Conceptual Structural Design, Third edition addresses a topic that lies at the intersection of architecture and structural engineering. Within a building project, conceptual structural design, and how successfully it has been dealt with, impacts building performance as well as building appearance. Whilst engineers and architects are educated in different fields, the most rewarding projects are where their shared expertise can be utilised in full. This book illustrates how these two professions can be bridged.

The first half of this book details the theory and investigates sources of inspiration for developing structural form. This includes what can be learnt from natural forms by using intuition; finding inspiration from precedents; applying understanding of structural principles; utilising physical models for design; as well as using new design tools, construction methods, emerging technology and materials to develop new structural forms. The second part presents real-life case studies showing projects in context and examples of best practice. Reflective of the changing times in which we live, Conceptual Structural Design demonstrates

• developments in digital tools that offer sharing possibilities and digital platforms for design, analysis and fabrication


• energy efficiency and effective resource utilisation to meet sustainability goals


• the latest developments in design tools, construction methods and materials


• architects’ experiences from real projects and how they collaborate with engineers from the early stages of design.

This fully updated third edition of Conceptual Structural Design, addresses sustainable approaches and circular design. It also features additional online-only bonus material such as case studies about load-bearing glass structures and the Eden Project. The book is essential reading for architects and engineers, and for anyone interested in conceptual structural design.