In this blog post, we will explore the essence of houses and the role of architectural engineering to consider why architecture is both a science and an art form.
All animals build their own homes. The process of building a home goes beyond simply creating a living space; it involves each animal’s unique skills, instincts, and adaptation to the natural environment. For example, beavers, known as master craftsmen, gather wood and mud from their surroundings to build dams, which they use as a foundation to construct their homes underwater. These homes are designed to protect them from predators and keep their families safe. Ants work together like a small army, each contributing their strength to build intricate and comfortable homes that resemble mazes. The interior of an ant nest is divided into layers according to their purpose, and even the humidity and temperature are kept constant.
Humans have also built houses to protect themselves from natural elements such as rain, wind, and cold, as well as external threats from animals. Over time, the functions and structures of houses have become more diverse, and today, houses have come to mean more than just a place to live. Now, homes have become important spaces where we rest, build memories with our families, and express our individuality and tastes. Such homes are an essential element of the three basic necessities of life—clothing, food, and shelter—and have developed alongside humanity since its inception. Architecture, my field of study, is a discipline that began with the dawn of humanity, encompassing the technology and art of creating safe, comfortable, and meaningful “homes” that transcend mere space.
My interest in architecture was sparked by the overwhelming emotion I felt standing before the metropolis of New York City. During my first year of high school, I had the opportunity to visit the eastern United States, and I spent a day in New York City. Standing among the skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, which is a symbol of New York, I was overwhelmed by the vague “power of architecture” that I had felt as a child. While my friends were taking pictures in this exotic place and enjoying the dazzling billboards of the bustling Times Square, I stood in the middle of the road, staring blankly at the sky. The buildings filling the city center were intricately connected like a giant spider web, and the light shining through them created a sacred and awe-inspiring atmosphere. At the same time, I wondered, “How were these structures built?” and “What was the thought process behind their design?” The thrill I felt when I climbed to the observation deck of the Empire State Building and looked down at Manhattan left a deep impression on me and led to my decision to pursue architecture.
The Department of Architecture at Seoul National University is divided into two majors: architecture and architectural engineering. Architecture focuses on architectural design and theory, emphasizing aesthetic value. On the other hand, Architectural Engineering, which I chose, aims to train architectural engineers and covers four main areas: architectural structure, architectural environment, architectural facilities, and architectural construction. The goal of Architectural Engineering is to realize architecture as structures that not only possess aesthetic elements but also ensure safety, economy, and environmental friendliness.
To help you understand, let’s assume that we are going to build a small house. Once the architectural design is completed, we first survey the site. We check the soil quality and the presence of groundwater, which is an essential process for stable construction. Next, we install columns and beams, which serve as the skeleton of the building, applying the field of architectural structure.
Architectural structures provide the foundational support for buildings, utilizing materials such as reinforcing bars and concrete. Drawing on the principles of physics and mechanics learned in high school, engineers design safe structures by considering the loads each material will bear, the weight of occupants, natural forces like wind, and even disasters such as earthquakes and floods. For example, skyscrapers must be able to withstand much stronger loads and wind pressure than ordinary residential buildings, and earthquake-resistant design is also essential.
Once the structural work is complete, the next step is to add the “flesh” to the building’s skeleton. In this process, architectural environment and building systems play a crucial role. Insulation materials are used to minimize energy loss, and exterior and interior walls are constructed to enhance stability and convenience. Additionally, HVAC systems, water supply, and drainage facilities are installed to make the house a livable space.
First, the architectural environment field focuses on research to create comfortable indoor and outdoor environments. Indoor environments help maintain a cool space in summer and a warm space in winter, while appropriate lighting and humidity control enhance human comfort. At the same time, the outdoor environment seeks to integrate natural energy sources such as solar energy into architecture to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and achieve harmony with the surrounding nature. Such research has become an essential part of sustainable development in modern cities.
Meanwhile, architectural facilities refer to the installation and management of various mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, and sanitation systems, to ensure indoor comfort. These systems encompass cooling, heating, water supply, drainage, electrical, gas, and kitchen facilities, and are considered essential technologies for a healthier and more hygienic life in modern society. Today’s building systems are focused on developing more innovative and eco-friendly systems that consider energy efficiency.
Finally, building construction is applied to oversee all processes from the initial planning and design of a building. Construction is the academic field responsible for planning and managing the construction process and ensuring that each stage is carried out according to plan through technical and economic management. This process involves coordinating various technologies and knowledge to ensure that the building is ultimately constructed in an efficient and economical manner. The quality of a building depends on the overall management and coordination of the construction process, and outstanding buildings are created through the collaboration of experts in various fields working toward a common goal.
Through architectural engineering, the ability to build homes with sturdy structures, comfortable environments, and convenience in daily life is highly rewarding. Furthermore, architecture—which involves contemplating and designing spaces where humans and nature coexist—is not merely a profession but a meaningful endeavor that provides people with comfort and a place of refuge.
