A Study On Strategies For Integrated Design Of Architecture And Structure

Structure, as an irreplaceable sub-system in architecture, plays a key role in form evolvement, space experience and efficiency improvement in the whole system. In this paper, a way of "Integrated Thinking" is proposed to study the relationship between structure and architecture in an aim to explore the potential of involvement of structural design into the entire architectural design process. Discussion is focused on how to coordinate the structural sub-system within architecture, so as to achieve the system optimization while maintaining self-properties of the structures. The paper put forth the idea of transformation of design philosophy from a traditional way to an integrated one, by doing so, the structural dual functions of load-bearing and spatial formation can be realized, and the essence and architectural meaning of a structure can thus be expanded.The paper studies the origins of concept of integration by logically teasing out many branches of learning, such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, and system theory etc. On the basis of the universality, the general principles, hierarchies and goals are established for an integrated design. The paper defines and explains in detail the three hierarchies in the integrated design of structure and architecture:self-integration, function-integration and gestalt-integration, in terms of integrated thinking, the relation between structure and architecture is re-examined to work out three design principles for a structure:form configuration, mechanical efficiency and tectonic clarity; Three different ways of expression of a structure achieved in an integrated design are also analyzed; The routes of operation for the integrated design are pursued following the threads of induction of space, force and geometry.As performance improvement and self optimization within the structural system itself, and as a basis for optimization of the whole architecture system, the process and realization of structural self-integration are discussed and demonstrated in this paper; To achieve the goal of all-in-one integration of structure, space and interface, the function-integration of a structure is studied, the potential of expanding of structural attribute and the possible contribution to architectural system are explored; Upon the design of self-integration and function-integration, the methodology and strategy of gestalt-integration design are studied to finally achieve the goal of manifestation of structural efficiency and the whole emergence of architecture.