Efficiency and attitude: On the relationship between lightweight structures and sustainability

Maren Zywietz*, Annette Bögle

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

In structural engineering, the principles of lightweight structures are often associated with sustainability. However, maximising structural efficiency while minimising the use of materials does not necessarily lead to the ecological efficiency of structures. This publication analyses the relationship between
lightweight design strategies and sustainability, which are both approaches to the evaluation and optimisation of structures. The results indicate that while both lightweight structures and sustainability aim for efficiency, their relationship is characterised by complex dependencies. Only by expanding the
principles of lightweight design through consistency and sufficiency strategies can they be redefined, with a holistic view already inherent in lightweight structures. The approach to sustainable design in engineering combines structural efficiency and a value-based attitude, towards holistic, sustainable, and therefore contemporary lightweight design principles.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the IASS 2024 Symposium
Subtitle of host publicationRedefining the Art of Structural Design
EditorsPhilippe Block, Giulia Boller, Catherine De Wolf, Catherine Pauli, Walter Kaufmann
Place of PublicationZurich
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 31 Mar 2024
EventIASS 2024 Symposium: Redefining the Art of Structural Design - Zürichs, Switzerland
Duration: 26 Aug 202430 Aug 2024

Publication series

Name Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposia
PublisherInternational Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS)
ISSN (Electronic)2518-6582

Conference

ConferenceIASS 2024 Symposium
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityZürichs
Period26/08/2430/08/24

Keywords

  • conceptual design
  • lightweight structures
  • sustainability
  • sustainable construction

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