Architects and Engineers

Learning Objectives: After this lesson, students should be able to: Explain the roles of an architect and an engineer. Give an example of the differing responsibilities architects and engineers have in building design. Explain that the development of steel was a key prerequisite for the construction of skyscrapers.

Entry 11: Architects and Engineers Vocabulary/Definitions Architect: A person whose profession is designing and drawing plans for buildings, bridges and houses, as well as many other structures. Blueprint: A detailed plan of a design, usually to scale. Computer-aided design: Design software used in architecture and engineering to create precision drawings; also known as CAD. Engineer: A person who uses math and science to design and create things for the benefit of humanity and our world.

Introduction The day of the Olympic soccer game has finally arrived! Your class has rented an eco-friendly bus to take you to the Olympic stadium. As you pull up to the drop off point, you are in awe of how many people are around the stadium. The parking structure is jammed full, with cars packed into all 10 levels. The parking structure is very modern looking — with all sorts of fancy touches and decorations. It is indeed impressive. You know that civil engineers help to make buildings, but are a bit curious about who else might be involved in the process. Who else do you think may be involved in the process of making buildings? Other types of engineers, architects, land use planners, construction workers, among others, are all involved in creating buildings.

Parking Garage

Entry 12: Two Main Designers of a Building Two main designers of a building are the architect and the engineer. What is an engineer? An engineer is a person who designs and builds things for the benefit of society.  What is an architect? An architect is a person who develops the creative designs for buildings or structures. 

Entry 13: How do architects and engineers work together? The architect is more concerned with the look of the structure, whereas the engineer is primarily concerned with the safety and functionality of the structure. The engineer figures out which materials to use and how to safely construct the building the architect has envisioned.

Reading Please read the hand out on Architects and Engineers.