Your design team is obsessed with aesthetics. How do you convince them that structural integrity is crucial?

In Structural design, building codes reference is the most basic and most important aspect, codes are created based on experiments, trial and error and also based on real time behaviour of existing structures, so for every aspect of design codes are most crucial, but some times aesthetic purposes and client requirements, it is against the code practices, if a structure fails then the sole responsibility will be on structural engineer if not followed building codes, though the failure may be due to construction errors or soil stability issues. So follow of codes is most essential for structural engineer

Tell them to read the biography of Elon Musk. Musk challenged every assumption. What design changes will enhance the product, reduce the cost, and make it more appealing to the end user. He wanted the name of the designer, not the name of the department, for every change. He would ask them why is that change necessary? Quite often, the answer was that it is code or it would add a feature. He would challenge them and ask if it is necessary? I've won several international design awards for swimming pools. Safety and structural integrity were always the key ingredients. Then I added the visual ingredients to make it aesthetically appealing

Convincing a design-obsessed team of the importance of structural integrity is like reminding a chef that quality ingredients matter. Aesthetics are the dish, but structural integrity is the recipe that ensures it holds together. I’d highlight that a beautiful design is only as good as its foundation; a stunning fa?ade can’t shine if the structure isn’t sound. By integrating structural integrity from the start, we ensure our creations are not only visually impressive but also safe and lasting. It’s about creating a masterpiece that stands the test of time—because no one wants a showstopper that collapses!

In design depending on the codes and standards used , the the structural work might be tedious due to the aesthetics or beautifications from the architectural drawings. Hence, in complying with the Owner's requirement I will do the following to encourage my team: 1.Explain the Interdependence of Form and Function Safety as a Priority: 2. Use Case Studies and Examples 3. Collaborative Approach 4. Highlight Long-Term Benefits 5. Visual and Technical Presentations 6. Regulatory and Ethical Considerations 7. Choose the alternatives or different Approaches for the structural analysis and use the optimal approach for the complex sections of the structure

Aesthetics is very important in design and construction, but the integrity of the structure is one of the most important design discussions because the way to choose the materials in the structure that corresponds to the project environment and the climate of the area, the resistance of the materials to corrosion and the factors of tensile shock stress and design that It is very important to be resistant to factors such as earthquakes, storms, etc., along with the beauty of the architectural design and the flexibility of the structure

Risk has been one of the factors which should be considered, and there are many hazards leading to difficult situations, these hazards can be natural as well as man-made, so its important for engineers to have a design which , in the time of any risky situation, may provide the occupants with the safe exits, if you have to eliminate aesthetics for this purpose, it shouldn’t be a problem

Concordo plenamente! A integridade estrutural é a base de qualquer projeto bem-sucedido. Enquanto as tendências e o design estético podem evoluir, a seguran?a e a durabilidade de uma estrutura devem sempre ser a prioridade máxima. Já vi casos em que negligenciar esses aspectos levou a consequências sérias, e isso refor?a a importancia de integrar práticas de gest?o de riscos desde o início. Ao focarmos na solidez e seguran?a, garantimos n?o apenas a longevidade do edifício, mas também a prote??o das pessoas que o utilizam

Risk management is a vital aspect for any construction work. We should have to eliminate 95% of risk associated with the project then it will be beneficial. We construct 100 % risk proven construction, basically it is next to impossible. We should have to manage all risk and minimum cost and construct an economical and social viable construction. Nowadays various institutes conduct risk management seminar webinar and short course and full time course. We all engineers should have to consume the exposure.

Risk management in civil engineering is an essential and emergency part of any engineering because without taking any risks, it connotes the fact that the engineer must make room for emergency. Example like designing a road network, certain things must be considered such as CBR ratio, detortion of road failures, drainage rigidity, asphalt rigidity etc. risk management is a must considered.

1-Safety Concerns: Emphasize that poor structural integrity can lead to safety hazards, including potential injury or loss of life. Use real-world examples or case studies where design flaws led to failures. 2-Legal and Financial Implications: Point out that ignoring structural integrity can result in lawsuits, financial losses, and damage to the company’s reputation.

Functionality is another aspect in construction. We should know that construction is done for beautification or for daily use or for both. Depending on that we should take action and do the job. Example if you constructed a bridge for carrying daily huge traffic then we should have to keep focus on the structural design aspect. If a construction is done for beautification like a construction park and foot bridge on the view point of a hill or river. Then we should have to keep it more aesthetically appealing. 3rd case, mostly we consider this approach, we construct safe structure and also aesthetically good building. Most IT buildings like that.

Depending upon the nature and purpose of the structure, it’s usability and functionality is defined, so some structures such as industries, warehouses and many utility structures will not need to essentially aesthetic, to them it will important if they are fulfilling their sole purpose under safe conditions or not, simple

Daily Use and Longevity: Highlight that a structurally sound design ensures that the building can handle daily wear and tear without compromising its usability. Over time, a structure lacking in integrity may develop issues like cracks, leaks, or even structural failures, which can render the space unusable. Adaptability: Structural integrity also makes a building more adaptable for future modifications or changes in use, which can be a significant functional advantage.

We should have to learn from past incidents. Keep the eyes open and use powerful tools. Educate your team and each player as much as possible.Learn decision making approach to each individual.

Organize workshops or seminars focused on structural integrity in design. Bring in experts, such as structural engineers, to explain the principles of structural integrity and how it impacts functionality. These sessions can include hands-on activities, like analyzing case studies or working through design challenges. Training Programs: Invest in formal training programs that cover topics like building codes, load calculations, material properties, and structural analysis. Online courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning can be useful. Provide access to textbooks, articles, and case studies that cover structural integrity, engineering fundamentals, and the consequences of structural failures.

Collaboration and mutual discussions between the group of engineers have proven to beneficial as if we see in the past, every person has a unique way of thinking and solving problems, so when engineers will sit together to sort out the problems, brilliant solutions can be found

Collaboration is needed in each and every field. Basically one person cannot have the expertise in all the fields so we need to collaborate with others and consider other key's skill and use it for a better constructional project. Architectural engineer, Civil engineer and design engineer should have to work collectively to fully fill certain construction work.

1-Workshops and Training: Conduct sessions where the team can learn about the importance of structural integrity, possibly with an external expert or engineer. 2-Involve Them in Problem-Solving: Encourage the team to collaborate with engineers early in the design process to address structural concerns creatively.