M 9:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
ANH 154
This seminar takes its title from Eduard Sekler’s essay “Structure, Construction, Tectonics” from 1965, where Sekler places the command of the architect in the realm of tectonic expression vs the specifics of structure and construction.
Through an introduction to the cultures of engineering and construction and the analysis of mostly 20th-century projects that are more demanding in terms of structure and construction — long-span, tall, shells, etc. — we will seek to rebalance the consideration of the tectonic in order to expand both the role of the architect beyond expression and increase the potential for the positive impact of structure and construction on expression (and ideas of design).
Advanced knowledge or experience with structural engineering is not a prerequisite for this course, but discussion and analysis will include structural mechanics the means of construction. You need only be curious about how things are made and how they work to engage in this course.