The document discusses three basic structural forms - solid, shell, and frame. It provides details on each: solids are made of one solid piece and are strongest but heaviest, shells have a hollow interior and rounded surfaces, and frames are arranged rigid parts. The document then gives an example of a landscape designer who used a solid structure for benches but received complaints because function was overlooked in favor of durability. It concludes by discussing how structures can be classified based on their intended functions and aesthetics.

2.  The first thing that one will notice about a
structure is its shape
 There are three basic structural forms that
are commonly used in our world both
naturally and man-made
◦ Solid
◦ Shell
◦ Frame

3.  Is formed from one solid piece or a
combination of solid pieces of a strong
material
 This structure has little or no open space
inside of it and relies on its own mass to
resist forces
 Are usually stronger than the frame or shell
structures but also extremely heavy

5.  Made up of a rigid arrangements of parts all
fastened together
 No individual component of the frame is as
strong as the frame as a whole
 Can be arranged 2-dimensional or 3-
Dimensional
 Are lighter than a solid structure because
there is less material used

7.  Has a solid outer surface, which may be
rounded or flat with a hollow interior
 Rounded surfaces are usually stronger than
flat shaped, because a curved area distributed
the load more evenly
 This structure is lighter than a solid structure
 Are usually stronger than a frame structure
and more commonly used for protection

9.  You are a landscape designer who has been hired
to create benches for the HEB school ground that
will last a long time and not be easily removed.
Using structural forms discussed previously you
choose a solid structure design as the best
choice.
 So 10 block like benches are built. A few months
later a member of the school council calls you
about some concerns regarding your benches.
WHY?

10.  Many structures are designed to serve more
than one FUNCTION (use or purpose)
 Using the bench problem as an example we
can notice that the main function of the
benches were over looked.
◦ Too much attention was given to designing the
bench that was durable and secure ,and not enough
to the comfort and appealing look of them

12.  When a designer has all of the expected
functions of a structure they are more able to
produce a quality product
 Structures today are commonly created for
two things;
◦ To shelter people
◦ To shelter moving cargo
◦ Think of an airplane design – which does it
provide??

13.  Technological problems can often be solved
in a variety of ways using many different
structural designs, materials, and processes
 To get ideas for structures that meet
particular functions many designers look to
the natural world
◦ Ever notice how barbed wire resembles a thorn
bush?

15.  Some structures look very different from one
another but they all serve the same purpose
 Over time people have found what work and
what doesn’t work through trial and error
methods.
◦ How will a house with a flat roof work in a high
mountain area?

18.  Many human-made products resemble the
natural world
◦ Eg. Flippers and duck feet
◦ Bat wings and airplane wings
◦ Barbed wire and a thorn bush

20.  One way structures can be classified is based on
their aesthetic quality
 Aesthetics refers to the pleasing appearance or
effect that an object has because of its design
 Not all structures need to be aesthetically
pleasing
 Humans throughout time and cultures have
always attempted to decorate their homes on the
outside and inside so that they are attractive
◦ First Nation Teepees