Classifying and Function of Structures

The first thing that one will notice about a structure is its shape

There are three basic structural forms that are commonly used in our world both naturally and man-made

◦ Solid◦ Shell◦ Frame

Is formed from one solid piece or a combination of solid pieces of a strong material

This structure has little or no open space inside of it and relies on its own mass to resist forces

Are usually stronger than the frame or shell structures but also extremely heavy

Solid Structure

Made up of a rigid arrangements of parts all fastened together

No individual component of the frame is as strong as the frame as a whole

Can be arranged 2-dimensional or 3-Dimensional

Are lighter than a solid structure because there is less material used

Frame Structure

Has a solid outer surface, which may be rounded or flat with a hollow interior

Rounded surfaces are usually stronger than flat shaped, because a curved area distributed the load more evenly

This structure is lighter than a solid structure

Are usually stronger than a frame structure and more commonly used for protection

Shell Structure

You are a landscape designer who has been hired to create benches for the HEB school ground that will last a long time and not be easily removed.

Using structural forms discussed previously you choose a solid structure design as the best choice.

So 10 block like benches are built. A few months later a member of the school council calls you about some concerns regarding your benches.

WHY?

Many structures are designed to serve more than one FUNCTION (use or purpose)

Using the bench problem as an example we can notice that the main function of the benches were over looked.

◦ Too much attention was given to designing the bench that was durable and secure ,and not enough to the comfort and appealing look of them

Function

When a designer has all of the expected functions of a structure they are more able to produce a quality product

Structures today are commonly created for two things;◦ To shelter people◦ To shelter moving cargo

◦ Think of an airplane design – which does it provide??

Technological problems can often be solved in a variety of ways using many different structural designs, materials, and processes

To get ideas for structures that meet particular functions many designers look to the natural world◦ Ever notice how barbed wire resembles a thorn

bush?

Function + Effective Design

VS

Some structures look very different from one another but they all serve the same purpose

Over time people have found what work and what doesn’t work through trial and error methods.

◦ How will a house with a flat roof work in a high mountain area?

Common Function Different Design

Examples of the Same Function

Many human-made products resemble the natural world◦ Eg. Flippers and duck feet◦ Bat wings and airplane wings◦ Barbed wire and a thorn bush

Other Charactreristics

One way structures can be classified is based on their aesthetic quality

Aesthetics refers to the pleasing appearance or effect that an object has because of its design

Not all structures need to be aesthetically pleasing

Humans throughout time and cultures have always attempted to decorate their homes on the outside and inside so that they are attractive◦ First Nation Teepees

Aesthetics

80’s90’s

Early 2000’s Mid -2000’s NOW