University Readers

Structures support load and are essential to define form and space. To design structures in synergy with form and space requires creativity and an informed intuition of the structural principles. The objective of this book is to introduce structural principles as the foundation of creative design and demonstrate successful application through many case studies. Richly illustrated, the book clarifies complex concepts without calculus yet provides greater insight for readers with mathematics background. The book includes details in wood, steel, masonry, concrete, and fabric. Many graphs streamline complex tasks like column buckling and design for wind and seismic forces and correlate SI metric with US units. The book is a reference book for design studios, architects, civil engineers and builders and a text book for education.

Professor Schierle is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, recipient of the ACSA Creative Achievement Award, NSF, HUD, and FEMA research grants, founding Director of USC’s Master of Building Science Program, and a professional architect. He has lectured and published extensively on design for earthquake safety and tensile structures, including at AIA National Conventions. Dr. Schierle holds PhD and Master of Architecture degrees from UC Berkeley and a Dipl-Ing degree from Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences. He teaches structures and design at USC and has also taught at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford. He has served on the California structure license committee, the Journal for Architectural Education Editorial Board, and Fabric Architecture advisory board and annual awards jury. His professional practice includes major projects in America, Asia, and Europe.

This book is a must for anyone aspiring to be an innovative architect, engineer or builder. Unique for its explanations of the relationship between engineering principles and architectural form.
-Dimitry Vergun, AIA, SE, Architect and Structural Engineer

Professor Schierle has struck a perfect balance between the pragmatic of structure and the creative of architectural design. His textbook is an invaluable resource for architects and structural engineers who collaboratively strive to achieve inventive, competent structural solutions that help define the form and space of buildings, yet offer structural safety, reliability, and predictable long-term performance.
-Julie Mark Cohen, B.Arch., PhD, PE, Consulting Structural and Forensic Engineer

This is a magnum opus for teaching structures. G.G. Schierle has covered it all in both numbers and graphics, from structural theory and material behavior, to superbly delineated case studies and useful rules of thumb. This book will greatly assist both student architects or engineers and seasoned design professionals in their search for a solid conceptual understanding of the integration of form and structure.
-Will Shepphird, PE, AIA, LEED, Architect and Structural Engineer

A digital file with over 100 assignments is free for adopting instructors.