Tectonics in structural engineering

摘要

The structural engineering profession has always been closely associated with 'tectonics' or the art of producing useful and beautiful buildings. In the UK, the general practice has followed a simple process whereby the architect led the team and the structural engineer was in the supporting role. The architect took the position of creative artist, gifted with intuitive senses with no inclination and need for any technical ability that may involve words like stresses and strains. Structural engineers were tasked with making the works of art stand up safely, with elements that had to be as inconspicuous as possible, if not invisible. After all, the engineers would not know much about aesthetics.