can tolerate earthquake hazards and other disasters that may occur. Additionally drawing from Andrew Saint’s work on Architect and Engineer: a study of sibling rivalry, (p. 37) architects and engineers play different roles in design. Rechtin (1990), introduces the de novo design situation that requires there be effective communication between the client and the architect. The de novo design gives room for an architect to understand the forms that must create a balance in the structure.
Crossover project
After reading Balmond’s book titled Crossover it came to my realization that she uses numerous international examples to express her ideas. International structures ranging from towers to bridges have been mentioned in the elaboration of the logic behind the title crossover; to show the movement between an idea and substance in a particular sequence. In the case of the Star of Caledonia sculpture that was approved in 2013, the design resulted from Balmond’s idea of creating an identity with the Scottish people. The sculpture is a metaphor for power, the wind, and energy. It was clear that the architects were mostly focusing on the surroundings, shapes, light, and shadows but not the geotechnical factors. It was an exciting discovery of various concepts. Balmond does not refer himself as either an architect or a structural engineer, but he calls himself a designer who can design almost anything. There is a great difference between what the engineers and the architects do.
Figure 1.7: The Star of Caledonia (http://www.balmondstudio.com )
In conclusion, I have gained so much insight on engineering and architectural work involved in the design process. I have understood the actual difference between the two fields as well as the uniting elements. I have developed skills that would enable me to take note of some elements in buildings that I would not have previously noticed. To me, my journey through architect and engineering has just begun. I have gained knowledge of the metaphor (architectural design) and relation to the concrete (engineering approach) as it has been illustrated in the above reflections. According to Cecil’s opinion, both architecture and engineering appeared to be more intuitive and they had a systematic flow or formation of a pattern. The pattern not only relies on the structural characteristics but also the architecture. Therefore, I have understood that the existing relationship is not as simple as it may seem, but it is a blended zone of an interchange.
References
ASCE. (2013). American Society of Civil Engineers research Retrived from
www.ascelibrary.org on 13th may 2016
Balmond, C. (2014). Crossover. Prestels. balmond Studio.
Bellis, M. (2006). "The History of Skyscrapers,". Retrieved from
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blskyscapers.htm on 13th May 2016
Edward, C. & Daniel, W. (2010). Engineering System monograph: the influence of architecture
in engineering systems
Fragopol, D. M. (1997).Reliability And Optimization of Structural Systems. Pergamon
Houston, D. (2015). Farnworth House. Retrieved from
www.3dartistonline.com/3877/farnsworth-house on 13th May 2016
Modern Design. (2012). Structural Steel. Modern Design. Retrieved from
www.moderndesign.org on 13th May 2016
Rechtin, E. (1990) Systems Architecting Prentice Hall PTR
Stephen, E. (2012). Architectural Technology. Wiley-Blackwell; 2nd edition.
Utterback, J. (1994). Mastering the Dynamics of Innovation: How Companies Can Seize
Opportunities in the Face of Technological Change. Boston: Harvard Business School Press
