This article explains the importance of science and technology in the history of mankind, the role of architectural engineering, and analyzes the differences between architectural engineering and architecture in detail.
The three elements that humans need to survive are called the three pillars of consciousness. In the Paleolithic Neolithic period, which we consider the beginning of human history, humans lived in caves, hunting and gathering food from rocks and trees. These early humans felt the need for a better life, and their desire for convenience and comfort may have been the trigger for the development of civilization. This gradual development of scientific civilization began to develop rapidly as we entered the industrial age. In the modern world, we are living a comfortable life in the so-called information age, where all fields are converging with IT technology, and this development is still ongoing.
The complexity and diversity of modern society has expanded to an extent that is incomparable to the past. Nowadays, people are trying to improve their quality of life beyond just solving the problem of making a living. Human life has expanded into a very multidimensional realm, including maintaining health, enjoying leisure, and socializing. As a result, the role of science and technology has become increasingly important, and the field of architectural engineering in particular has become an important discipline that directly improves the quality of life of modern people.
Nowadays, these sciences and technologies are very fragmented, so even if you work in one field, it is very difficult to master everything in the field. Therefore, to understand the position of the Department of Architectural Engineering, let’s start with science and technology. Science and technology can be broadly categorized into micro and macroscopic fields of study, and micro fields of study are those that deal with things at the molecular or atomic level. Representative departments include materials engineering and nuclear engineering. We combine these materials to create structures or structures necessary for our lives, and the field of science and technology changes depending on the purpose and form of use.
From a macroscopic perspective, the products of science and technology can be broadly categorized into dynamic and static structures. Examples of majors that study dynamic structures include mechanical aviation and shipbuilding and marine engineering, while majors that deal with static structures include civil engineering and architecture. One of the things that non-majors often wonder about is the difference between architecture and civil engineering. Architecture and civil engineering are the same discipline in the sense that they are the “main” of the ceremonial state, but there are differences. Civil engineering is mainly concerned with the stability and risk of large-scale things like bridges, dams, roads, and industrial infrastructure, while architecture is specialized in buildings, such as apartments, houses, and offices.
Civil engineering focuses on the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, and highways are essential for the smooth operation and development of society. The design and construction of these structures is highly complex and technically demanding, requiring thorough planning and management to ensure safety and efficiency. Architecture, on the other hand, focuses on buildings that are closely related to people’s daily lives. Different types of buildings, such as residential, commercial, and public buildings, must fulfill different needs depending on their purpose and function.
The department of architecture is divided into two programs: the five-year architecture program and the four-year architectural engineering program. The difference between the two majors is the most common question people ask when I say I’m majoring in architecture. In a nutshell, architecture specializes in design and teaches it for five years, while architectural engineering teaches the rest of the discipline: structure, construction, and facilities. Architecture literally means Architecture, an aesthetic approach to architecture. It is often referred to as designing buildings, but it focuses on developing the ability to express architecture by acquiring and synthesizing knowledge in the humanities and social sciences as well as architectural expertise and technology. Drawings and models, which are the images that come to mind when we think of architects, are studied in architecture departments.
The Department of Architecture aims to train competent architectural engineers, or engineers, who are required by society. The goal of such architects is to complete comfortable and economical buildings through rational structures, efficient environmental facility systems, and high-quality construction based on science and technology. As mentioned above, architectural engineering is divided into three main areas: structure, construction, and facilities. Let’s take a closer look at each of these fields.
In the field of architectural structure, students learn how to determine whether a building designed by an architect is structurally and mechanically stable and safe. Structural engineers analyze the forces acting on a building physically and mathematically based on statics to determine the type and amount of materials, the height and thickness of columns, the length and height of beams, and the thickness and width of floor slabs. Building construction is the art and process of realizing a building from construction to completion by using materials according to the structural method specified by the design.
The course also includes training on the latest construction technologies and how to utilize materials. Safety management on construction sites, cost reduction methods, and project management skills are also important learning points. Advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) are also being introduced to increase the efficiency of the construction process.
In building equipment, students learn about the workpieces that are installed in buildings to improve the living environment and function of buildings and to maintain human hygiene and health. Building facilities include ventilation, air conditioning, heating, water supply and drainage, electricity, transportation, gas, and kitchen facilities. Numerical calculations are made to determine the type and capacity of air conditioners for different types and sizes of rooms, where to install them, and how much and what color lighting to install.
The field of building equipment is evolving as the importance of energy efficiency is emphasized. The design of eco-friendly buildings, energy-saving technologies, and the use of renewable energy sources have become an integral part of modern architecture. This helps to realize sustainable architecture and contribute to environmental protection.
This is a brief overview of the fields of study in architecture. Architecture is the design and construction of spaces for humans to live in, taking into account the mutual coexistence of humans and the environment. For this reason, the importance of architecture cannot be overemphasized.
The future of architecture will be more innovative and sustainable. 3D printing, smart buildings, and autonomous construction robots are some of the key technologies that will drive the building industry in the future. These technological advancements will improve the quality and efficiency of buildings and, in turn, improve the quality of human life. Architectural engineering is at the center of these changes and developments and plays an important role in fostering talented people who will lead the future of architecture.
