This book gives students of architecture an understanding of the fundamental theories and practice behind the creation of architectural structures, helping them to develop an intuitive understanding of structural engineering.
The book is divided into four "Structures in nature" looks at structural principles found in natural objects. "Theory" covers general structural theory as well as explaining the main forces encountered in engineering. "Structural prototypes" includes examples of modelmaking and load testing that can be carried out by students. The fourth section, "Case studies", presents a diverse range of examples from around the world – actual buildings that apply the theories and testing described in the previous sections.
The straightforward, informative text is illustrated with specially drawn diagrams, historical examples, models, CAD visualizations, construction details, and photographs of completed buildings. As well as providing a valuable reference and sourcebook, the book will give students and newly qualified architects the technical confidence to collaborate with structural engineers.
"Structural Engineering for Architects: A Handbook" is a well-organized and easy-to-read book that provides a comprehensive introduction to structural engineering principles as they relate to architecture. The author, Peter Silver, is an experienced architect and educator who can provide a unique perspective on the intersection of architecture and engineering. One of the book's strengths is its clarity of explanation, which makes it accessible to beginners who may not have a background in engineering. The book uses numerous diagrams, illustrations, and examples to help readers understand and apply the concepts in real-world scenarios. In addition, the author's use of clear and concise language ensures that readers can grasp the key ideas without being bogged down by overly technical language. In addition, the book covers a wide range of topics, from basic principles of structural design to more advanced topics such as seismic design, which makes it a valuable resource for architects looking to expand their skill set. The book is also well-structured, with each chapter building on the knowledge gained in the previous chapters. This approach helps readers to understand the material logically and systematically. However, the book may need to be more comprehensive for professionals in the field who require a more in-depth treatment of the subject. Some readers may find that the book needs more theoretical depth for their needs, focusing too heavily on practical applications. Additionally, as the book was published in 2014, some information and techniques may need to be updated.