STRUCTURES 🏢

What is a structure?
The Google dictionary definition of a structure is "a building or other object constructed from several parts." In simpler terms, this could be something that has been built from several pieces of timber that can stand itself up. The medium or materials used to generate structures could be anything from wood and metal to brick and rock.  Examples of structures include houses, trees, and skyscrapers.

Did you know that there are four different types of structures?

The first type is called a Shell Structure. The materials used in Shell structures are thin and curved, and may include mediums such as concrete and mesh. An example of a shell structure is the body of an aircraft: they are curved and made of thin, lightweight aluminium. Another example would be the hull (front) of a ship; as it is curved. 

The second type is called a Frame Structure. A Frame structure is a building or object supported by a frame of beams and columns to help it stand rigid. Examples of Frame structures are houses. Notice that when you see one being built, there is commonly a wooden or steel framing where the walls, ceiling, and foundations are going to built. 

Honeycomb, which is made by bees,
consists of small yet stable hexagons built up together
 to support loads of honey.

The third type of structure is a Natural Structure. These structures are formed in nature and are not man made. You see natural structures everywhere; for example trees. Their canopy (leaves, branches) are held up by a trunk and roots deep in the ground. Trees are natural structures. Buildings are not natural structures. 

Famous structures
There are many famous examples of structures in history. Some famous structures in New Zealand include the Sky Tower up in Auckland, or the enormous sculpture of assorted fruits down in Cromwell. 

Famous sculptures across the world are some of the most well known buildings of all times. Examples include The Leaning Tower of Pissa in Italy, or the Twin Tower that used to stand tall in New York.

There are a lot of terms surrounding structures that buildings, architects, and engineers need to understand and study well before making or designing one. 

Failure - the falling or collapse of a structure.
Compression - to make two things press together firmly.
Tension - pulling one object from each end, to make it very tight and tense.