Structure, Form, and Architecture: The Synergy

Lecture 07: Connecting Structure and Architecture

Part-II
DR. SHUBHAJIT SADHUKHAN
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING

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Introduction
• Explore relationship between structure and architecture and with the
various forms based on the aspirations and intentions of the designers

• The varieties of relationship can be very wide, ranging between the

extremes of Complete domination of
• the architecture
• the structure
• total disregard of structural requirements in the determination of both
the form of a building and of its aesthetic treatment

Source: Structure and Architecture by Angus J. Macdonald , 2019

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Relationship: Architecture to Structure
• Ornamentation of Structure

• Structure as Ornament

• Structure as Architecture

• Structure Accepted

• Structure Ignored

Source: Structure and Architecture by Angus J. Macdonald , 2019

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 Structure
as Architecture

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Structure as Architecture
• Architecture that consisted of
structure and only structure: The
FOCUS
• Commonly very long spans and very
tall buildings
• In the case of extreme lightness and
portability

Eiffel Tower
Paris, France
Source: https://www.insider.com/eiffel-tower-facts-and-history-2017-3

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Structure as Architecture
Long Span Support with Structure

David S. Ingalls Skating Rink

New Haven, USA
Source: https://blog.parkinn.com/15-ways-to-be-entertained-
at-munichs-olympic-park/2-11/

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Structure as Architecture

The Millenium Dome Source: https://www.rsh-p.com/projects/the-millennium-dome/

London, UK

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 Structure as Architecture

The Millenium Dome Source: https://www.rsh-p.com/projects/the-millennium-dome/

London, UK

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Structure as Architecture

The trussed-tube
structure forms a
major component of
the visual attraction

John Hancock Building

Chicago
Source:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4548636
31106674414/

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Structure as Architecture
The perforated
reinforced
concrete outer
shell and core
ensure vertical
and lateral
loads

O-14 Building
Dubai
Source:
https://placethinking.wordpress.c
om/2016/01/03/gems-by-the-
bay/

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Structure as Architecture
Bundled Tube
Structure
makes this
architecture
strong and still
tall resisting
vertical and
lateral loads

Burj Khalifa
Dubai
Source: https://www.tiqets.com/en/dubai-c60005/burj-khalifa-124th-125th-floor-p974265

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Structure as Architecture

Light weight Tensioned Fabric Structure

Olympic Stadium Munich

Munich, Germany
Source: https://blog.parkinn.com/15-ways-to-be-entertained-at-munichs-
olympic-park/2-11/

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Structure
Accepted

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Structure Accepted
The hemispherical concrete dome is supported on a cylindrical drum also
of concrete

Pantheon
Rome
Source: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/1-interior-of-the-pantheon-rome-giovanni-paolo-panini.html

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Structure Accepted
An open floor plan consisting of concrete slabs
supported by a minimal number of thin, reinforced
concrete columns around the edges, with a staircase
providing access to each level

Dom-Ino House Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108719778475614962/

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Structure Accepted

New York’s Chrysler Building Sourcehttps://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/new-york-chrysler-building-sells-less-than-

New York City purchased-decade-ago

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Structure Accepted

Habitat 67 https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/revolutionary-montreal-icon-
Montréal, Canada habitat-67

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Structure
Ignored

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Structure Ignored (in form-making)
• Structural
considerations
played very little
part in the
determination of
the form of form

Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut

Ronchamp, France
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214906213459289329/

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Structure Ignored (in form-making)

Riverside Museum Glasgow

Glasgow, UK
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513903007464974676/

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Structure Ignored (in form-making)

Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands Source: https://www.3blmedia.com/News/New-Exhibition-Marina-Bay-

Singapore Sands-ArtScience-Museum-Uses-Augmented-Reality-Raise-Awareness

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Structure Ignored (in form-making)

Casa Nautilus
Mexico
Source: https://www.konbini.com/en/inspiration/checa-esta-expo-de-arquitectura-organica-en-la-ciudad-de-mexico/

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Further Reading
• Charleson, A. W., 2005, Structure as Architecture, 2005, Elsevier

• Ching, F. D.K., Architecture: Form, Space & Order, 2nd ed, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996

• Salvadori, M and Heller,R. A., 1986, Structure in Architecture, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall

• Schodek, D. and Bechthold, M., 2013, Structures,7th ed., Prentice Hall

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Lecture 08: Structural Transformation in Architectural History

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Thank You

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