A new edition of Francis D.K. Ching's illustrated guide to structural design Structures are an essential element of the building process, yet one of the most difficult concepts for architects to grasp. While structural engineers do the detailed consulting work for a project, architects should have enough knowledge of structural theory and analysis to design a building. Building Structures Illustrated takes a new approach to structural design, showing how structural systems of a building—such as an integrated assembly of elements with pattern, proportions, and scale—are related to the fundamental aspects of architectural design. The book features a one-stop guide to structural design in practice, a thorough treatment of structural design as part of the entire building process, and an overview of the historical development of architectural materails and structure. Illustrated throughout with Ching's signature line drawings, this new Second Edition is an ideal guide to structures for designers, builders, and students.
- Updated to include new information on building code compliance, additional learning resources, and a new glossary of terms
- Offers thorough coverage of formal and spatial composition, program fit, coordination with other building systems, code compliance, and much more
- Beautifully illustrated by the renowned Francis D.K. Ching
Building Structures Illustrated, Second Edition is the ideal resource for students and professionals who want to make informed decisions on architectural design.
From co-author Douglas Zuberbuhler
Why another book on structures?
It is true that gravity hasn’t changed, winds still blow, and the earth still shakes. Further, there are a number of excellent texts currently available covering statics and strength of materials as well as structural design, particularly from the point of view of engineering analysis. However, the authors of Building Structures Illustrated, two of which taught structures courses and all of which taught design studio, continually experienced architecture students having difficulty applying their knowledge of structures to their own design projects. Building Structures Illustrated is intended to help bridge this gap by organizing and illustrating structural concepts and issues as they apply to and influence building design. In this way the authors hope to facilitate the integration of structural concepts in the design process and avoid fatal structural flaws that render design concepts untenable when exposed to structural analysis.
Beyond simply facilitating structural credibility in building design, the authors hope Building Structures Illustrated will inspire critical thinking of how the structural system might inform or where appropriate, even drive the design concept. This is the focus of the second addition where numerous examples of contemporary architecture are included to illustrate the application of the structural concepts.
Partial elevation and plan: Eden Project Bio Dome l, Cornwall, England, 1998-2001, Nicholas Grimshaw
Click image to enlarge.
