May 13, 2010
Civil Engineers Versus Architects, Technicality Versus Aesthetics
Whenever you think of giving a physical form to the idea of house or building in your head, you know you need some sort of expert help. The professionals most concerned with the construction work are either civil engineer or architects. Even though both the professionals work towards one objective, there is a good difference between the nature of both jobs. Civil engineering is a very deep roted area of engineering and further broadens into several other branches that include structural engineering, environmental engineering, water resource engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering and a few more. All of these engineers play a very important part in different phases of structure building. For instance, a geotechnical engineer needs to analyze the land properties, soil and rock to determine and evaluate the stability of the project. They are also responsible to assess the chances and consequences of disasters on particular site.
Architects, on the other hand, are more related to the lcomposition and beauty of the building. Although they need a sound scientific and mechanical knowledge of construction and structures as well, their prime focus is the visual appearance and the feel of the building. Ever thought about how we distinguish an ancient Egyptian temple from a Chinese structure just by having a look at them. The pillars, walls and roofs of both buildings serve the same purpose but it is the difference of architecture that gives them a unique identity. The architects also have to be well aware of the functions and feasibility of the design. They should be aware of purpose that has to be served by the building they are designing. The solution they are required to come up with has to be feasible, functional as well as aesthetically appealing.
Civil engineers use the drawings made by the architects and come up with the most reasonable and sometimes innovative way to give it a physical form. They deal with the more technical details of the building rather than just the plan. There prime focus is the construction of the design in such a manner that it can bear the maximum load and force without breaking down. Aesthetics and functionality is not generally their area of concern as it has to be already defined in the architectural drafts.
Architects are the one who initiate the the course of action through their drawn plan. They work in correspondence with the engineers to provide them a clear idea of their plan. Typically, there is only one architect needed on a single project but the number of engineers can vary greatly. As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of civil engineers required in every step of the construction. The number and type of engineers working on a project also change with the type of project. The project can be a building, a bridge, a stadium, roads, dams or a tunnel.
Even though both the civil engineers and architects have their own set of responsibilities and efficiencies, a good team work and effort is vital for a successful project. For those who are confused about opting from the two as their major should analyze their innate liking towards creative works or more scientific aspects.
Connor R. Sullivan recently met with a skilledgeotechnical engineer for an engineering project he is working on. Connor R. Sullivan recently met with a geotechnical engineering firm to evaluate the ground properties at a particular construction site.


Somewhat I don’t agree that with the statement that architects use less intensive math and physics because back in college we were taught ultimate strength design for buildings.We were taught to compute earthquake analysis and how to use STAAD.The architecture program of our school is the complete synthesis of all the fields of engineering taking into consideration anthropometrics ,ergonometrics and all building laws.That is why architecture is considered both an art and science.A profession that existed since the beginning of civilization.I love and I’m proud to be an Architect.