Elements of conceptual design: an innovative course.

Resumen

This paper describes an innovative course taught by the authors at Princeton University that illustrates the process of ‘conceptual design’, meaning how to use and combine the many tools one learns as a structural engineer to find forms and design structures that are efficient, economical, and elegant. For example, the class illustrates how several structural systems are combined, such as prestressing, torsional resistance, and curved beam theory to create forms for sensational bridges, shells, and buildings. Further, students learn how to find forms and optimize them, using traditional analysis tools such as graphic statics and Maxwell Theorem. The significance of this class is that many engineers lack the creativity to imagine how to use the many engineering tools and skills to find new elegant forms for structures. Novel and effective pedagogical approaches were taken to teach the class. While lectures and weekly calculation assignments were given, other creative approaches, such as games or readings, were taken as well. Students indicated that the course is both instructional and inspirational since it is based upon exemplary designs.