The functionality of form: exploring traditional shell structures to supplement modern engineering design

There is a growing need for increased knowledge in the development of new and challenging structures in an ever changing society. Engineers must handle complex functional and contextual parameters in addition to traditional structural design, presenting an educational challenge in which skills of numerical tools merges with the relationship of load-bearing elements and architectural form used in best practice of structural engineering. The focus of this paper is the educational challenge demonstrated by the case of shell structures as a structural element and architectural form mediator. The interdependence between architectural form by architects and the structural design by engineers is important and thus especially considered. The goal is to assist and explore the desire of structural engineers to fulfil both architectural requests and engineering requirements and to suggest how this urge can be implemented to enhance the current theoretical-intensive educational pathway.