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Structure is also Architecture

Space is confined by its boundaries and structure is responsible of defining the boundaries. As we know, without structure there is no building and therefore there is a deep relation between the spaces and the structure. Structure is not a neutral architectural element, it influences the space around it, and its very presence invites architectural analysis or readings. This perception of structure creates opportunities rather than constraints. In short, structure is far from being only a design requirement, but rather a tool able to contribute actively to the design (Almaraz, 2015).
Structural elements do not only guarantee the building’s stability, they can also contribute to the development and definition of spaces. For example every structure has a rhythm that is more or less apparent in the project (Bernabeu, 2007). In words of Suárez (2015), «unfortunately, we forget the etymological origin of the word (structūrae) that it only defies "disposition and order of the different elements considered in the whole" (...) this is considering the relations among the different elements so they work adequately and so the final result is unique, efficient cause and formal cause. One form, one structūrae»
The origin and the development of contemporary architectural expressions in the recent decades has been deeply related to the development of new materials and structural systems (Bernabeu, 2007). Thanks to the technical advances, such as the enhancement of material’s properties and calculation tools architecture is nowadays in a position where it is possible to securely build structures with a high degree of complexity, not solvable until very recently (Charleson, 2005). The consequences of this are that nowadays almost every formal approach can be solved and built (Bernabeu, 2007).
It should call attention the fact that there is no a unique solution for a structural problem, for any architectural design, designers face a considerable freedom of choices of possible structural solutions. Therefore, they can find solutions that foster and actively reinforce the design concept, in better, worse ways or just be indifferent to them. Architects then should choose the most convenient solution for each particular case and base their decisions not only on economical, technical and constructive reasons, but also on formal and conceptual criteria and their architectural implications. It is also important to highlight a remarkable fact: as we can learn from history, current and future technological advances in structural materials, analysis and design techniques will lead to a significant increase in the diversity of structural options. And besides this, in their possible architectural implications (Charleson, 2005).