Jonathan Ochshorn
Room 121-B, Rand Hall
Department of Architecture
Cornell University
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ARCH 463: Special Topics in Structures: The Tectonic Articulation of Structure
Questions and assignments for Week 3 Readings, Spring 2001


Due: 9 Feb. 2001

Part I: Write short answers to the following questions, based on the readings assigned.

Ochshorn, "Structure vs. the Expression of Structure," Symposium on Architecture...

1. When Juan Bonta says that the "materials of ...architecture are not stones, any more than the materials of literature is ink," is there a counter-argument to this claim?

2. In what sense is Paul Cret being sarcastic in his comment on Sullivan's attitude?

3. If we can't "see" structural action, how do we sense its presence?


Sandaker and Eggen, "Structural Dualism," The Structural Basis of Architecture

1. The authors criticize Bofill's building because "the facade and the structural backbone exist in two different worlds..." Is there a counter-argument?


Thornton et. al., interviews with "Peter Rice" and "Leslie E. Robertson," Exposed Structure in Building Design

1. Rice says: "Never do in one joint what you can in two." Why?

2. Robertson says, referring to the U.S. Steel Building: "...while you see the actual structure and while you may know it's exposed steel, I don't think you understand how the structure works." Can such a structure be expressive of structure even if the actual structural behavior is beyond the comprehension of typical observers?


Part II: Case study of rail:

Find an existing railing at the edge of a balcony, mezzanine, or similar multi-story spatial condition (either found locally, or in books or magazines). Sketch section, elevation, and 3-D view (axon or perspective). Be prepared to discuss how the form of the railing relates to, or expresses, its structural function.

last updated: 1 February 2001

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