Integrated design of structural systems

Abstract

This paper deals with the concept of integrated structural design, within an integrated approach to the design and evaluation of buildings, for the purpose of achieving ecological quality of buildings, in line with recommendations for sustainable building development. Integrated structural design refers to reduction of negative environmental impact and resource consumption, with a simultaneous increase in life quality and health and safety in the built environment. Integrated structural design is based on targeted integrated performances of a building throughout its life cycle. This type of structural design is based on a systemic approach, in which the structure of the building is seen as a functional unit, i.e., as a sub-system of the building, whose behaviour is directed towards the aim of the system-building – ecological quality. In this process, a structure cannot be understood, and thus evaluated, without understanding its relationship with the specific function of architectural space. This systematic approach in its practical operationalization has the design of systembuildings of different relationships and connections among sub-systems, building structure and construction materials, that is, the design of buildings of various quantitative and qualitative properties, with a higher common property – ecological quality.