Conceptual Design

Objectives
Conceptual Design is based on the overall understanding of the design processes with emphasis on a holistic approach. The broad understanding of design processes includes social as well as the technical, functional and aesthetical aspects of the structure. Conceptual Design shall be addressed in the early phases of the design process, in which the function and form are outlined with a good understanding of people’s needs. To this purpose, Commission 2 aims to provide a forum for discussing the importance and need for design along with its processes in engineering. The Commission underlines the responsibility of the structural engineer for the design and the structure.

Field of Activity
Commission 2 will work on the following three key levels to address the Conceptual Design:

First, the structural philosophy based on a holistic approach does not only serve to carry loads; a structure is understood without considering its aesthetic qualities. Commission 2 targets answering the following issues: a) how to develop a structure as a cohesive and complete design, and b) what is the relationship between the structure and its architectural form. This involves characteristics of creativity in engineering, the design motivation and, most importantly, how designers think and perceive structures. The development of a structural idea is based on or influenced by a role model, which can be found in construction history or natural forms (biomimetic). In structural engineering, design sustainability entails the proper use of resources, clear answers to social needs, and respect for the environment.

Second, collaboration highlights the interfaces of engineering with other disciplines such as architecture and art. This interdisciplinary interaction is becoming more and more crucial to the social interface.

Lastly, processes and tools are essential elements of Conceptual Design. New digital tools give a high impulse and are changing the way of doing things. As a result, the design processes require rethinking to consider all aspects of the digital work flow.

Current Task Groups under Commission 2

TG2.1 Construction History for Design
Chair: Nicolas Janberg, Germany

TG2.3 Education
Chair: Ignacio Paya-Zaforteza, Spain

TG2.4 Structural Optimization
Chair: Luo Xiaoyu, China

TG2.6 BIM for Conceptual Design
Chair: Filip Andabaka, Croatia

Chair
José Romo Martin, Spain

Vice Chair

Core Members
Mike Schlaich, Germany
Marcin Kasiak, Poland
Martin Knight, UK
Andreas Gianoli, Switzerland
Laurent Ney, Belgium
Annette Bögle, Germany

Ex-officio
Nicolas Janberg, Germany

Luo Xiaoyu, China

Ignacio Paya-Zaforteza, Spain

Filip Andabaka, Croatia