About the Book

Welcome!

This textbook is prepared explicitly for students seeking a degree in an Architecture program and taking an introductory course in structural engineering. It is assumed that students referring to this textbook have a minimum background in math and physics. Therefore, principal concepts are explained using visual demonstrations, videos, graphics, and jargon-free descriptions. Wherever a minimum knowledge of trigonometry and math is required, additional materials are introduced for review. Unlike a standard textbook, this textbook aims to support student’s self-exploration of foundational topics on structural design rather than providing them with a script to assimilate and repeat. Therefore, it contains a collection of visual materials and interactive resources readily available online developed by research groups and public agencies. In addition, examples are included to clearly explain the theories and math problems.

I hope this textbook is an accessible and enjoyable resource to support your learning about fundamental concepts of structural design. I acknowledge that this textbook will never really be finished. It can always be better. The readers’ perspectives on both content and style are valued as I revise and improve this book. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your critics via email anahita2@pdx.edu.

About the Author

Anahita Khodadadi is an Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) in the School of Architecture and Planning and collaborates with researchers across the Graduate School of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences as a part of the campus-wide Learning Science Initiative. Khodadadi received her doctoral degree in Architecture (Building Technology) at the University of Michigan. Her research interests include performance-based design, configuration processing of spatial structures using Formex algebra, interactive multi-objective optimization, development of parametric design tools, and STEM education for non-STEM students. Khodadadi is a registered architect in Tehran, Iran, and a LEED Green Associate. Khodadadi’s significant fields of expertise are geometrical modeling of spatial forms, object-oriented programming, and understanding and analyzing the structural performance of buildings.