Architectural Design

[civeng80]

Im a structural engineer but find that on Industrial/warehousing jobs I also do architectural/layout drawings as well as structural drawings and calculations on many jobs. Is anyone else in this category and if so how do you rate your architectural flare??

 

[gyroman10]

there is not much architecture involeved in simple portal frames, tapered frames, or truss type industrial or warehouse buildings. these type of buildings are typical and the basic requirements are Heights, most importantly the free span, and economy.
there is a trend of P.E.B. specialists, providing complete architectural and structural details. So i think they are to be blamed for starting this trend of architectural details coming from structural designer. Specialy here in Dubai.
So yes same here as far as Industrial buildings and warehouses are concerned.

 

[hokie66]

It is the main advantage of doing industrial work--you don't have to tolerate architects. Having said that, industrial buildings need not look like just boxes. There is no rule against engineers having "flair". If you don't have it, try to get it. If you do, flaunt it. One thing which architects generally do poorly, which should be one of their primary responsibilities, is to make buildings shed water properly without leaking. Surely engineers can do better.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

In somes states - the Boards have very specific rules concerning what an Engineer / Architect can and cannot do. Some are limited by cubic footage and/or the number of people who work or occupy the structure.

The most architecture I see on these types of warehouse buildings basically concerns the style of metal and the color. Whoopie!!!

But in Missouri - the rule is or was last time I checked - any building over 20,000 cubic feet or having more than 9 workers had to have an architect. WHY - I just don't know. I think they have a better rep than us engineers.

Many houses today are over 20,000 cubic feet and I have seen many houses designed by "designers" that are better than most architects could ever hope to create.

 

[civilperson]

Fire safety requirements, exits and escape travel distances, along with classification of the structure is needed to do the architectural drawings. HVAC, thermal loss calculations, plumbing diagrams to code, sewer connections and fire water supply, sprinkler design, set back and green space site requirements as well as zoning, grading, landscaping are all necessary for successful architectural plans.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Civilperson -

Can't and shouldn't an engineer be able to do most of those??

I'll give on landscaping...

 

[DonPhillips]

HVAC, heat loss/gain calcs, and plumbing diagrams I typically see MEP engineers provide. Sewer connections and water service are tpyically provided by civils, and few architects or engineers seem to provide sprinkler or fire alarm drawings - these tend to be provided by the contractor using a NICET certificate holder. Set backs and green space requirements are typically zoning and shown on the civil drawings. And the civils typicall show grading. I am seeing more and more landscape architects sealing those plans.


Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com