Inspiration from Nature in the Training of Structural Design in Architecture

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Architectural Engineering, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

2 Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran.

3 Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, Iran.

4 Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Abhar Branch.

Abstract

Particular attention to the relationship between architecture and nature, especially in the past three decades, has flourished a very distinctive accomplishments, and yet more useful than the past, in terms of the emergence of new architectural approaches as well as the coordination of new technologies, such as nanotechnology. Structure, as one of the essential components of architecture, is of particular importance. Different and sometimes contradictory approaches to designing structure and architecture, “with” each other or “on” each other, may create different qualities and affect the value of architecture and structure. Relying on the fact that the dialogue between the architect and the designer of the structure is one of the necessities of creating an architectural work, this paper puts a substantial emphasis on the learning of structural sciences by the architects and their mastery in the recognition of structural principles. Furthermore, with a critical look at the adherence of architecture to structure and the key role of naturalism the paper seeks out the origins of this problem in the method of structure training for architects. The pathology of failure to realize the use of nature strategies for the harmony of architecture and structure in the current architecture of Iran is the main research question in this study. This research has been based on three pillars of analysis, assessment and evaluation. In the first step, using a causal-comparative research methodology, the challenges of naturalism in architectural techniques after the industrial revolution are addressed and the position of structure in the naturalistic approach of these styles is evaluated. In the second step, applying interpretive-historical research method, the critics of architecture under discussion are addressed and the achievements of nature in architecture and in particular structure in academic arena are then pointed out. The survey and analysis with the help of SPSS software is the last instrument used for assessment and evaluation in this research. It should be noted that in this survey, the structural and experimental knowledge of the architect in forms, structures and natural structures were considered as the independent variables, whereas the design skills of architect in the harmony of architecture and structure using more naturalist strategies were considered as the dependent variable.Comparison of previous research with the survey indicates that the failure of Iran’s current architecture for the harmony with structure and better exploitation of nature is due to the incorrect reception of the Iranian public architecture in this area, which is often formed in the area of education. Finally, this research accentuates on the purposeful change in teaching method of technical courses to improve the understanding of the behavior and structures by architects. Suggestions to improve such an important phenomenon in professional workspace are also presented.

Keywords

References

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The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar
Volume 15, Issue 68
February 2019
Pages 59-72

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