Structural Systems for Architects

Section 1: Structural System Selection

The choice of structural system is one of the earliest and most consequential decisions in building design. It determines floor-to-floor height, column spacing, facade expression, construction programme, cost, and embodied carbon. The following decision tree and system catalogue provide architects with the knowledge to make informed selections before engaging structural engineers.

Decision Tree: Key Variables

1. Span requirement — What clear span does the programme demand?
2. Building height — Low-rise (1-4), mid-rise (5-12), high-rise (13-40), supertall (40+)?
3. Programme type — Residential, office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, cultural?
4. Cost envelope — Budget-constrained, mid-market, premium?
5. Construction speed — Is programme duration a critical driver?
6. Sustainability target — Embodied carbon budget (kgCO2e/m²)?
7. Fire rating — 30/60/90/120 minutes required?
8. Site constraints — Access, vibration, noise, adjacent structures?

System Type 1: Load-Bearing Masonry