Examining an Engineer's Design Studio

To begin this investigation, one asks, ‘What is an Engineer’s Design Studio?’ This paper examines the work and statements of three groups in an attempt to answer this question and define their significance. It must be acknowledged that the term ‘Design Studio’ is not a label chosen by all of these firms, but one suggested here to encapsulate their work. An Engineer’s Design Studio is a group of engineers engaging in building design. In fact, they are small specialist groups that seek to contribute to the design by challenging the existing assumptions in the design process. By asking bigger questions about a project than their discipline normally allows, a differing viewpoint emerges. These groups use engineering to articulate architectural visions. Again, not necessarily visions of the architect, for which they consult, but visions for the project that they are supporting. The difference is that engineering can be used in the creation of the ideas behind a project and not just in the articulation of the project. Additionally, the groups seek innovation through the use and growth of digital technology. Design studios within engineering firms in the construction industry are not common. Their existence has much to do with the changes occurring in this digital age. Digital technology not only influences architectural practice, it also reaches into the pedagogy of architectural education. By using the Engineer’s Design Studio as an example, one can see how the engineer’s aims can be applied to the benefit of current architectural education practices.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.Teach.2011.9

Volume Editors
Kiel Moe & William Braham

ISBN
978-0-935502-79-4