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

The aim of the course is to acquire the necessary sensitivity and awareness to identify and critically analyse the relationships between the formal languages of architecture and the principles of structural mechanics. In particular, the ability to identify, understand and discuss the traditional and innovative solutions adopted in the structural design of modern and contemporary architecture.

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 (20 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.

LABORATORY (20 ore) – Critical selection of case studies of modern or contemporary architecture of engineering interest. Inverse analysis: graphic restitution of the main architectural components, modeling description of the resistant structure and identification of the relationships between architectural form and structural mechanics. Direct analysis: Simplified and/or advanced structural modeling, interpretation of design choices and analysis of critical issues. Proposal of alternative and/or innovative design solutions.   

A gallery of images relating to the architectural and engineering projects analyzed by the students during the past years is reported below. Left to right and top to bottom:  (1) Reforma Tower in Mexico City, Mexico; (2) Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, (3) Research Center at Chonming Dongtan, China, (4) Il rifugio Gouter sul Monte Bianco, versante Francia; (5) The Twist Museum a Jevnaker, Norvegia; (6) Padiglione del Cile all'Expo di Milano 2015; (7) Cannon Place a Londra, Inghilterra; (8) Nido d'Infanzia Iride a Guastalla. The documents related to each project are downloadable from the Aulaweb page.