OVERVIEW

The course illustrates the deep conceptual relationships connecting the principles of structural mechanics and the forms in architecture, with focus on the traditional and innovative solutions that allow their critical interpretation and conscious government. The theoretical lessons and the design laboratory activities are aimed at developing the mature interpretative sensitivity and methodological skills necessary for understanding, evaluating and optimizing the symbiotic synergy between aesthetic appeal, functional performance and structural efficiency in the contemporary architectural and engineering design.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Acquisition of the ability to identify and critically analyze the relationships between architectural form and principles of structural mechanics. Ability to identify and understand the traditional and innovative solutions adopted in the structural design of modern and contemporary architecture, through the geometric representation and the definition of qualitative and quantitative mechanical models. Ability to express the static and dynamic response of these models in parametric terms, to appreciate the dependence of structural performance on the fundamental parameters of shape and structure, to propose alternative design ideas aimed at solving any performance issue.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Development of the ability to identify and critically analyze the fundamental relationships between architectural form and principles of structural mechanics. Proficiency in identifying and understanding the traditional and innovative solutions adopted in the structural design of modern and contemporary architecture, through the geometric representation and the definition of qualitative and quantitative mechanical models. Competency in expressing the static and dynamic response of mechanical models in parametric terms, in appreciating the dependence of their structural performance on the fundamental properties of form and structure, in proposing alternative design ideas aimed at solving any performance issue. Ability to understand, compare and constructively dialogue between the interdisciplinary needs of the various players interacting in the design dynamics.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of theoretical lessons and a design laboratory. Students are required to produce a paper (report and design tables) regarding the critical analysis of the structural morphology of a work of modern or contemporary architecture. Lessons can be held electronically, on the Teams platform, if necessary for emergency situations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

THEORETICAL PART (30 hours) – Introduction to structural morphology. Resistance principles based on the shape or the mass and their historical evolution. Structural morphologies: (i) high-rise multi-storey buildings, architectural forms and reference structural models (beam frames, frames and walls, diagrids), optimal distribution of stiffnesses in relation to the dimensioning action, (ii) long and/or large spans, architectural forms and reference structural models (beam grillages, plates), distribution of stresses, boundary conditions (iii) systems mainly resistant to compression, reference structural shapes and models (arches and shells), relationship between shape and stiffness (iv) systems mainly resistant to traction, shapes and structural models of reference (cables and cable networks), relationship between shape and stiffness, (v) structural lattices resistant to traction and compression (reticular structures), relationship between shape and stiffness . Analysis and discussion of some case studies of structurally ineffective or inefficient morphologies and related countermeasures (Campanile San Patrizio in Rome, Faculty of Engineering of Aquila, etc.). Complements: structural and microstructural optimization of topological and parametric nature, parametric design.

VIDEO - The course is connected to a Canale Stream which shows a preview of the slides.