In Search of the Engineer

Course DescriptionGSD:6328 aims to redefine the conventional boundaries between architecture and structural engineering through the paradigm of Design Engineering. Students will be exposed to a holistic approach derived from an expansion of structural thinking on technical solutions, aesthetics, and advanced research to adapt to diverse design methodologies and rapid technological developments. Themes such as complexity and trans-scalarity will delineate the new \”in-between space\” of architecture and engineering as it is been defined by radical innovation. Situated within the \”in-between space\” of architecture and engineering, this course is structured around 5 built projects that cover a broad spectrum of projects and design extremities, equally bringing into play five different architectural practices and how one responds to their derivative position from concept to construction. Through substantial original and unpublished material, students will engage in early, as well as later, stages of the design. Through small design exercises, analytic simulations, interaction and team work, students will become members of the project team in its most critical design and engineering decisions and experience why and how the final result was shaped, as well as its possible alternatives. Each case study will last 4-6 sections, with the 1st one introducing the project. Student team projects will be assigned during the 2nd session and presented in subsequent sessions. During the course, the project architect(s) of the project will participate in the discussion, either remotely or in class. A final paper/project will conclude the course.Case studies: Phaeno Centre (Zaha Hadid) ; Shires project (Foreign Office Architects); Queen Mary Student Housing (Fielden Clegg Bradley); Adelaide Wharf (Allford Hall Monaghan Morris), Southern Ridges Bridge (IJP Corporation/ RSP architects)