From Architectural Sketch to Feasible Structural System Solution

摘要

Timely engineering feedback to the architect during the design process can result inrnimproved building performance. Architectural sketches convey the architect's initialrndesign intentions and explorations. As such, they become the first means forrncommunicating with the structural engineer. The goal of this research project isrntherefore to provide the structural engineer with the mechanisms for devisingrnfeasible structural solutions from architectural sketches thus enabling earlyrncollaboration. This project is being carried out in collaboration with the LUCIDrngroup from the University of Liège, in Belgium. The project combines the strengthsrnof two computer-based prototypes: EsQUIsE developed by the LUCID group forrncapturing and interpreting freehand architectural sketches, and StAr developed by thernauthors for assisting engineers during conceptual structural design. Such earlyrncollaboration assistance enables the architect to assess the structural consequences ofrnhis/her designs at sketching time without interfering with creative work, and itrnprovides an opportunity for the engineer to get involved earlier on in the buildingrndesign process and voice structural concerns in a timely manner.