Example of engineering rough draft sketches
Today, we call these sturdy beams, I-beams (see Figure 1). Engineers began to develop steel beams that are much stronger than wood and could be used in the construction of buildings and bridges. Architects had plans and hopes for taller buildings, but the materials available at the time did not allow for buildings to hold the weight of buildings greater than about 10 stories tall. This was because the main material used in constructing structures was wood. Before there were skyscrapers, the tallest buildings could only stand about 10 stories high. Has anyone ever been in a skyscraper? Skyscrapers did not exist until the late 1800's. Sturdy steel "I-beams" allow skyscrapers to be constructed. Think of skyscrapers and how tall they are - what a massive feat to design and build such a tall structure.įigure 1. The engineer figures out which materials to use and how to safely construct the building the architect has envisioned. How do architects and engineers work together? The architect is focused on making sure the design the space to meet client needs, as well as the aesthetic appearance the building, whereas the engineer is primarily focused with the safety and functionality of the structure. So, the jobs of an engineer and architect, although similar, vary in some details. What is an architect? An architect is a person who develops the creative designs for buildings or structures. (optional: show students the What Is Engineering? video) Engineers use math and science to design and build structures, equipment and processes. What is an engineer? An engineer is a person who designs and builds things for the benefit of society. Let's try to clear things up, starting off with things that we know. This may seem a bit confusing at first, as the roles and responsibilities of engineers and architects are not clear cut and overlap a bit. The two main designers of a building are the architect and the engineer. Who else do you think may be involved in the process of making buildings? Other types of engineers, architects, land use planners, construction workers, among others, are all involved in creating buildings.
You know that civil engineers help to make buildings, but are a bit curious about who else might be involved in the process. The parking structure is very modern looking - with all sorts of fancy touches and decorations. The parking structure is jammed full, with cars packed into all 10 levels. As you pull up to the drop off point, you are in awe of how many people are around the stadium.
The day of the Olympic soccer game has finally arrived! Your class has rented an eco-friendly bus to take you to the Olympic stadium. Explain that the development of steel was a key prerequisite for the construction of skyscrapers.Give an example of the differing responsibilities architects and engineers have in building design.Explain the roles of an architect and an engineer.One way that engineers and architects communicate their ideas to each another is through blueprints, or technical drawings.Īfter this lesson, students should be able to: Engineers concern themselves with making buildings safe and functional by selecting structural materials, determining the structural members of the design, and specify the electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems. Engineers' main responsibility is to ensure the design is safe and meets all appropriate building codes. Architects design the space to meet client needs, as well as the aesthetic appearance of the inside and exterior of the building. Both professions are integral to the design and construction of structures, such as buildings and bridges. The responsibilities of engineers and architects often overlap. Copyright © 2006 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA.