doi:10.3850/978-981-08-7920-4_S1-E02-cd

ABSTRACT

This article presents an educational exercise designed for architecture students to study static structural behavior and develop an understanding necessary and appropriate for their role in structural design. The exercise examines structure about the conceptual criteria of force, form, material and connection. The symbiotic relationships between these criteria serve as a means to explore, evaluate and understand the various components of structural design. The exercise employs an empirical methodology, the most ancient form of structural analysis, as it requires students to conceive of a structural design in response to specific conditions, develop drawings that examine the criteria of force, form, material and connection, fabricate, physically test and reflect upon its performance. This sequence is repeated three times and the stages are ordered about the objectives of concept, specificity and efficiency. The conditions are abstract, specific and require the resolution of two linear concentrated loads evenly spaced over a three-foot span.

Keywords: Education, Empiricism, Pedagogy, Laboratory, Structural behavior, Structural design.

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