Abstract

From an architectural perspective, structural design involves a fundamental understanding of the reciprocal relationships between static principles, material properties, and spatial qualities under a holistic approach. In this context, the construction, and the iterative development of experimental models (both physical and digital) plays a fundamental role in the conceptual phase of the design process. This paper presents the results of the work developed in the last two years by the students at the Department of Architecture at Rice University (USA), regarding the implementation of structural principles in the exploration of experimental models that integrate spatial and material questions. These explorations take advantage of the potential offered by digital tools in combination with the construction of physical models to generate integral design concepts from the early stages of the design process. Besides, the articulation of parametric design methods and contemporary fabrication tools expand the pedagogic potential in order to materialize multiple design options and facilitate a broader and more flexible understanding of the conceptual relationships between structure, material, and space.