Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The ability to geometrically construction simple flows of compression and tension forces, to use this flows in the analysis of basic structural behaviour of building structures and interprete them as diagrams in the design of such building structures. 

Credits: 4

Schedule: 27.10.2020 - 08.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Toni Kotnik

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Toni Kotnik

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course Design of Structures Basics is an introduction into fundamental concept of structural equilibrium and inner force flow and its application to the design of building structures. Graphic Statics, a vector-based approach, is used to visualize the underlying geometric logic of the inner force flow. First principles are discussed and their use for an architectural approach to the design of building structures is illustrated. The course consists of weekly lectures, quizzes and readings, complemented by a model building exercise.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Due to the covid-19 pandemic all teaching will be conducted remotely. In order to avaoid the need for use of workshops, the model building exercise will be replaced by a building analysis.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Assessment for this course is based on evaluation of the weekly quizzes (50%) and and the final model building exercise (50%). No additional exam is offered! Quizzes take place at the start of the lecture and no alternative date is offered. Late submission of the final model building exercise will result in reduction of the grading of the exercise by 10%.

     

     

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Contact hours:

    6 x 2h = 12h lecture & quiz; 6 x 4.5h = 27 h model building; 1 x 5h = 5h report

    Selfstudy hours:

    6 x 2h = 12h reading; 6 x 9h = 52h selfstudy

    Total workload: 108h = 4 x 27h ≡ 4cr

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    recommended reading:

    Bjørn N. Sandaker, Arne P. Eggen, Mark R. Cruvellier: The Structural Basis of Architecture, Routledge, 2011 (2. edition)

    Aurelio Muttoni: The Art of Structures, EPFL Press, 2011

    Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalweski: Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures, Wiley, 2009

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Replaces the study modules ARK-A3000, A-9.1127

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    None

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    a detailed schedule is provided in the MyCourses page of the course.