Architecture and Engineering

Architecture and Civil Engineering are professional careers that complement each other as far as buildings are concerned, although they are very different. Architecture is mainly responsible for the design of the work, the correct distribution of spaces and its execution, while civil engineers carry out calculations and related procedures to guarantee its stability and structural viability.

The common thing is that the work of the architect is seen more valued by the people than that of the civil engineer. This is because the work of the architect is what is seen both on the outside and in the distribution of space.

The architect starts from scratch and designs spaces that the client needs, within the limits of a property, to make them habitable and functional. He is the professional who devises the way in which these interconnected and interrelated spaces will be, the area they will need, their ventilation, comfort, sunlight, textures of their interiors and exteriors. In short: they design the smallest detail so that such a space works for what it was planned.

To achieve the above, you will need a deep knowledge of the needs of the owner, research of the materials that will be used, their cost, the local climate, the urban environment and the architecture of the spaces that surround it; as well as the codes and regulations of the city and community or subdivision that apply.

He must know the architectural styles from the origin of man to the current ones, as well as the clearings or openings allowed to avoid making the project more expensive, he will calculate the structure and foundation of the building when the codes and regulations allow it. The same will also propose the materials to be used in terms of facilities, and will propose the interior design. Generally, and depending on the size of the project, they will resort to other professionals such as civil engineers, surveyors, interior designers, welders, carpenters, etc.

The Civil Engineer is dedicated to the structural design of the buildings that the architect projects, and also designs bridges, roads, dams, etc. These professionals are more dedicated to the design of structures and not to their operation. They know the conditions of the ground, anti-seismic, hurricanes and propose additional structural reinforcements to ensure the stability of the building. They generally focus more on large and heavy structures such as skyscrapers, suspension bridges with vehicular live loads and any structural case, however complicated it may be.