Architectural
engineering
Architectural Engineers
apply the skills of many engineering disciplines to the design, construction,
maintenance and recycling of buildings.
Difference
from component disciplines
What differentiates Architectural Engineering from
its component disciplines is the effort to understand and design for the integration
of all the building systems. Civil
Engineers, for instance, can and do design the structure of a building. The
Architectural Engineer with a specialization in structures will understand and
accommodate not only the structural requirements for a building, but also the
Architectural, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Transportation, Acoustic requirements
- only the most common of those usually considered.
Difference
from architecture
A common confusion is the distinction between Architecture
and Architectural Engineering. Architects are responsible for the form and appearance
of a building with a focus on the way that people use and experience the spaces
of the building. The Architectural Engineer is responsible for ensuring that "the
building works" - that it stands up, that the HVAC system operates, that light
and power are delivered as needed. Architectural Engineers use primarily the tools
of engineering to achieve optimum system selection and sizing within the overall
constraints usually set by the Architect.
Major
specializations
Subjects of
interest
