Studying form – Innovation in Structural Engineering Education

Abstract

This paper summarises the authors' experience in the design and implementation of an innovative course in structural engineering education. A course on structural form and behaviour of “non-conventional” or space structures, which primarily focuses on form-finding through physical modelling, is described, although, where appropriate, computer modelling is also encouraged. Several case studies of student work are presented and the insights acquired by the students are discussed. It is concluded that the design of space structures, based on qualitative assessment of their functionality and performance, should be given more prominence within the civil and structural engineering curriculum.