][ STEEL STRUCTURES ][

Structures and Architecture:
====================
As architects we design buildings from a kit of parts.
When we are fortunate we even get to design the kit.
Structures in architecture is less about crunching numbers,
than about understanding what makes a building stand up.
How a building touches the ground and the sky,
how it rounds a corner.
It is the synthesis of structures and design, not the analysis of structures.
Structures can help you find a form.
Structures can give you the answer you were looking for,
and never got in your studio.
Yes form follows function, 
but what is the function of a building?
If we thing about the primary function of a building?
	shelter
Shelter from what?
	the elements
	wind
	rain
	sun
	hot/cold
	wet/dry
How do we form this shelter?
	a roof?
	what is a roof?
	a tarp - a membrane
	what holds up the membrane?
The membrane stands up by itself!
	that means the membrane has structural properties
What if it does not stand up?
	you hold it in place with sticks (columns)
	what if the columns are too far apart?
	the roof deflects
How can we fix it?
	place a support underneath (beams) 
How big are the beams?
	how heavy is the roof?
	the weight of the roof is not much
	but what about snow
	rain and ice
What keeps it from blowing over?
	what holds (connects) it?
These are the questions we will try to answer this semester.
We will learn about the various "kits of parts"
	how to use them
	how to modify them
	and how to improve them
	and yes
	"how to size" them

STRUCTURES

Gravity still exists even for the greatest designer.

The "Golden Rule" applies
(he who has the gold rules)
economics is a factor in the "real world"

God is in the Detail - Mies 

Structures:
Not analysing  form and design
But creating form with the help of structures.

Structures:
support loads
		horizontal
		vertical
		compression/tension

Example:
Look-Out Tower
Design Studio Project 

Column
		1
		3
		4

Wall
	too many columns becomes a wall

Candilever
	column 
	wall

Trusses
	as horizontal
	as vertical members
	as space frames

Suspended Structure
	Cables
	Chains
	Tension Members

Floatable Structure
	marine architecture
	cruise ships
	oil drilling rigs

Inflateable structure		
	temporary structures		
	large spans without support

Basic Structural Elements:
	Column
	Beam
	Truss

Column & Beam
	Rigid Frame

Rigid Wall - concrete
	Unit bearing wall - brick

Planar Structure
	rigid flat plate
	1-way slab
	2-way slab
	2-way waffle slab
	folded plate
	space frame

Basic Structural Units

Vertical Support
	Columns & Beams
	Bearing Wall

1-Way Horizontal Spanning Elements
	reinforced concrete slab
	precast concrete planks
	joists
	decking

2-Way Horizontal Spanning Elements
	reinforced concrete flat plate
	reinforced concrete 2-way beam and slab