About the Book
This survey of lightweight specialty structures provides in-depth case studies supplemented with technical guidance and an overview of fundamental theories.
Drawing on almost 75 years of combined professional and academic experience, the authors guide readers through design of lightweight systems: space frames, grid shells, cable nets, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) membranes, rails, stairs, and canopies. Each chapter provides an overview of the evolution of each system and provides technical references for further study. Images, details, and calculations from 18 actual projects showcase the process of design and the importance of close collaboration among all members of the project team. These case studies include discussion of design intent, analysis methods, architectural constraints, detailing, fabrication, and construction methods. Because lightweight structures blur the lines between architecture, engineering, and fabrication, care is taken to share key lessons learned from over half a century of firsthand design. These topics can be highly technical and broadly extensive, and this book serves as a tractable introduction for designers.
Written for structural architecture students and early career professionals, this book is an essential introduction to the fundamentals of each lightweight structural system.
Table of Contents:
Architecture Foreword Engineering Foreword 1. Introduction 2. Space Frames 3. Grid Shells 4. Cable Nets 5. ETFE Membranes 6. Structural Glass 7. Conclusion
About the Author :
Joshua Schultz, PhD, PE, LEED AP is a licensed professional engineer with nearly two decades of experience designing, teaching, and researching lightweight structural systems, particularly structural glass and mass timber. Currently, he is a professor of architectural and structural engineering in the department of civil engineering at Gonzaga University. Previously, Joshua worked at both Stutzki Engineering and Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) as a structural engineer for a number of lightweight, high-profile, high-rise buildings around the world. He has designed, researched, and published widely on various lightweight structural systems. Joshua is an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) ExCEED Fellow as well as the recipient of the inaugural AISC Innovation Scholar Fellowship.
Christian Stutzki, PhD, PE was the owner, co-founder, and president of Stutzki Engineering (started in 2004). He has over 50 years of experience in the structural analysis of steel and glass structures and structural solutions for lightweight architecture. His experience includes working as chief engineer at MERO Structures, in both the United States and in Germany. He also taught architectural engineering courses in the College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He has authored numerous publications and collaborated on many significant architecture projects worldwide. Chris is a Fellow of the Façade Tectonics Institute (FTI) and has served in leadership roles for FTI as well as the International Association of Shell and Spatial Structures.
Review :
“Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture is an engaging and useful book. It offers informative insights into lightweight architecture, with a good mix of historical perspectives and modern design principles. The authors articulate the important interplay between efficient structural design and inspiring architectural forms. A worthy read for both novice and experienced designers.”
– Christopher H. Raebel, SE, PE, PhD, Vice President of Engineering and Research, American Institute of Steel Construction
“Drawing on years of experience, the authors make complex structural concepts clear, engaging, and useful. Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture is a fascinating journey through the key ideas, visionary thinkers, and landmark projects that have shaped lightweight structures. This insightful book will serve as a practical reference for architects and engineers alike, who want to rediscover the symbiotic relationship between structural clarity and architectural vision. This book offers essential insight to designing elegant, efficient, and expressive lightweight structures.”
– Neil Katz, FAIA, Associate Principal, Skidmore Owings and Merrill
"The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the development of lightweight structures based on their experience in teaching and practice, with a focus on space-enclosing components such as ETFE membranes and glass structures. Students as well as practicing engineers and architects can benefit from this."
Dr. Herbert Klimke was the Director of Engineering at MERO Structures from 1971-2004 (retired)
"The authors succeed in providing a clear and comprehensive description of the process of designing lightweight structures. In doing so, they always maintain a balance between detail and overview, as well as content and form. The book stands out thanks to its stimulating―even inspiring―content and can be wholeheartedly recommended to anyone who wants an introduction to lightweight structures or who is already working creatively in this field."
Dr.-Ing. Dr.-Ing. E.h. Karl-Eugen Kurrer
Until 2018, editor-in-chief of the journals Stahlbau and Steel Construction – Design and Research published by Ernst & Sohn and author of the book History of the Theory of Structures. Searching for Equilibrium (2018).
“Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture” is a thoughtful and beautifully crafted book that reflects Christian Stutzki’s long experience and deep understanding of design and structure. Together with Joshua’s eloquence, dedication, creativity and constant encouragement, the authors have created a work that bridges technical clarity with architectural vision. A rewarding read for anyone interested in the art and science of lightweight structures.
Prof. Dr. Ing. Ulrich Knaack; TU Darmstadt / Institut for Structural Design; and TU Delft / Department Architectural Engineering
“Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture is an engaging and useful book. It offers informative insights into lightweight architecture, with a good mix of historical perspectives and modern design principles. The authors articulate the important interplay between efficient structural design and inspiring architectural forms. A worthy read for both novice and experienced designers.”
– Christopher H. Raebel, SE, PE, PhD, Vice President of Engineering and Research, American Institute of Steel Construction
“Drawing on years of experience, the authors make complex structural concepts clear, engaging, and useful. Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture is a fascinating journey through the key ideas, visionary thinkers, and landmark projects that have shaped lightweight structures. This insightful book will serve as a practical reference for architects and engineers alike, who want to rediscover the symbiotic relationship between structural clarity and architectural vision. This book offers essential insight to designing elegant, efficient, and expressive lightweight structures.”
– Neil Katz, FAIA, Associate Principal, Skidmore Owings and Merrill
"The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the development of lightweight structures based on their experience in teaching and practice, with a focus on space-enclosing components such as ETFE membranes and glass structures. Students as well as practicing engineers and architects can benefit from this."
- Dr. Herbert Klimke was the Director of Engineering at MERO Structures from 1971-2004 (retired)
"The authors succeed in providing a clear and comprehensive description of the process of designing lightweight structures. In doing so, they always maintain a balance between detail and overview, as well as content and form. The book stands out thanks to its stimulating—even inspiring—content and can be wholeheartedly recommended to anyone who wants an introduction to lightweight structures or who is already working creatively in this field."
- Dr.-Ing. Dr.-Ing. E.h. Karl-Eugen Kurrer
Until 2018, editor-in-chief of the journals Stahlbau and Steel Construction – Design and Research published by Ernst & Sohn and author of the book History of the Theory of Structures. Searching for Equilibrium (2018).
"Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture is a thoughtful and beautifully crafted book that reflects Christian Stutzki’s long experience and deep understanding of design and structure. Together with Joshua Schultz’s eloquence, dedication, creativity and constant encouragement, the authors have created a work that bridges technical clarity with architectural vision. A rewarding read for anyone interested in the art and science of lightweight structures."
- Prof. Dr. Ing. Ulrich Knaack; TU Darmstadt / Institut for Structural Design; and TU Delft / Department Architectural Engineering
