ABSTRACT
The tectonics of structural systems questions the relationship between the knowledge of structures and aesthetics in architecture. This chapter analyses the 34 case studies according to their relationship with the recommendations in structural guidelines and their aesthetic characteristics. Building codes and structural guidelines also need to be changed to reflect new developments in building technology. The chapter also discusses the concept of structural guidelines, and the reasons behind each recommendation, represent a body of knowledge of structures for architects. It brings together structural guidelines for different structural systems and architects' responses to these guidelines. Structural knowledge brings freedom to structural design. It is possible to achieve tectonics, which is the balance between technology and aesthetics, by following structural guidelines or by not following them, and solving the ensuing problems by some other means. The chapter finally describes that non-adherence to structural recommendations is based on economic value.
