Buildings embody ineffable, yet sensible aesthetic and functional qualities that merge from a number of domains, such as space, form, and structure. The particular connection that exists between structures and architecture is what is referred to as the crossover design in building structures.
"Building Structures: Fundamentals of Crossover Design" introduces young architects, engineers and builders to the fundamental concepts of building structures. It seeks to develop proper understanding and interpretation of structural behavior and concepts within various architectural expressions, which is accomplished using clear 3D illustrations, photographs and graphical details. Mathematic is kept to a basic level by incorporating simple hand calculations. This ensures the primary emphasis on behavioral and conceptual aspects is not lost behind complex analytical methods. Examples inspired by real world projects are also presented throughout the text, which aim to give readers a solid knowledge base for understanding building structures. This book offers an essential introduction to building structures for anyone interested in architecture, civil and structural engineering, building construction and technology.
Nawari O. Nawari, Ph.D. (Technical University of Darmstadt, West Germany) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida. His teaching experience includes teaching at Technical University of Darmstadt, University of Akron and Kent State University. His current areas of research spans structural systems, building information modeling, sustainable building structures, and foundation design. He has written and co-authored over 40 publications. Dr. Nawari is an active member of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) committee of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and co-chair the subcommittee on BIM in education. He is also a board certified professional engineer in the state of Florida and Ohio with significant design and built experience.
Michael W. Kuenstle, AIA is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida. Including his time as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology, he has over 20 years of experience as an educator. Kuenstle received his Graduate Architecture degree from Columbia University in 1990, where he was awarded the William Kinne Fellows Memorial Fellowship for post-graduate research. Prior to attending Columbia University, he worked as a research assistant at the Chicago Institute for Architecture and Urbanism. Kuenstle is a licensed architect and currently serves as member of the Board of Trustees to the Florida Foundation for Architecture.

"Analyzing Building Structures" provides critical exercises to help students understand the fundamentals of building structures and how to design structures that will withstand forces such as self-weight, live loads, wind, and seismic forces. The book also provides comprehensive solution techniques and necessary vocabulary to help students and professionals in architecture, building construction, and civil engineering gain a deeper understanding of the structural principles and analytical methods of building design.
This book has been written to help readers learn about the fundamentals of building structures by involving them in the kinds of work that design professionals architects, engineers, and builders encounter in the course of designing and constructing building structures. It provides valuable practice to aid understanding of basic architectural structural concepts, as well as developing solutions for buildings and related structural design.
This unique volume also features:
- Many 2D and 3D drawings, diagrams, and photographs supporting main concepts.
- Real world problems illustrating structural behavior and design of building elements.
- Clear instructions for each exercise.
- Partial solutions to set students down the correct path for solving exercises.

Nawari O. Nawari, Ph.D. (Technical University of Darmstadt, West Germany) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida. His teaching experience includes teaching at Technical University of Darmstadt, University of Akron and Kent State University. His current areas of research spans structural systems, building information modeling, sustainable building structures, and foundation design. He has written and co-authored over 40 publications. Dr. Nawari is an active member of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) committee of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and co-chair the subcommittee on BIM in education. He is also a board certified professional engineer in the state of Florida and Ohio with significant design and built experience.