The goal of the course is to introduce students to Structural Design. The course fosters the development of a design thinking that emerges from the coexistence of a number of design parameters and performance criteria related to force flow, construction technologies, material use, and spatial qualities.
Learning objective
After a successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Critically evaluate structural design concepts based on their impact and implications beyond the sole structural performance 2. Identify the most relevant design parameters and performance criteria for a given design task and select adequate tools to effectively integrate them as part of the design process 3. Develop structural systems in compliance with structural, spatial, and environmental design aspects simultaneously
Content
The goal of the course is to introduce students to Structural Design. The course fosters the development of a design thinking that emerges from the coexistence of a number of design parameters and performance criteria related to force flow, construction technologies, material use, and spatial qualities. Students will learn about diverse tools that allow for controlling such a complex blend of parameters and criteria at the interface between different disciplines such as structural engineering and architecture. These tools will include physical models, graphical methods, and digital tools. After a series of lectures and workshops, students will work on a design exercise that represents the core of the entire course. The design exercise is an opportunity to deal with an open-ended task that does not admit a univocal answer. In fact, besides structural performance, design options will be discussed and evaluated through a set of criteria including spatial qualities, constructability, and environmental footprint.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
fostered
Techniques and Technologies
fostered
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
fostered
Decision-making
fostered
Problem-solving
fostered
Social Competencies
Cooperation and Teamwork
fostered
Personal Competencies
Creative Thinking
fostered
Critical Thinking
fostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course