Resources, Tools, and Links
Precedents + Databases
A searchable database of important projects in structural and civil engineering, architecture, and public works.
A database of membrane structures searchable by a number of useful parameters.
A searchable database of the world's tallest buildings.
Free Structural Analysis Software
Structural analysis software with a straightforward user interface and a free demo version that lacks certain productivity features.
Structural analysis software that links with Revit. Students can download a free educational version, or there is a free 30-day trial.
Free nonlinear structural analysis and animation software.
Graphic Statics Tools
A series of interactive Java applets for exploring the relationship between form and forces through graphic statics.
A series of educational, interactive drawings and exercises using graphic statics.
Optimization and Exploration Tools
An interactive evolutionary tool for the conceptual design of two-dimensional trusses.
An interactive web and mobile app for two-dimensional topology optimization.
Form-finding Tools
A Java applet for particle-spring form-finding.
A funicular form-finding plugin for designing compressive structures in Rhino.
Recommended Readings
This is a partial collection of books that have been useful and inspiring for me over the course of my education that may be of interest to students looking to learn more about the intersection of architecture and structural engineering. Beyond this, a thorough annotated bibliography (for older references) is included in the back of Bill Addis's The Art of the Structural Engineer (1994). Most of these books should be available at a university library like MIT's. Used copies of some can be purchased for very little online; I recommend BookFinder for finding the best deals on used books.
Structures Textbooks
An introductory textbook that emphasizes design applications and graphic statics methods. This book is well accompanied by a rolling ruler.
A structures textbook for architecture students that illustrates concepts with many contemporary design projects.
A more conventional and very thorough textbook which is aimed at architects but includes all of the standard structural analysis topics.
Not necessarily a structures textbook, but a very useful and well illustrated overview of a wide range of construction methods.
Structural Design "Catalogs"
An extensively illustrated review of structural design ideas organized by typology.
A catalog of structural systems that features new digital drawings often based on historical and more recent precedents.
Reproductions of early design sketches by structural designer Tony Hunt for a variety of built and unbuilt projects.
Creative Computation and Optimization
A series of essays and papers on the creative use of computation in engineering design.
Examples of applications of evolutionary ideas across a broad range of design and creative disciplines.
Structural Design History
A classic that makes the case for innovative structural design as structural art.
Organized by structural action, with historical examples and explanations included for each type.
A critical review of the role of structure in important buildings throughout history.
A fairly technical review of the development of structural theory by one of the field's most important contributors.
A concise but thorough history of structural theory (through plastic theory) organized by contributing engineer.
Short but dense, this book critically establishes historical context for contemporary structural theories, understandings, and practices.
By Structural Designers
A classic that relays Rice's experiences and philosophy in innovative structural design. Unfortunately, this is out of print and hard to acquire; best to borrow it from the library.
Discusses Nervi's design theory, his thoughts on architectural education, and his early work. A concise yet rich and rewarding read.
Torroja presents his philosophy and design approach within a broader context of structural design as a discipline. Excellent examples, including both Torroja's work and other historical projects.
Essays about Candela and structural design in general by seven leading structural designers.
A photo-heavy monograph showcasing Conzett's work, including several essays by Conzett and others.
A detailed compendium of the work of Ney + Partners, including several design approach essays.
About Structural Designers
Includes biographical details about Schlaich and a thorough review of his projects, organized by structural type.
A combination of project descriptions and essays, both by Dieste and academics writing about his work.
A detailed review of the development of Maillart's projects, with beautiful color photographs and a map to help plan visits.
Details the development of tile vaulting, and includes a complete list of Guastavino projects and locations. (And I helped work on this book as an undergraduate!)
Architect/Engineer Relationship
A very large and dense volume that traces the relationship of architects and engineers through history with a great deal of original scholarly research.
A recent anthology of essays on architect-engineer collaboration, including a series pop-art-style collages contrasting opinions from leaders in the field.
Proceedings from a 1989 symposium on architecture and engineering. Includes essays and interviews with some of the most signficant practioners and academics in structural design.
A rich book focused on creative structural design theory and practice and collaboration with architects. As Bill Addis notes, this book includes a very useful list of additional references.
A combination of essays on structural design and collaboration with architects, and supporting case studies. Includes a thoughtful annotated bibliography for further reading.
Miscellaneous
A classic and highly inspring book on the graphical design and display of data and information.
