Selected Topic in Architecture, Technology, and Ecology - David Bowick

DRAFT - January 6, 2012

COURSE DESCRIPTION
 
This course will cover a range of structural topics with a specific focus on their architectural applications.  Time permitting the topics will include:
•      stairs and guards
•      tall building structures
•      architectural steel
•      architectural concrete
•      funicular forms
•      tensegrity
•      fabric structures
•      shells
•      structural glass
•      alternative structures such as straw bale, cob, rammed earth
 
This course will be primarily lecture/discussion based.  .  Some independent research and a small design project will also be involved, focusing on interesting structures
 
COURSE OBJECTIVES
 
Broadly, this course is intended to provide students with the background knowledge required to effectively collaborate with structural engineers on building projects.  Particularly those in which structure plays a key role in defining the architecture.
 
Students will be provided with the basic background knowledge to enable them to conceive tall building structures and structures which make use of unusual structural systems such as shells and tension trusses.

In addition students should understand the limitations and possibilities associated with the architectural application of structural materials such as concrete, steel and glass.