Architecture vs. Civil/Structural Engineering?

Question

I'm a senior now taking the IB. I am convinced i want to design buildings, and having done some research, I've come up with the three fields mentioned above. I always associate architecture with design, but my impression of structural engineering so far (wikipedia-based) is that it looks at design from a physics stand point. People have said that depending on your right/left brain alignment either will suit you. However, I'm equally interested and I'd like to think talented in both sciences and arts. I take IB higher physics and higher art, and got a 7 in both (if you know our weird grading system), and they are my two favorite classes. I would just like some clarification around the difference between the fields given that I am talented and interested in both approaches.

Answer 1

architecture is purely design, 3d renderings, models, conceptual

(artistic)

civil engineer are those who build it and make the architects visions possible. (a lot of math and physics)

registered architects also approve civil engineering construction because they are the ones who know all the building codes, fire codes, safety stuff.

Answer 2

Architects make buildings pretty and useful (functional)

Civil Engineers figure out how to make them stand.

Frank Loyd Wright was a great Architec but a very poor Civil Engineer that did NOT put enough steel in his Masterpiece "Fallingwater." As a result it is crumbling.

Bottom line: Both professions are needed to have pretty, functional, strong buildings.

Go where your heart leads.

Answer 3

The architect is the one who is going to be concerned with the overall look and feel of the building. He develops the room layouts and exterior elevations base on what the owner of the building wants. The architect has to deal with issues like fire safety, making sure there are enough exits, making sure the restrooms are accessible for the disabled. Once the architect has building designed the way he wants it he sends it to the structural engineer.

The structural engineer takes what the architect gives him and develops the framing structure of the building. He is concerned with making sure the building does not fall down due to earthquakes, wind forces (hurricanes) or vertical loading. He provides the plans that show the foundation construction, the wall and roof construction.

It all depends on what you like more. Do you want to be the one who designs how the building looks and interacts with the surroundings. Or do you want to be the one who designs how the framing works and make sure it doesn't fall over.