ENGR 431 – Structures Uncovered
Discipline(s): Engineering
Credits: 3
Instructor: Daniela Sinicropi, Ph.D., Licensed Architect
N.B. This course is exclusive to the Summer Engineering Program
Description
This course is designed as a pre-professional experience for current and/or future students of engineering. It examines the history, theory, and science of structures as pertaining to historic buildings and civic works. Structural systems, construction techniques, materials and details, as well as the cultural factors involved in traditional structural design will be considered. Discussions and analyses will provide the tools necessary to explore various case studies. Selected readings, class discussion, site visits and guest lectures will form the body of the work of the course. Paper topics may be chosen according to the specific interests of the individual student.
This course will be beneficial to students of engineering, architecture, as well as real estate, construction entrepreneurs and students of both social and cultural history.
Objectives
The aim of the course is to help students understand historic building techniques and the evolution of various structural systems over time. The course combines PPT lectures with numerous visits to historical buildings and building sites, including visits to building material manufacturers, where the materials of the past can be used as design materials today. Students will complete one term paper and an assignment during class time. The participation grade also reflects in-class discussion, which is based on the reading assignments.
Textbooks
During orientation at the Institute, students will receive a list of textbooks and/or course readers they are required to purchase. Students should not purchase any texts before orientation.
Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.