Differences between Civil Engineering and Architecture Engineering - Coursework Example

Differences between Civil Engineering and Architecture Engineering Introduction Engineering is a word that was adopted from the Latin ‘ingenium’ which meant to be clever. Engineering is a science branch that uses mathematical and scientifically applications to solve problems. Engineering is a field that is found in every aspect of life. Engineering technologies are used in the day-to -day events to improve the quality of life. These technologies are used to improve and create a better understanding between humans and the environmenti. The technologies improve communication, work relations, health, and entertainment aspects among many other factors. Engineers are people who engage in learning all aspects of engineering in order to use the knowledge in problem solving. They use engineering knowledge in making things work efficiently, quickly, and less expensivelyii. From computer technologies, satellites to medical devices, engineering came along to solve human troubles and create modern ways of living. Engineering has several branches such as electrical engineering, civil engineering, and computer engineering. Within every branch of engineering, there are broad topics of study that help in development of better ways of doing things. In the modern world, engineers are required to go to school and acquire relevant knowledge within whatever branch a person choosesiii. This paper deals in extracting the differences that exist between civil engineering and structural engineering. Civil engineering and architectural engineering Civil engineering is professional engineering discipline encircling fields responsible for construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environmentiv. These environments range from works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams and buildings. Civil engineering distinguishes military engineering from non-military engineeringv. Civil engineering is broken down to several sub-disciplines such as architectural engineering, environmental engineering, control engineering and forensic engineering among many other sub-disciplines. Civil engineering is executed from the public sector such as municipal councils all through to national governments. It is also executed in the private sector from an individual perspective all through to international companies. Architectural engineering is also referred to as building engineering. By definition, architectural engineering is the appliance of basic and elementary engineering canons in the fields of building design and constructionvi. An architectural engineer is a person who is an engineer in any engineering disciplines. Architectural engineers are called architects. Architects apply the principles of general engineering and structural design in planning and construction purposesvii. Differences between civil engineering and architecture engineering A functionality platform for both civil and architecture engineers suggest that both deal in planning and designing structures. However, in a closer scrutiny, the functionality of architectures involves spatial functionality and aesthetics of the development work. Their scope touches more on the artistry, look, feel and functionality of the design. On the other hand, civil engineers build their scope on the structural elements of the designs. Their main functionality is to evaluate the condition of the structure and ensure that it can endure normal and extreme environmental and natural conditions. Even though architects are the main pillars behind designing a structure, civil engineers are also involved in the design process. The architect is involved in creation and design of the designviii. Architects are burdened with tasks of initiating such factors as shape, color, and space of the development work. However, civil engineers carry out analysis of the design and the actual construction of the design. They are mandated with making decisions such as recommendation of suitable materials, suggesting modifications and alterations of the structure. They carry out an evaluation of structural integrity in order to put the architectural work in practiceix. There is a difference in the subjects a student who wants to pursue architectural engineering will undertake as compared to the one pursuing civil engineering. Civil engineering uses mathematical applications and physics more that architecturex. Different countries maintain different course structure. Students of architecture are known to be creative such that they can be able to design ideas without any guidelines. Civil engineering tackles particular specifications of design but it does not focus on the aesthetics and intentions of the structure. Civil engineers focus their attention and knowledge in designing ways that will enable the erecting of the design in place observing all laws within a mathematical and sciences approach. They venture in the practical aspect of the design. A civil engineer is mandated with several functions. The first function is carrying out a feasibility test or studiesxi. In the current world, the civil engineers carry out an extensive study of the objectives of the design and the preliminaries of executing these objectivesxii. Feasibility studies are made so that the best alternative can be reached. On the other hand, architectural engineers are not engaged in carrying out the feasibility study of their designs. The other function is site seeing and site investigation. Civil engineers are responsible for carrying out initial tests on the proposed site for the design. During this stage, civil engineering techniques are employed to the fullest. Money is spent to put to practice all the wits of civil engineeringxiii. However, architecture engineering is not involved at any process within this function. Civil engineers are also responsible for construction by employing their civil engineering knowledge to the fullestxiv. Architects are involved with designing a building while civil engineers are involved in carrying a site design for the building. Comparing the two engineering disciplines in terms of knowledge, the knowledge of an architect is limited within all the engineering disciplines. Architects deal with vertical construction while as civil engineers have a broader knowledge capacity within all the engineering disciplines. Civil engineers carry out a horizontal constructionxv. They also help in determining the validity and materiality of the vertical construction. Civil engineers are math intensive with geological and geographical capabilities of solving problems. Comparing the number of years of study, architects spent a minimum of five years acquiring knowledge ion architectural engineering while civil engineers spent four years to acquire knowledge on civil engineeringxvi. In their studies, architects study real mathematical solutions to problems and scientific knowledge application within their jurisdiction. Architects are supposed to possess communication skills that will facilitate understanding between them and civil engineers hence they are embodied with excellent management skills as compared to civil engineers. Comparing the analytical part and the creativity part, architects are more creative while civil engineers are more analytical. Architects study calculus 1 and applied physics 1 where as civil engineers study calculus 1, 2, and 3, equations, statistics, and linear algebra classesxvii. Civil engineers are responsible for conducting remediation of contaminated sites. They are also responsible for mapping of cities and urban metabolisms and surveyingxviii. Conclusion Architecture is a field of engineering that revolves around creativity of design. On the other hand, civil engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with innovations that facilitate the actual realization of the design. Civil engineers are engaged in planning and evaluating methods that will be more suitable in developing the design. When it comes to the number of years required for studies, civil engineers take four years while architects take five years. Both civil and architectural engineering are fields of engineering and they are broad in their own categories. References Read More