resist gravity and longitudinal loads, and exposed cross-bracing resists
transverse loads (see Figs 3.40 and 3.41).
In buildings with more than one structural system and where it is
unclear which system is primary from a visual perspective, the concept
of structural formis too simplistic. The term structural systemsis more
appropriate in these cases.
Suckle’s study of ten leading architects suggests that architects determine
building form after considering a wide range of factors that usually, in the
first instance, do not include structure.^2 Design issues such as integrating
the programme or brief within the allowable site coverage and budget all
within an overriding architectural concept tend to be dealt with first. She
finds that while the intensity and importance of an initial design concept
varies greatly from designer to designer, structural considerations are
never paramount during the initial design stage to determine building
massing. Many architects probably identify with Erickson when he states:
Structure is the strongest and most powerful element of form, so much so
that if it is not the last consideration in the long series of decisions deter-
mining form, it distorts or modifies all other determinants of a building. One
finds in fact, that the structure has dictated all the other aspects of the
design. The inhabitants should not behave as the columns dictate – the con-
trary should surely be the case... As with all my buildings the structure was
not even considered until the main premises of the design – the shape of
the spaces and the form of the building had been determined. Thus, the
structure did not preclude but followed the design intent.^3
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL FORM 21
▲ 3.1 Library Square, Vancouver, Canada, Moshe Safdie and Associates Inc., 1995.
A typical longitudinal frame and the end of a perimeter transverse frame.
