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Architectural engineering

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Architectural engineering, also known as Building Engineering, is the application of engineering principles and technology to building design and construction. Definitions of an architectural engineer may refer to:

Engineering for buildings

Structural

Structural engineering involves the analysis and design of physical objects such as buildings, bridges, equipment supports, towers and walls. Those concentrating on buildings are responsible for the structural performance of a large part of the built environment and are, sometimes, informally referred to as "building engineers". Structural engineers require expertise in strength of materials and in the seismic design of structures. The discipline works closely with architects and other engineering specialists.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP)

Mechanical and electrical engineers are commonly referred to as "MEP" (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) when engaged in the building design fields. Also known as "Building services engineering" in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Mechanical engineers design and oversee the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing systems. Plumbing designers often include design specifications for simple active fire protection systems, but for more complicated projects, fire protection engineers are often separately retained. Electrical engineers are responsible for the building's power distribution, telecommunication and control systems, as well as lighting systems.

Building science

Building envelope design is also a specialized area of architectural and engineering practice that draws from all areas of building science and indoor climate control.

The Architectural engineer (PE) in the United States

In many jurisdictions of the United States, the architectural engineer is a licensed engineering professional , usually a graduate of an architectural engineering university program preparing students for practice in one of structural, mechanical or electrical fields of building design, but with an appreciation of integrated architectural requirements.

Formal architectural engineering education, following the engineering model of earlier disciplines, developed in the late 1800s, and became widespread in the United States by the mid 1900s. With the establishment of a specific "architectural engineering" NCEES Professional Engineering registration examination in the 1990s, and first offering in April 2003, architectural engineering became recognized as a distinct engineering discipline in the United States. Architectural engineers are not entitled to practice architecture unless they are also licensed as architects.

The Architectural engineer as architect

In some places architecture, as a profession providing architectural services, is sometimes referred to as "architectural engineering". In others, such as in Japan, the terms "architecture" and "building engineering" are used synonymously. The practice of architecture includes the planning, designing and oversight of a building's construction.

In some languages, such as Korean, "architect" is literally translated as "architectural engineer". In some countries, an "architectural engineer" (such as the ingegnere edile in Italy) is entitled to practice architecture and is often referred to as an architect. These individuals are often also structural engineers. In other countries, such as Germany and Austria, architecture graduates receive an engineering degree (Dip-Ing).

Education

The structural, mechanical and electrical engineering branches each have well established educational requirements that are usually fulfilled by completion of a university program.

Architectural/ Building Engineering as a single integrated field of study

What differentiates building engineering as a separate and single, integrated field of study, compared to other engineering disciplines, is its multi-disciplined engineering approach. Through an appreciation of architecture, the field seeks integration of building systems within the overall architectural design. These building systems include Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, fire protection, electrical, lighting, transportation, and structural systems. In most programs, students will be required to concentrate on one of the systems.

References

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Last updated on Friday March 07, 2008 at 13:07:22 PST (GMT -0800)
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