Architectural engineering
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An architectural engineer applies the skills of many engineering disciplines to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and renovation of buildings while paying attention to their impacts on the surrounding environment. In countries such as Canada, the UK and Australia, architectural engineering is more commonly known as Building engineering, building systems engineering, or building services engineering. In some languages, such as Korean, "architect" is literally translated as "architectural engineer".
With the establishment of a separate NCEES Professional Engineering registration examination in the 1990s, and first offering in April 2003, architectural engineering is now recognized as a distinct engineering discipline in the United States. But many practicing 'architectural engineers' hold degrees or registration in civil, mechanical, electrical, or another engineering field and become architectural engineers via experience. Conversely, many degree-holding architectural engineers have professional registration in civil or mechanical engineering, for example. The number of architectural engineering degree programs is increasing, but demand far exceeds the availability in the U.S., especially on the East and West Coasts, and in the South. Note that "architectural engineering technology" is different from architectural engineering.
[edit] Difference from component disciplines
What differentiates architectural engineering (abbreviated AE, ARE, AREN, or ARCE, for example) from its component engineering disciplines is its appreciation of architecture. Architectural engineers, with their inter-disciplinary background, understand and address architects' goals as they design building systems. Architectural engineers attempt to integrate buildings' HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, lighting, transportation, and structural systems with the architectural design.
[edit] Difference from architecture
A common confusion is the distinction between architecture and architectural engineering. In essence, architectural engineering is the engineering discipline for the analysis, design, and construction of building systems. Architects are directly responsible for the form and appearance of a building, including the way in which people use and experience the spaces of the building. Architects traditionally act as the leader of the design team, and are thus known as the 'prime professional'. They coordinate the efforts of the various engineering and other design consultants for building projects.
Before about 1975, architectural engineering graduates in the U.S. typically went to work as 'technical architects'. Since that time architectural engineering defined itself as consulting engineers for buildings. Architectural engineers thus concentrate on ensuring that "the buildings work", e.g., that they stand up, that the HVAC systems operate well, that light and electrical power are delivered safely and as needed, and that fire safety is addressed.
By the 1950s, there were approximately 60 architectural engineering degree programs in the U.S. However, as architecture split from engineering -- most architecture programs were in engineering schools -- many architectural engineering programs lost institutional support. But from a low of eight programs in the early 1980s, and with the redefinition of the discipline as 'engineers for building systems', architectural engineering education is experiencing significant growth. Demand for admission to the programs, and quality of applicants, is very high. The academic honor society for architectural engineering is Phi Alpha Epsilon.
[edit] The Architectural Engineer
Architectural engineers' roles can overlap with that of the architect and other project engineers. Like architects, they seek to achieve optimal designs within the overall constraints, except using primarily the tools of engineering rather than architecture. In most parts of the world, architectural engineers are not entitled to practice architecture unless they are also licensed as architects. In some jurisdictions, registered professional architectural engineers are limited, by virtue of the exams taken, to practicing only one or more of the component areas of building engineering practice such as mechanical (HVAC/plumbing/etc.), electrical, structural, or fire protection.
In recent years there has been increasing emphasis on sustainable and green design, including in engineered building systems. Architectural engineers increasingly seek LEED ((R) USGBC) Accredited Design Professional (LADP) status in addition to their Professional Engineering registration.
[edit] Some Potential Career Titles
- Consulting Engineer/Design Engineer/Designer. An Engineer, usually a Professional Engineer, or if early in his or her career, an Engineer-in-Training that designs and specifies building systems, analyses problems, or optimizes conditions, for example. Typically employed by, or owner of, a consulting engineering firm, but also commonly in an A/E (architectural and engineering services) firm.
- Plant/Facilities Engineer. The owner's management liaison person interacting with architects, contractors, and engineers in the design and construction of remodeling, additions, and new facilities. Manages and develops such programs within the plant as energy conservation, preventative maintenance, and retrofits.
- Sales/Applications Engineer. Provides technical advice and application of their representative products to the building industry's architects, engineers, and constructors.
- Construction Project Manager. Manages the construction of a building project. Responsibilities include the scheduling of labor trades, material, and equipment for the most economical and expeditious construction of buildings.
- Construction Estimator. The estimator is responsible for the takeoff material, type of labor, and equipment, and calculating the cost for the construction project plus preparing the necessary documents for the estimate.
- Structural Engineer. Analyzes, calculates, and selects systems and components for various structures. Graduates are employed within the building industry, but also in other structural areas. Graduate study, and additional registration exams in structural engineering are recommended.
- Electrical Systems Engineer. Designs and specifies electrical power, lighting, and communication systems for buildings. Employed in an electrical consulting design office or in electrical design-construction offices. Other responsibilities may be preparing specifications and cost estimates.
- Electrical Utility Engineer. Coordinates new building construction with building owners, design engineers, and contractors, and educates customers on conservation and cost saving opportunities while optimizing the loads on the utility.
- Building Inspector. Employed by a public agency. Responsible for the public interest to inspect building projects for code compliance.
- Fire Safety/Protection Engineer. Designs various types of fire protection systems within the building. Systems include sprinkler, chemical suppression, smoke control, and detection devices.
- Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Engineer. Designs the HVAC systems and prepares the specifications.
- Plumbing Engineer. Designs the potable water, process fluids, and wastewater systems for the buildings.
- Professor/Researcher. Teaches and performs research and service. Typically requires completion of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in engineering degree.
[edit] Major specializations
- Architecture
- Structural engineering
- Construction engineering
- Construction management
- Project management
- Green building
- Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
- Plumbing and piping (hydronics)
- Fire protection engineering
- Acoustics, noise & vibration control
- Building power systems
- Lighting
- Building transportation systems
[edit] Subjects of interest
- Building construction
- Energy efficiency, Energy conservation, or Energy demand management
- Renewable energy
- Solar energy
- Green buildings
- Intelligent buildings
- Autonomous buildings
- Indoor air quality
- Thermal comfort
[edit] Typical coursework in bachelor degree programs
Curricula vary considerably between universities, but the following are often present in ABET-accredited four- or five-year B.S. in architectural engineering degree programs in the U.S.:
- An introduction to architectural engineering
- Two courses in English
- Five courses in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability)
- Two courses in physics
- One course in chemistry
- One course in science (e.g., geology, environment, biology)
- Several courses in humanities/social sciences (e.g., architectural history, sociology)
- Two courses in architectural design
- Two courses in building materials and construction
Engineering science courses in:
- Statics and dynamics
- Strength of materials
- Structural analysis
- Basic circuits
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Heat transfer
- Engineering economics
- Computer programming
- Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
Engineering design courses in:
- Structures (e.g., steel, concrete, and/or wood design)
- Construction
- Power and lighting systems
- Plumbing and piping systems
- Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Senior design project
- electives
[edit] Educational institutions offering bachelor's degrees in architectural engineering
Institutions offering similar degrees not titled 'architectural engineering' can be found toward the end of the Building engineering article.
[edit] In the United States:
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
- Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
- Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
- Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
- North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
- Penn State University, State College, PA
- Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
- Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO
- University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
- University of Miami, Miami, FL
- University of Missouri at Rolla, Rolla, MO
- University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE
- University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
[edit] In Other Countries:
- Cardiff University, Wales, UK
- King Fahd University, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Leeds University, Leeds, UK (BEng/MEng)
[edit] More programs needed
Although the number of architectural engineering degree programs has doubled in the past 20 years, many more programs are needed. In the U.S., programs are plentiful in the Midwest and Plains states but there is unmet demand in much of the Northeast, South, Southwest, and Far West. Institutions that have both engineering and architecture schools already offer most of the required courses; only a modest number of new faculty are needed for the specialty engineering design courses. Universities with only engineering schools will need to hire at least one registered architect as well. Faculty, administrators, or alumni/donors interested in founding architectural engineering degree programs are encouraged to contact the Architectural Engineering Institute, or faculty at current programs, for more information.
[edit] High School Preparation
For enhanced success in an architectural engineering bachelor's degree program, at an institution with English instruction, completing at least the follow courses are recommended during a student's high school years:
- One English course each semester
- Mathematics each semester
- Including geometry, algebra I and II, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and if possible, calculus.
- Plan on completing calculus as well in college.
- At least one science course per semester, including physics and chemistry
- Typing or wordprocessing
- An art class that is all or part hand-sketching skills
- An introduction to drafting/CADD course, if available
- If available, mechanical, woodworking, and construction courses are also helpful
[edit] External links
For all architectural engineers:
For the specializations:
- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
- The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
- Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
- The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)
- The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
- The Structural Engineering Institute (SEI)
- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
