Structures by design : thinking, making, breaking

Structures by Design: Thinking, Making, Breaking is a new type of structures textbook for architects who prefer to learn using the hands-on, creative problem-solving techniques typically found in a design studio. Instead of presenting structures as abstract concepts defined by formulas and diagrams, this book uses a project-based approach to demonstrate how a range of efficient, effective, and expressive architectural solutions can be generated, tested, and revised. Each section of the book is focused on a particular manner by which structural resistance is provided: Form (Arches and Cables), Sections (Beams, Slabs, and Columns), Vectors (Trusses and Space Frames), Surfaces (Shells and Plates), and Frames (Connections and High-Rises). The design exercises featured in each chapter use the Think, Make, Break method of reiterative design to develop and evaluate different structural options. A variety of structural design tools will be used, including the human body, physical models, historical precedents, static diagrams, traditional formulae, and advanced digital analysis. The book can be incorporated into various course curricula and studio exercises because of the flexibility of the format and range of expertise required for these explorations. More than 500 original illustrations and photos provide example solutions and inspiration for further design exploration. Read more... Structures by Thinking, Making, Breaking is a new type of structures textbook written for those who prefer to learn about buildings using hands-on, creative problem-solving techniques. Instead of focusing only on formulas and diagrams, this book teaches concepts before calculations and how principles of structural and material behavior can be applied to the design of effective, efficient, and expressive building designs. The book's format makes it easy to adopt the content into a wide variety of courses that deal with building structures and architectural design.Each section of the book is focused on a particular manner by which structural resistance is Form (Arches and Cables), Sections (Beams, Slabs, and Columns), Vectors (Trusses and Space Frames), Surfaces (Shells and Plates), and Frames (Connections and High-Rises). In each section, design exercises are shown which use a Think, Make, Break method of reiterative design. These examples demonstrate how to generate and evaluate different structural options for building designs using a variety of structural design tools the human body, physical models, historical precedents, static diagrams, traditional formulae, and advanced digital analysis. These examples range from introductory lessons of structural fundamentals to advanced techniques and systems. Each chapter includes potential lab exercises, questions for flipped classroom discussions, and suggestions for additional learning. More than 500 original illustrations and photos provide example solutions and inspiration for further design exploration. "'Structures by Design: Thinking, Making, Breaking' is a new type of structures textbook for architects who prefer to learn using the hands-on, creative problem-solving techniques typically found in a design studio. Instead of presenting structures as abstract concepts defined by formulas and diagrams, this book uses a project-based approach to demonstrate how a range of efficient, effective, and expressive architectural solutions can be generated, tested, and revised. Each section of the book is focused on a particular manner by which structural resistance is provided: Form (Arches and Cables), Sections (Beams, Slabs, and Columns), Vectors (Trusses and Space Frames), Surfaces (Shells and Plates), and Frames (Connections and High-Rises). The design exercises featured in each chapter use the Think, Make, Break method of reiterative design to develop and evaluate different structural options. A variety of structural design tools will be used, including the human body, physical models, historical precedents, static diagrams, traditional formulae, and advanced digital analysis. The book can be incorporated into various course curricula and studio exercises because of the flexibility of the format and range of expertise required for these explorations. More than 500 original illustrations and photos provide example solutions and inspiration for further design exploration."--Page 4 of printed paper wrapper Contents 8 Preface 9 Acknowledgments 12 0.0 Introductory Endeavors: The Case for Making and Breaking 14 Part 1 Learning to Think, Make, and Break 30 1.0 Body Structures: The Feel of Things 32 1.1 Seating Structures: Elemental Design Options 58 1.2 Building Structures: Effective, Efficient, and Expressive 84 Part 2 Resistance and Form 106 2.0 FORM: Structures of Compression and Tension 108 2.1 Compressive Arches: Past the Breaking Point 126 2.2 Suspended Structures: Designing for Tension 150 Part 3 Resistance and Sections 178 3.0 SECTIONS: Beams, Slabs, and Columns 180 3.1 Stacking and Spanning Timber: Fundamental Framing and Analysis 210 3.2 Better Beams and Slabs: Formal Experiments in Efficiency 242 Part 4 Resistance and Vectors 268 4.0 VECTORS: Trusses and Triangulated Planar Assemblies 270 4.1 Planar and Spatial Trusses: Long Span Solutions 300 Part 5 Resistance and Surfaces 332 5.0 SURFACES: Structural Art, Utility, and Assemblies of Shells 334 5.1 Spanning Surfaces and Shapes: Vaults and Plates 364 Part 6 Resistance and Frames 392 6.0 FRAMES: Strategies for Stability 394 6.1 High-Rise Structures: Taller, Thinner, and Smarter 420 Appendix: Spanning Tables, Charts, and Additional Examples 447 Additional Readings 464 Glossary 466 Image Credits 470 Index 476 Structures by design : thinking,making,breaking Preface Starting with Structures 0.0 Introduction: The Case for Making & Breaking Part 1 Learning to Think, Make, and Break1.0 Body Structures: The Feel of Things1.1 Seating Structures: Elemental Design Options1.2 Building Structures: Effective, Efficient, and ExpressivePart 2 Resistance & Form2.0 FORM: Structures of Compression and Tension2.1 Compressive Arches: Past the Breaking Point2.2 Suspended Structures: Designing for TensionPart 3 Resistance & Section3.0 SECTIONS: Beams, Slabs, and Columns3.1 Stacking and Spanning Timber: Fundamental Framing and Analysis3.2 Better Beams and Slabs: Formal Experiments in EfficiencyPart 4 Resistance & Vectors4.0 VECTORS: Trusses and Triangulated Planar Assemblies4.1 Planar and Spatial Trusses: Long Span SolutionsPart 5 Resistance & Surfaces5.0 SURFACES: Structural Art, Utility, and Assemblies of Shells5.1 Spanning Surfaces and Shapes: Vaults & PlatesPart 6 Resistance & Frames6.0 FRAMES: Strategies for Stability6.1 High-Rise Structures: Taller, Thinner, and Smarter AppendixSpanning Tables, Charts, & Additional ExamplesAdditional ReadingsGlossaryIndex