Teaching structural design in tall buildings studio: a case study at Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

Structure insertion in the architectural design firsts steps is an issue that has been discussed in the literature for a while and one of its causes refers mainly the gap between the structural and architectural teaching in the studio. In Brazil, with the generalist professional qualification in Architecture and Urbanism this lack of integration become a bigger challenge by reason of the diversity of information and knowledge required in designing tall building projects. The goal of this article is to discuss the insertion of the conceptual structural design inside the studio module of the Architecture Project 4 (PA4) at Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in the under-graduation course of Architecture and Urbanism (CAU), which focus is vertical buildings. Methodologically, were accomplished: the document analysis of the CAU’s curricular structure and the PA4 course plan, a systematized observation of the activities in the classes, interviews with students and professor, and lastly, the analysis of ten projects developed by the students. Based on the data collected, it was possible to identify which methods and techniques promoted a better integration of the structures in the design process, underscoring the development of physical models at the design process beginning, the structural element’s organization in preliminary designs and the encouragement for the structural design during the floor plans elaboration. In addition, the structural design integration in the studio adds another difficulty to the teaching / learning process, but it is a much more reflective practice than the usual forms of teaching Structures.