Structural Systems Selection

1. Introduction 

In architecture, the selection of a structural system is far more than a technical decision. It is an integral part of the design process that directly influences spatial quality, aesthetics, construction feasibility, sustainability, and cost. Matching a structural system to the architectural intent is a skill that recent graduates must develop to effectively collaborate with structural engineers and realize their design visions. Understanding structural systems is essential not only to ensure the integrity and safety of a building but also to leverage the expressive potential of structure in design. This article explores the main types of structural systems, how to align them with architectural goals, and the contextual factors that influence system selection. 

Red Visual Aid Suggestion: A flowchart showing how design goals (e.g., large spans, flexibility, budget constraints) lead to appropriate structural system choices. 

2. Defining Architectural Intent Architectural intent encompasses the spatial, functional, aesthetic, and contextual goals that guide a design. Examples include: 

• Open-plan spaces for flexibility
• Monumental scale for civic buildings
• Lightweight appearance for transparency
• Rapid construction for budget or schedule constraints

 Understanding intent at the outset helps inform system selection. This section guides how to interpret design goals and translate them into structural criteria. 

Red Visual Aid Suggestion: A diagram mapping common architectural intents to structural priorities (e.g., flexibility to column grid systems). 

Pro Tip #1: Always document and communicate your architectural intent clearly in early-stage drawings and narratives—this prevents mismatches with engineering proposals later. 

3. Overview of Structural System Types3.1 Load-Bearing Wall Systems 

• Use solid walls to support vertical loads
• Ideal for low-rise construction and simple floor plans
• Material examples: masonry, rammed earth, concrete

 Red Visual Aid Suggestion: Section drawing of a load-bearing wall system showing wall thickness and load path. 

3.2 Frame Systems 

• Columns and beams form a skeleton
• Allows for greater flexibility in spatial layout
• Common in steel and reinforced concrete buildings

 Red Visual Aid Suggestion: Isometric of a typical moment-resisting frame and braced frame comparison. 

3.3 Shell and Folded Plate Systems 

• Use curved or folded surfaces to distribute loads
• Efficient for long spans with minimal material
• Suited for auditoriums, pavilions, and religious structures

 3.4 Truss and Space Frame Systems 

• Triangulated elements create rigid geometry
• Useful for large spans in stadiums and terminals
• Lightweight and fast to erect

 3.5 Tensile and Cable Structures 

• Use tension elements to form lightweight structures
• Visually expressive and structurally efficient
• Best for roofs and canopies

 Pro Tip #2: Truss and tensile structures often require precise detailing and pre-engineering; consider lead times and specialist fabricators during design. 

4. Matching Structural Systems to Building Typology4.1 Residential 

• Load-bearing masonry for low-cost housing
• RC frames for mid- to high-rise apartments

 4.2 Commercial 

• Steel or concrete frames for open-plan offices
• Post-tensioned slabs for long-span, column-free spaces

 4.3 Cultural and Civic 

• Shells and large-span structures for iconic forms
• Composite systems for acoustic and visual performance

 Red Visual Aid Suggestion: Matrix comparing structural systems to building types based on scale, flexibility, and budget. 

Pro Tip #3: In residential design, repetitive spans (e.g., similar apartment layouts) can drastically reduce structural cost when using standardized systems. 

5. Contextual Considerations5.1 Climate 

• In hot climates, thermal mass systems (e.g., concrete, masonry) reduce cooling loads
• In seismic zones, flexible and lightweight systems like steel perform better

 5.2 Urban vs. Rural 

• Urban sites may limit crane access or staging, affecting system choice
• Rural sites may favor load-bearing walls due to ease of sourcing local materials

 5.3 Budget and Timeline 

• Prefabricated systems like precast concrete or steel reduce on-site time
• In low-budget projects, choose systems with minimal formwork and repetitive details

 Red Visual Aid Suggestion: Annotated site section illustrating how environmental context influences structure. 

Pro Tip #4: Always discuss with the contractor early—construction constraints and site logistics can make or break your intended system. 

6. Integration with Building Services Choosing a structural system also affects HVAC, plumbing, and electrical integration. For example: 

• Flat slabs allow flexibility in routing ducts
• Deep beams may obstruct service runs unless coordinated

 Red Visual Aid Suggestion: Section showing duct integration in a flat slab vs. beam-and-slab system. 

Pro Tip #5: Coordinate service zones early. Ask MEP consultants for their preferred structural conditions, especially around risers and equipment. 

7. Case Studies7.1 Centre Pompidou, Paris (Renzo Piano + Richard Rogers) 

• Exposed steel truss system
• Structural system as architectural expression
• Allowed large column-free interior spaces for exhibitions

 7.2 TWA Terminal, New York (Eero Saarinen) 

• Reinforced concrete shell structure
• Expressive forms directly shaped by structural behavior
• Thin-shell structure reduced material use while achieving iconic geometry

 7.3 Bosco Verticale, Milan (Boeri Studio) 

• Reinforced concrete core and cantilevered slab structure
• Needed to support large loads from vegetated balconies
• Careful structural-architectural integration ensured safety and design coherence

 Red Visual Aid Suggestion: Photographic diagrams of each case study with key structural elements annotated. 

8. Conclusion Structural system selection is a bridge between architectural vision and technical execution. It shapes not only how a building stands but how it is experienced, built, and sustained. Recent graduates should approach system selection as a design decision rooted in context, performance, collaboration, and creativity. By understanding the fundamental types of systems, aligning them with project intent, and learning from built examples, new architects can make informed, confident choices that elevate their designs and ensure buildability.