In today’s construction landscape, there’s a growing trend of prioritizing aesthetics over structural integrity, and this is especially evident in modern building designs. While the pursuit of beauty is a natural part of architecture, it’s crucial to understand how design choices can unintentionally compromise the safety and strength of a building. This article will explore how these dangerous trends develop, what the implications are, and what you can do to ensure that your building projects are safe.

The Slippery Slope of Architectural Compromise

Architects sometimes take risks by compromising the structural strength of buildings in the name of beauty. Over time, without disasters occurring, complacency can set in, and the compromises made between aesthetics and strength can become more and more audacious. This gradual shift can lead to dangerous designs. We see this in other fields, like boat racing.

The Fastnet Race Disaster: A Cautionary Tale

The annual British Fastnet Race, a yacht race that has been held since 1925, serves as an example. In 1979, a major disaster struck when a violent storm hit the fleet. The result was that 25 of the 306 boats were sunk or disabled, with 15 lives lost. The inquiry into the disaster revealed that, over the years, boat designers had gradually reduced the weight of the boats to increase their speed. This weight reduction also reduced the boats’ strength, making them unable to cope with the full force of an Atlantic storm. This event highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining a balance between performance and safety.

The Parallel in Building Design: Bali’s Evolving Structures

A similar trend can be seen in building design, particularly in Bali. Many modern structures in Bali are not designed to withstand earthquakes because architects focus on aesthetics rather than structural integrity. Older buildings often have structural columns and beams that are visible within the walls and ceilings. Today, architects often prefer flush walls and ceilings, which can lead to the use of columns and beams with dimensions that prioritize aesthetics over structural soundness.

The Dangers of Wide, Skinny Columns

In the past, typical structural columns were 30 cm by 30 cm. Nowadays, a column is more likely to be 15 cm by 50 cm so it can be hidden in a 15 cm thick wall. While wide, skinny columns may be aesthetically pleasing, they have significant structural implications.

• A square column has equal strength in all directions, whereas a wide skinny column is stronger in its wide direction but weaker in its thinner direction.
• A 15cm thick column leaves little margin for error; the size of the column, the quality of the concrete, and the steel reinforcement must be precise.
• Using wide, skinny columns is acceptable only when correctly designed and built to exacting standards.

The Importance of Structural Engineering

It is essential to remember that an architect is not necessarily a structural engineer. In Bali, many houses and villas are being built by architects who design the buildings and also engage the contractors. If the architect does not frequently visit the construction site, the contractor might cut corners to reduce costs. Therefore, architects and builders, unless they are also qualified structural engineers, do not have the technical knowledge to ensure a building is structurally sound and can withstand earthquakes. This is particularly important when using slimmer columns and beams.

Ensuring Your Building Can Withstand Earthquakes

If you are building, buying, or renting, it is important to ensure that your building is structurally sound. To protect yourself, consider the following measures:

• Verify that a structural engineer designed or checked the structural plans, and signed off on the drawings, taking responsibility for the design.
• Ask questions about the foundations and structural design, so you understand the most critical aspects of the building.
• Ensure that the building is inspected regularly during construction by people who understand the specifications and placement of steel and concrete mixes and strengths.
• Consider hiring an independent expert to represent you, who can review documents and drawings and check the building during the construction phase.

Natural Selection in Building Design

The concept of natural selection is inextricably linked with the concept of evolution. In the context of building design, poor design choices can lead to disaster. It is the people living in poorly designed buildings, rather than the people who built them, who are more likely to be negatively affected by these choices.

Conclusion

While the pursuit of aesthetics in building design is important, it should not come at the expense of structural integrity. By prioritizing proper engineering and construction practices, we can ensure the safety of our buildings and the well-being of those who inhabit them. It is essential for builders and those involved in any building project to be aware of the potential dangers and take the necessary steps to prioritize structural strength.