Explaining the Challenges of Using Structures in Architectural Design Case study: Architecture Students and Graduates

Extensive research has been conducted on various aspects of structural knowledge. A complete study of the challenges and problems of structural design and its evaluation in the context of architecture within the conceptual process of structural design is not only limited and in its early stages in the structure design literature in the field of architecture and, but also it  has been neglected in the architecture literature in Iran. Therefore, in this research, the approach to the existing problems and challenges of structural design (at least) from two perspectives has been considered, namely its study in the architectural context and conceptual design stage. In the present study, according to the topics of structural theories and design process in the literature, these two perspectives have played a key role in all stages of research, including planning, data collection and data analysis. Structure formation in the design process stages, ranges from creating the form of the structure to computational solutions. Therefore, structure in the field of architecture, which is an integral part of architectural space, is known by examining various aspects of structural knowledge; an important issue in this process is the conversion of structural knowledge into architectural design and how to participate and use it effectively in the architectural design process. In other words, what type and volume of knowledge of structural knowledge in a multitude of design demands can be used in the design process? The stages of structural formation in a design process include two main steps of structural design and structural analysis. Design refers to the creation and overall design of a structure, which is more in the realm of the architects' duties; therefore, in this research, the step of structural design has been selected, which has various sections and is necessary for the activities of the architect in the early stages of the architectural design process (conceptual design stage of the structure). An important issue in the formation of the structure is how the knowledge of the structure is transferred in the early stages of architectural design. The main purpose of this study is to identify the challenges, issues and difficulties of structural knowledge participation in the architectural design process, especially in the conceptual design step of the structure. Qualitative research method has been selected in the form of an action research using questionnaire, interviews, note-taking and practical tests for data collection and analysis. The statistical population of the research is bachelor and master students of architecture and architecture graduates. The research findings show that despite having the necessary structural knowledge, many participants face challenges in terms of their participation in the architectural design process. The reason for many of these challenges is seen in the insufficient awareness of the participants about the relationship between architectural design and structural design and the lack of attention to the importance of geometric recognition of structural knowledge and structural systems.