Structural elements and joints - a generator for design explorations

The paper introduces a methodology for structural elements and joints to become a generator for design explorations in the early conceptual design of buildings. To make the design team think about structure and joints, the authors propose to look at design from both the small and the big scale throughout the early design process. Thus, the methodology conceives design as a combination of a top-down and a bottom-up approach. Furthermore, the paper suggests forms of representation to investigate the different scales and ensure that joint, structure and architecture inform each other. Results from using this methodology are exemplified using a group of students in architectural engineering. In the process of designing a proposal for a temporary pavilion in timber, they learnt how design of joints influences structural strength and architectural expression. Implementation of the methodology may be significant in bridging the gap between architecture and structural engineering in both practice and education.