December 2005, Issue #44
Feature Story: Architectural Engineering
Architects can dream only as far as architectural engineers can find sound ways to turn their dreams into structurally sound reality. Architectural engineers also design engineering systems within buildings—including sound, electrical systems, lighting, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and fire protection.
Architectural engineering is a specialized degree that focuses on the planning, design, construction, and operation of engineered systems for all different kinds of buildings—from skyscrapers and football stadiums to residences, hospitals, courthouses, shopping malls, and much more.
Architectural engineering consists of four sets of disciplines as they apply to buildings:
- structural engineering
- construction management
- electrical engineering
- mechanical engineering
Programs in architectural engineering may also encompass acoustical engineering and lighting engineering. While you think of acoustical engineering of primary importance in buildings such as concert halls, it can be an important consideration in other buildings such as recreational facilities—including swimming pools or stadiums—where it's important to hear and understand announcers.
Sydney Opera House
If you decide to major in architectural engineering, you'll study the fundamentals of engineering and building construction as well as architectural history and design, math, the physical sciences, and computer programming. Some programs may also include surveying. There are about 16 architectural engineering programs in the United States (see link to the Architectural Engineering Institute website below), and some of them require five years of fairly rigorous and diverse study.
When should you consider architectural engineering? Architectural engineering tends to be among the most creative of engineering disciplines. There are many solutions or ways to bring the architect's dream to life. You may even have the opportunity to work with some of the most renowned architects of our time.
What's the difference between a structural engineer and architectural engineer? Structural engineering is a specialty field within civil engineering. Students spend their first two years in the program learning about the broad base of topics civil engineers cover—from environmental engineering to transportation engineering. They spend the balance of the program focused on structural engineering for all types of structures—from buildings to dams and bridges. Architectural engineers spend their entire undergraduate program concentrating on engineering systems within the building envelope.
Special thanks to Abe Lynn, department head, Architectural Engineering at CalPoly for contributing much of the background information for this article.
Exiting Examples of Architectural Engineering:
Links of Interest:
http://www.aeinstitute.org/education/abet_ae.cfm
http://www.caed.calpoly.edu/arce.html
http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/advising/prospective_faq.asp
