Architectural engineering

Architectural engineering, also known as Building Engineering, is the application of engineering principles and technology to building design and construction. Definitions of an architectural engineer may refer to:
* An engineer in the structural, mechanical, electrical, construction or other engineering fields of building design and construction.
* A licensed engineering professional in parts of the United States, where architectural engineering may include complete building design.Fact|date=March 2008
* In informal contexts, and formally in some places, a professional synonymous with or similar to an architect. In some languages, "architect" is literally translated as "architectural engineer".

Engineering for buildings

tructural

Structural engineering involves the analysis and design of physical objects such as buildings, bridges, equipment supports, towers and walls. Those concentrating on buildings are responsible for the structural performance of a large part of the built environment and are, sometimes, informally referred to as "building engineers". Structural engineers require expertise in strength of materials and in the seismic design of structures covered by earthquake engineering. Architectural Engineers sometimes practice structural as one aspect of their designs; the structural discipline when practiced as a specialty works closely with architects and other engineering specialists.

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)

Some Architectural Engineers perform MEP for their own building designs; in most cases, however, mechanical and electrical engineers are specialists, commonly referred to as "MEP" (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) when engaged in the building design fields. Also known as "Building services engineering" in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. [http://www.cibse.org/index.cfm?go=page.view&item=67 Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers] Mechanical engineers design and oversee the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing systems. Plumbing designers often include design specifications for simple active fire protection systems, but for more complicated projects, fire protection engineers are often separately retained. Electrical engineers are responsible for the building's power distribution, telecommunication, fire alarm, signalization, lightning protection and control systems, as well as lighting systems.

Building science

The Architectural engineer (PE) in the United States

In many jurisdictions of the United States, the architectural engineer is a licensed engineering professional [http://www.ncees.org/exams/professional/#material NCEES exams] , usually a graduate of an architectural engineering university program preparing students to perform whole-building design in competition with architect-engineer teams; or for practice in one of structural, mechanical or electrical fields of building design, but with an appreciation of integrated architectural requirements.

Formal architectural engineering education, following the engineering model of earlier disciplines, developed in the late 1800s, and became widespread in the United States by the mid 1900s. With the establishment of a specific "architectural engineering" NCEES Professional Engineering registration examination in the 1990s, and first offering in April 2003, architectural engineering became recognized as a distinct engineering discipline in the United States. Architectural engineers are not entitled to practice architecture unless they are also licensed as architects.

The Architect as Architectural Engineer

In some countries architecture, as a profession providing architectural services, is sometimes referred to as "architectural engineering". In others, such as in Japan, the terms "architecture" and "building engineering" are used synonymously. [http://www.aij.or.jp/eng/about/a_e.html#Architects%20and%20Engineers Architectural Insitute of Japan] The practice of architecture includes the planning, designing and oversight of a building's construction.

In some languages, such as Korean and Arabic, "architect" is literally translated as "architectural engineer". In some countries, an "architectural engineer" (such as the "ingegnere edile" in Italy) is entitled to practice architecture and is often referred to as an architect. [http://www.edilportale.com/edilnews/Npopup.asp?IDDOC=5158 Edilnews (in Italian)] These individuals are often also structural engineers. In other countries, such as Germany and Austria, architecture graduates receive an engineering degree ("Dip-Ing"). [http://www.bak.de/site/498/default.aspx German Chamber of Architects]

Education

The architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering branches each have well established educational requirements that are usually fulfilled by completion of a university program.

Architectural Engineering as a single integrated field of study

What differentiates Architectural Engineering as a separate and single, integrated field of study, compared to other engineering disciplines, is its multi-disciplined engineering approach. Through training in and appreciation of architecture, the field seeks integration of building systems within its overall building design. Architectural Engineering includes the design of building systems including Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, fire protection, electrical, lighting, transportation, and structural systems. In some university programs, students are required to concentrate on one of the systems; in others, they can receive a generalist Architectural or Building Engineering degree.

ee Also

* Building officials
* International Building Code

References

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