From the houses we live in, to the temples in which we worship, to the schools where we teach, these buildings do not only offer as a structure but also motivate clear feelings because of their forms. Thus, the duality of form and function are constantly at play in any of the many structures that through the day we come into contact often being unaware of the effects these have in our lives.
As human beings, everything that surrounds us has a structure. All objects have a structure which give the object form and strength and equilibrium. All buildings have a structural system (constructed elements which give strength, stability, and definition to the form they enclose.) Even an organization (such as a school's faculty and staff) has an organizational structure, which gives order and clarity and functional patterns for operation. Our bodies are composed of a set of structures that could be studied independently of each other and that make up who we are. Thus the digestive, circulatory, or breathing systems form independent structures that when working collaboratively allow us to perform and enjoy life.
Everything around us has a structure that allows the human being to perceive it in a three-dimensional manner. The three dimensionality of an object gives it depth and allows the viewer to imagine being inside the object. The two dimensionality of an object or structure is an abstract view. That is, a representation of one plane of the 3D object drawn on paper. This view of the object allows the individual to focus on one plane at a time.
However, when we speak of a structure we refer to the three-dimensional object in the form of a sculpture or a building even though as part of its design and creation, we make use of blueprints that are two-dimensional. The structure is the bones and that which gives strength to the building. With the emergence of faster computer processors, new technologies, and software representation of objects is becoming more common to have architects and engineers design three-dimensional models of the structures from the onset. This offers many advantages to the designer, from a clear picture of what the structure or object will look like, to the management of materials and time needed to make any necessary changes as part of the process.
There is a close relationship between architecture and engineering. Architecture and engineering are integrated as a whole. So, "structure" may mean "building", "architecture", "engineering", or simply "objects". But before we explore these relationships it is important that we begin by defining architecture and engineering. In a few words and in simple terms that even a third grader would understand, I would refer to architecture as the science of designing and building a structure to shelter things, animals, or humans. Engineering, as the science of solving the challenges encountered in the creation of an object or structure for the purpose that which it was intended.
According to Bowland, the goal of the architect is "to enclose space and provide shelter, and in so doing, to create appropriate expressive and perhaps also symbolic relationships of forms". However, the goal is also to create structures that stand and endure the passing of generations. "They must be so proportioned and so build that the natural tendency of most things to give way eventually under the constant action of gravity and the varying assaults of other disruptive agencies is forestalled."(Bowland, 1999)
Therefore, the architect with the assistance of the engineer, and vice versa, have the task and responsibility to design and build stable and safe structures that take into account the laws of physics and mathematics. Tzonis (1999) describes the task so as to "make structures stable and enclosures secure."