Structure, Form, and Architecture: The Synergy
Lecture 07: Connecting Structure and Architecture
Part-II
DR. SHUBHAJIT SADHUKHAN
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING
1
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
2
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
3
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
5
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/
9
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/
10
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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