Architect versus Civil Engineer. Ready… Fight!
It has been a well-debated topic to whoever has a more complicated job or which one is better: architects or civil engineers.
While to answer which one is better sounds illogical, it is safe to say that civil engineers have a more complicated job.
I will say all these according to my biases because I am a civil engineer and I have experienced firsthand how difficult it is in the construction industry to implement what architects do.
Civil engineers might as well agree with this one: an architect’s dream is a civil engineer’s nightmare.
To be able to fully understand that expression, we have to know what architects and civil engineers do.
What architects essentially do is control and innovate the overall aesthetics of a building or structure.
They study and focus on the artistic principles and push their limits; they think outside of the box to provide the most appealing structures according to form and function.
That’s the scary part: when architects think outside of the box, civil engineers might as well hide in that box.
Civil Engineers
Civil engineers have two roles that need to align with that of the architects: design and construction. Civil engineers play a very important role in our society. They are responsible for designing and building the infrastructure that we rely on every day, from roads and bridges to water systems and power plants. C
ivil engineers must have a strong understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles in order to design these structures safely and efficiently. They also need to be able to communicate well with other professionals in order to collaborate on large projects. Civil engineers are an essential part of our economy and our way of life.
In design, it needs several engineering laws to be followed which are deep-rooted in math and physics. It requires engineers to provide computations and prove that the structure is safe. This cannot be done by architects, because as the good old joke goes: architects are civil engineers who cannot do the math.
Moreover, civil engineers are the liable persons in construction. Armed with technical knowledge and planning, we have to find ways to make them work considering all aspects of feasibility and safety.
We make sure that what the architects want in printed plans will be built according to their specifications, using all possible building methods and practices.
Every single item on the blueprint must be followed – each material, dimension, and location – all of which are mostly assigned by the architects. Civil engineers are the ones who supervise the construction work.
With that set-up, this is undeniable: when the imagination of architects goes wild, civil engineers go wild in figuring out how much imagination can become real.
There would not be so much of a problem if the two can meet halfway. An architect can be free to design a structure but upon agreed limitations from a civil engineer. The problem with an architect’s creativity is that it can go too far without considering practicality.
Others say that civil engineers can become architects on their own by having the right amount of imagination.
Architects
What is the Role of an Architect? An architect is a professional who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings. Architects must have a strong understanding of both the practical and aesthetic aspects of their work to create safe and attractive structures. They must also coordinate with other professionals involved in the construction process, such as engineers and builders.
In addition to these skills, architects need experience working on large-scale projects to understand how different types of building materials behave under specific conditions. For example, an architect might design a skyscraper outfitted with unique glass panels designed to withstand high winds or earthquakes without breaking. The architect would then oversee the installation of those windows during the actual construction phase.
Architects are often responsible for coordinating all aspects of a project from start to finish, including designing the overall look and feel of space while keeping safety considerations top priority. This is why architects have such varied responsibilities; it’s not uncommon for them to be involved in everything from conceptual planning to final detailing.
Civil engineers are often thought of like the people who design and build bridges, roads, and other types of infrastructure. However, architects often view civil engineers as their biggest rivals. There are several reasons for this animosity between the two professions. One reason is that architects feel that civil engineers do not appreciate the artistry and creativity that goes into their work. Another reason is that architects feel that civil engineers do not understand the importance of aesthetics in design.
Architects also tend to be more concerned with the function of a building than its appearance or how it will look when completed.
Civil engineers on the other hand have an interest in both form and function. They want buildings to stand up well after years of use. It’s not enough just to build something; they must make sure that it stands the test of time. This means making sure that there are no hidden weaknesses, such as weak foundations, which can lead to collapse.
The architect has control over all aspects of construction except for these details. He or she designs the structure based upon what he or she believes best serves the needs of his client.
Conclusion
While that can be true, we might end up having curve-less structures – everything will just be straight lines, being an easier option for civil engineers to design and build. But imagine if we have that kind of urban landscape.
That is the reason why civil engineers and architects need to have utmost collaboration in producing structures.
It’s about finding that balance between the two professions. It isn’t about who is better than the other, but about what each one can contribute to accomplishing a project. It is only just sometimes, architects bring nightmares to civil engineers when they dream beyond reality.
Civil Engineers
