MOVING BEYOND SERVICEABILITY AND SAFETY: THE POTENTIAL

CONTRIBUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS IN THE

DEVELOPMENT OF A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT BUILT
ENVIRONMENT

Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan

ABSTRACT: The developing demand for beautiful and elegant buildings and spaces are
increasing throughout the years; as professionals start to recognize the basic facts on how we all
interact with our environment and how it affects us in our daily lives. All these lead to an
important question on how structural engineers should answer to meet these ever-growing
demands.
In the light of this trend, it is a perfect timing for engineers, to assess their position in the
forefront of the construction industry and the built environment. Answering these demands
requires certain levels of technical competency and creativity. Engineers are now being
confronted by certain changes on how they traditionally regard themselves as professionals in
the industry. The role of evoking beauty and elegance in every structure is now becoming part of
the engineer’s responsibility.
Looking back in history, one can learn how past engineers used different techniques to answer
future opportunities and challenges. Coupled with modern tools and theories, these could be well
addressed through the introduction of other bodies of knowledge in academic training and
professional development of practicing engineers.

KEYWORDS: Form, Forces, Graphic Statics, Simplicity, Efficiency

1. INTRODUCTION

Recently, the Institution of Structural Engineers UK published the question “How Should
Structural Engineers Balance Safety and Serviceability Requirements with a Human Desire for
Elegance and Beauty?”1 This question is an indication that there exists a certain need for a
beautiful and elegant built environment; that people are becoming more aware of their
surroundings and how they affect their lives. This, together with the thrusts toward green and
sustainable infrastructure in the past years, is only one among the developments in the emerging
trend and demand in the construction industry and the built environment. These trends lead to an
important question on how structural engineers should answer to meet the corresponding
demands.

The times may have never been so exciting for the modern structural engineer who faces new
challenges and opportunities. It is a perfect timing for engineers, to assess their position in the
forefront of the construction industry and the built environment. Answering these requires
certain levels of technical competency and creativity. Whether completely aware or not, the
structural engineer is now being confronted by certain changes in his roles, especially on how he
traditionally regard himself as a professional in the industry. The role of evoking beauty and
elegance in every structure is now becoming part of the structural engineer’s responsibility; and

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 1 of 11

the more he becomes aware of this fact, the better he can prepare himself and make proper
adaptations.
The paradigm shift that is required to answer the upcoming opportunities and challenges could
be well addressed through the introduction of other bodies of knowledge in the academic training
and professional development courses of a practicing engineer. The subjects that were once
considered to be minor such as History and Philosophy could play the vital role in honing more
creativity in the highly technical field of structural engineering.

2. ON SOME ELEMENTS OF BEAUTY: STRUCTURE AS ARCHITECTURE

Answering the requirements of safety and serviceability almost always comes naturally with
engineers, since that is exactly what they were trained to do. In the context of structural design,
safety and serviceability are the main goals together with addressing the constraints of the
project budget and schedule. However, regarding the question of beauty and elegance, majority
of the time, most engineers would assume that this problem is for the architect to answer; as
engineers seldom concern themselves with beauty and elegance, although some of might have
pondered about this at some point.

If beauty and elegance come out from simplicity, the question, first and foremost, arises not from
the realm of engineering but from art, from aesthetics. How does one determine if a thing is
beautiful? Further, if it is at all, elegant? These are tough questions and even impossible to be
answered from a purely technical standpoint. Unfortunately, whether something is beautiful and
elegant or not, one cannot easily tell, at least objectively. Although there are certain standards of
beauty that are commonly accepted, human beings merely evoke these qualities out from their
emotions and experiences. Hence, everything is about subjective experience with which
creativity plays a large part.

Fortunately, on the other hand, one can learn from the closely related profession of Architecture.
Historically, the work of the engineer and the architect has always been subjected to overlapping
boundaries. Architects normally concern themselves about the functional, spatial, economical
and recently, environmental aspects of a certain project. And the subject of beauty is commonly
considered part of the functional aspect of design. Thus, almost in all cases, the engineer refers
to the architect whenever aesthetics is brought into discussion. Engineers merely brush the idea
of aesthetics off since it is very rarely considered as part of the modern engineering design. But
since structure is an integral part of architecture, structural engineers have the tremendous
potential to affect architecture, especially in defining space, suggesting movement and
circulation, modulating natural light, etc.

Contrary to the present belief that structure is merely a technical component of a building,
architects, engineers and builders from the past often emphasized the significant role of structure
in making an overall impact in building architecture. According to the Roman Architect-
Engineer Vitruvius, the fundamental principles of architecture are Order, Arrangement,
Eurhythmy, Symmetry, Proprietary and Economy.2 All of which are also observed in working
with every engineering design. In his work, The Ten Books of Architecture, he also emphasized
the importance of understanding and designing with nature; and nature often exhibits the best
examples of beauty and elegance.

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 2 of 11

From the words of the 18th century Architect Viollet-le-Duc “Impose on me a structural system
and I will naturally find you the forms which should result from it.”3 (Charleson, 2005)

Another example, a more contemporary one, can be found from the insights of Pier Luigi Nervi:
“the outward appearance of a good building cannot, and must not, be anything but the visible
expression of an efficient structural or constructional reality.” 4 (Charleson, 2005)

Figure 1. Viollet-le-Duc, Entretiens sur l'architecture (Discourses on Architecture)

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 3 of 11

 Figure 2. Pallazo del Lavoro, Pier Luigi Nervi, 1961
3. DESIGN-THINKING APPROACH

3.1 Graphic Statics, Analytical and Numerical Methods

With the advent of sophisticated engineering software programs today, structural engineers are
enabled to explore and engage a much wider range of possible solutions which are almost always
more complex that simple but efficient solutions are often overlooked. These modern tools allow
the engineer to work out solutions which are already identified, very quickly. However, during
the initial stages of the design, it is very difficult to rely on these tools alone as they do not easily
provide insights as to what type of solutions to implement. Analytical and numerical methods in
engineering are great tools coupled with modern computers once a specific type of solution is
identified. Besides, these methods do not provide any visual information regarding the structure
that in some cases, it is very difficult to have a picture of how it behaves.

Prior to the inception of numerical and analytical methods (Moment Distribution, Slope-
Deflection Equations, Strain-Energy Methods and FEM), the engineers from the past relied
heavily on the use of Graphic Statics, a technique that was pioneered by the german engineer
Carl Culmann. In 1865, Culmann published his collective work on graphic statics, Die
Graphische Statik. This had a great influence on other engineers such as Wilhelm Ritter, Robert
Maillart (Salginatobel Bridge), Christian Menn (Ganter Bridge), Maurice Koechlin (Eiffel
Tower) and many others.5

Figure 3. One of Maillart’s design development drawings for the Salginatobel Bridge
(Allen, Zalweski, 2010)

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 4 of 11

The use of graphic statics provides visual information that could be easily read and interpreted. It
is an intuitive way of analyzing structures that effectively shows the relationship between form
and forces. This simple but very useful approach fell out of favor against the use of much faster
numerical and analytical methods combined with computers today. However, Computer Aided
Design (CAD) software programs could overcome the tedious method of drawing lines on paper.
These CAD software programs can be used together with some programming to maximize the
effectiveness of graphic statics without sacrificing the speed of execution.

Figure 4. “Koechlin’s method of finding the form of the tower...” (Allen, Zalewski, 2010)

Figure 5. Graphical Calculations of the Eiffel Tower

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 5 of 11

3.2 Computer-Based Algorithm

From the growing interest in graphic statics, several journals have been published in the past few
years. In Geometry-Based Understanding of Structures by Van Mele et al (2012), the importance
of graphic statics was exploited in the analysis and design of two-dimensional structures.6 Van
Mele, et al were able to create interactive solutions such as “constant-force” chords in trusses by
adjusting the geometry based on the load sustained. They used the same approach in analyzing
stability of unreinforced masonry system based on projected thrust lines. The application also
extends to shell and vault structures using CAD and other software programs. In another paper,
Carpenter’s Parametrics, Prof. Leslie studied the works of Pier Luigi Nervi on how he made
extensive of use of different forms to arrive at most efficient and economical solutions
throughout his career.7

Figure 6. Magazzini Generali Warehouse, Chiasso Switzerland, 1924 (Maillart)

Figure 6 above is an example of understanding the relationship between form and forces. The
designer Robert Maillart did not have the advantage of CAD and other computer tools but
somehow, he was able to device a solution - a “constant-force” truss. The diagonals of the
trusses were rendered unnecessary since the dominant loads are carried mainly by the chords.
Any unforeseen loads are assumed to be resisted by the Vierendeel effect of the trusses.

A research group led by Prof. Philippe Block (ETH, Zurich) works on different technologies
combined with the principles of graphic statics to solve problems which involves “masonry
structures, graphical analysis and design methods, computational form finding and structural
design, discrete element assemblies, and fabrication and construction technologies.”8 (Block)
Prof. Block and his team acknowledge the techniques and methods that were used by master

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 6 of 11

builders in history as they continuously focus their research on these areas – “Learning from the
past to design a better future”.9 (Block)

Another work by Simon Greenwold and Edward Allen, called Active Statics, combines the
principles of graphic statics with modern computational tools to generate solutions for simple
structures such as truss, cable, arch, fan-like structures, etc. This demonstrates the potential of
working with seemingly old techniques combined with modern technology. These tools allow
the engineer to generate forms which are practically impossible with purely analytical and
numerical methods.

Figure 7. Simple Bridge Truss

3.3 Simplicity and Efficiency

Structural forms which adhere to its intended function almost always produce an efficient and
optimal solution for design. It is often found that the simplest form possible to support the
structure is also the most efficient.

3.3.1 Arches / Hanging Cables

Arches and hanging cables (when inverted) are compression and tension structures that can be
designed using a specific thrust line for a given set of loads. When their form is altered such that

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 7 of 11

it follows the loads imposed on them, a solution is possible where the structure experiences pure
compression or tension only. Any accidental load that might induce bending could be addressed
by stiffening the structure by other efficient means.

3.3.2 Fan-Like / Branching Structures

Figure 7. Fan-Like Structures in Tension and Compression

This type of structures work as a series of struts or ties to transmit the loads imposed on them. It
could be best visualized as capillaries of bodies of water, transmitting rivers and streams.

3.3.3 Membrane and Shell Structures

Membrane and Shell Structures can be considered as extended three-dimensional application of

arches and cables. Analysis and design of these structures are far more complicated, with which
modern form-finding and computational tools would be best suited.

4. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND ART

There is a growing interest and discussions with the topic of structural art as a sub discipline of
structural engineering that is of a creative nature. It is also said that “Form Innovation” could be
the dominant role of the engineer.10 Prof. David Billington from Princeton University, cites the
works of Maillart, Roebling, Koechlin, Gaudi, Candela and others and suggests that those works
are not merely of structural engineering but of structural art as well. In his book The Tower and

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 8 of 11

the Bridge, Prof. Billington discusses different structural engineering works that exemplifies
structural art. Arguably, in today’s standards, the work of structural art “should be interpreted in
terms of the 'Three S's'; the scientific, social, and symbolic meaning” (Wikipedia) Furthermore,
the work should excel in efficiency, economy and elegance.11

4.1 On Other Bodies of Knowledge

“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” –
Robert Greene

Often, the subjects of History and Philosophy are regarded as minor and not given much
attention as they should. The engineer is a technical person but first and foremost a human being
trying to make its way in this world. He has certain emotions and feelings which can be
communicated through his work; and when he does so, the results are often remarkable. Edward
Allen remarks that structural design is not a science but a “craft” that relies on judgement rather
than absolute certainty. “Judgement based on broad knowledge of structural principles,
materials, details of construction...”12 (Allen, 2010) and so on. Ove Arup, the Engineer of the
20th Century studied Philosophy before he shifted to engineering. An article in the Arup website,
Philosophy Makes Better Engineer (Boyd, 2014), discusses the importance of Philosophy in the
practice of engineering.13

The shifting trends in structural engineering may require additional training and development
programs for practicing engineers. One glaring hole in the academic curriculum of an average
civil engineering degree in the Philippines is its lack of subjects on history of engineering.
Unlike in an architecture degree, students may be tasked to conduct case studies on existing or
historical structures; thereby students may be able to gain insights regarding good and bad
practices even before they embark on their professional career. In civil engineering, this can be
adopted by studying the works of engineers from the past and learn something which could be
integrated into current practice. This can also create inspirations and models that may be
followed by engineers once they start their professional practice. History may be full of trivial
facts and events but one can always extract lessons from it in order to shape a better future.

Engineers can also capitalize the expanding area of information technology as a way of looking
forward. Many computer tools today can save up time, especially from repetitive and mundane
tasks involved in the design process. This would allow the engineer to focus on higher level of
thinking and problem solving processes.

5. CONCLUSION

In technical terms, the main job of a structural engineer is to find a solution for a structure to
carry the loads imposed on it, as safely and efficiently as possible towards the ground. These
loads are forces acting on the structure, whether its own weight or any other forces from its
environment. It is a fact that the form of a structure plays a vital role in its ability to perform
those mentioned above. By having control with the structural form in the early stages of the
design, through the use of graphical methods, the engineer could go a long way in designing
efficient structures. Through the extensive use of graphic statics combined with modern CAD

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 9 of 11

technologies and other software programs, the tedious task of technical drawing, form-finding
and other computational tasks would no longer limit the engineer in his endeavours. The usage
of the technology allows him to focus his efforts on a higher level of thinking and problem
solving.

The evidences presented in this paper show that the engineer should no longer just concern
himself with the aspect of safety and serviceability (including economy). He should start to
develop himself to exceed those basic standards and start to think in terms of expression and
elegance. In doing so, a lot can be learned in other bodies of knowledge such as History,
Philosophy and Information Technology. This allows for fostering of creativity to address these
new challenges presented to him. But first and foremost, he should recognize that he is in the
forefront of this development, that collaborating with the architect and other professionals are a
much better way than simply working for them. By integrating these bodies of knowledge, the
engineer can go a long way in helping to create a beautiful and elegant built environment.

REFERENCES

1 The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) UK (2017). Kenneth Severn Award. Available at:
https://www.istructe.org/events-awards/people-and-papers-awards/kenneth-severn-award

2 Morgan, M.H. (1914). In: Vitruvius, The Ten Books of Architecture. London: Humphrey Milford,
Oxford University Press, p.13

3 Charleson, A. (2005), Stucture as Architecture. Oxford: Elsevier, p. 22

4 Charleson, A. (2005), Stucture as Architecture. Oxford: Elsevier, p. 22

5 Allen, E., Zalewski, W. (2010). Form and Forces. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 113

6 Van Mele, T., Block, P., Lachauer, L., Rippmann, M. (2012). Geometry-Based Understanding of
Structures. Journal of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures, pp. 285-295

7 Leslie, T. (2013). Carpenter’s Parametrics: Economics, Efficiency and Form in Pier Luigi Nervi’s
Concrete Designs. Journal of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures, pp. 107-115

8 Block, P. (2017). About. Block Research Group. Available at: http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch/brg/about

9 Block, P. (2017). About. Block Research Group. Available at: http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch/brg/about

10 Hu, N., Feng, P., Dai, G. (2014). Structural Art: Past, Present and Future. Elsevier, Engineering
Structures 79, pp. 407-416

11 Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopaedia, (2017). Structural Art. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_art

12 Allen, E., Zalewski, W. (2010). Form and Forces. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. Xiv

13 Boyd, R. (2014). Philosophy Makes Better Engineers. Thoughts. Available at:

http://thoughts.arup.com/post/details/334/philosophy-makes-better-engineers

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 10 of 11

 Figure 1 Clio (2016). Viollet-Le-What. [Blog] Clio’s Calendar: Daily Musings on Architectural History.
Available at: https://archhistdaily.wordpress.com/tag/viollet-le-duc/

Figure 2 Bronfin, A., Ding, M., Eggers, M. (2012). Palazzo del Lavoro, Pier Luigi Nervi.
[Blog] Cornell in Rome. Available at: https://blogs.cornell.edu/cornellinrome/2012/03/27/palazzo-del-
lavoro-pier-luigi-nervi/

Figure 3 Allen, E., Zalewski, W. (2010). Form and Forces. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 317

Figure 4 Allen, E., Zalewski, W. (2010). Form and Forces. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 287

Figure 5 Allen, E., Zalewski, W. (2010). Form and Forces. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 288

Figure 6 Perspectives on the Evolution of Structures, (2017). Magazzini Generali Warehouse Shed.
[online] Available at: http://www.ce.jhu.edu/perspectives/protected/ids/List.php

Figure 7 Active Statics, (2017). [online] Available at:

http://acg.media.mit.edu/people/simong/statics/data/

Figure 8 Allen, E., Zalewski, W. (2010). Form and Forces. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc p. 187

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Enrico Miguel Dalistan is an independent civil/structural design engineer (trading as 7DOF Engineering)
based in Manila, Philippines. He worked for a New Zealand company from 2014 to 2016 as an
independent structural engineering contractor. With almost 7 years of combined experience as an
employee of a multinational consulting firm, as a freelance and sub consultant for various local
engineering and architecture firms and as an independent professional, he continuously develop his skills
and ideas in working on creative engineering design and information technology. He also seeks
collaboration with other professionals towards this end.

He was awarded by the Professional Regulations Commission as one of the CE board top examinees in
2010. In 2009, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (Cum Laude) from FEU –
Institute of Technology where he also currently conducts part-time lectures.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author extends his gratitude to Arch. John Ian Lee Fulgar of Fulgar Architects for their creative
collaboration which turned seemingly ordinary design projects into something remarkable.

The author also appreciates and acknowledges the work presented by Engr. Anthony Vladimir Pimentel
(PICE SPACE 2015), which inspired him to study the subject of this paper.

Also, the author is very grateful for Engrs. Toby and Miriam Tamayo of TandeM Engineering
Consultancy for their encouragement

Finally, the author sincerely thanks the ASEP 18th AIC Committee for the opportunity to share this paper.

Moving Beyond Serviceability and Safety – Enrico Miguel L. Dalistan Page 11 of 11