ABS 341 — Structures for Architects I Units: 3
This course offers a comprehensive study of structural systems within diverse architectural typologies, with a primary focus on 20th and 21st-century Western traditions. Students will examine and compare the principles, materials, and conceptual frameworks that underpin contemporary structural solutions. Emphasis is placed on how architectural typology, technological advancements, environmental considerations, and geographical contexts shape structural design choices and innovations. Through lectures, case studies, and hands-on modeling exercises, students will gain a deep understanding of structural diversity and its influence on architectural form and function. The course cultivates critical analytical skills essential for integrating structural system selection and design into contextually responsive architectural design projects.