Selective studio course (24 credits)

The structural system and material one chooses for a building will in most cases have a significant influence on the project economy, quality and architectural expression. A structure’s dimensions give a first hint of whether the structural system is appropriate or not.

In this course we will focus on proportions and dimensions for different structures. What are the limitations for the most common structural systems/materials, and what can be done to obtain what we want – longer spans or cantilevers, slimmer structures etc. 

The aim of this course is to make the students more capable of judging their own concepts and projects from a structural point of view. We also want them to see how a concept can be structurally improved.

Finally we hope to improve the realism in student’s drawings by increasing their knowledge of proportions and dimensions. The students are also supposed to learn how to calculate required dimensions for a beams cross section according to Norwegian standards.

Some parts of the course are based on Norwegian standards and regulations, while other parts are more general.

When passing this course the student will have learnt about structural proportions, dimensions and limitations. The student will be able to use tables and rules of thumb to judge whether a structural system/material is suitable for the architectonic task. Further the student will be able to estimate dimensions for the most common structural elements and materials.

For some materials and structural systems the student should, at the end of the course, be able to choose the correct cross-section for a structural element by use of load-calculations and Norwegian tables.

The first few weeks of the course will be based on lectures on different materials, structural systems and typical dimensions.

During this period there will also be tasks/workshops on observing and portraying structural proportions, for instance as hand sketches, pictures etc.

Gradually, as the level of knowledge increases, there will be home tasks, individual and in groups, where the students are supposed to decide on structural systems, materials, and dimensions for given buildings

It is also possible that projects from the student’s studio will be used for discussion and rough dimensioning.

It is also possible that the frame analysis programme “Focus konstruksjon” will be introduced to the students. This will depend upon level of knowledge and interest.

The course is partly based on home tasks, and two thirds of these will have to be delivered and passed to qualify for the written exam. During the exam all aids will be allowed. The course will use an internal sensor.

The course is assessed as pass/fail, subject to the Regulations for Master's degree programmes at Oslo School of Architecture and Design, § 6-14.

Mandatory reading  

A compendium that will be made available is mandatory reading (the compendium is in Norwegian only).

Recommended reading  

Allen, E., & Iano, J. (2004). Fundamentals of building construction: materials and methods. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.  

Ching, F. D. K. (2008). Building construction illustrated. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.  (chapter 2, 4, 5, 6 og 12).

Deplazes, A. (2005). Constructing architecture: materials processes structures : a handbook. Basel: Birkhäuser.  

Orton, A. (1988). The way we build now: form, scale and technique. London: E. & F. N. Spon