Every building is brought to life and guided by its creator — the Architect.
From the very first spark of an idea to the final completion of a structure, the architect plays a leading role in shaping and steering the project. This responsibility demands a comprehensive understanding of all technical systems involved in the building. Among these, the structural system not only serves as the primary framework ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the project, but also acts as the foundation upon which architectural ideas can rise and expand. In this sense, structural design is more than just engineering — it is a critical enabler of architectural creativity. For that reason, a solid general knowledge of structural principles is essential for architects. It empowers them to shape their early conceptual sketches with greater precision, feasibility, and coherence — ensuring that visionary design and buildable reality walk hand in hand.

Seminar: “To Column or Not to Column – Structural Systems for Architectural Creativity”

This seminar is designed to equip architects with a fundamental understanding of practical structural systems currently used in real-world construction. The session explores methods for preliminary estimation of structural dimensions, as well as the capabilities and limitations of different structural solutions in meeting unconventional or expressive architectural requirements — all while considering cost-effectiveness and construction feasibility.

In practice, a common tension often arises in building design: structural engineers tend to favor adding more columns, whereas architects consistently seek to remove them — aiming to maximize open, flexible floor plans. The most viable and successful design solutions are often found not in compromise, but in deep mutual understanding and collaboration between architects and structural engineers.

A truly beautiful, enduring, and efficient building is born from an architect who possesses a broad, integrative grasp of structure, and a structural engineer who embraces the vision of architecture. This shared foundation enables bold ideas to become built reality — safely and sustainably.

The seminar was presented by Mr. Hoang Viet Anh, CEO of Phu My Engineering Construction JSC (PMEC). His insights offered valuable guidance for architects seeking to harmonize architectural vision with structural feasibility from the earliest design stages. By bridging the gap between creative intent and technical constraints, the presentation aimed to help architects minimize costly design revisions, avoid resource waste, and ensure that bold ideas are both buildable and efficient — leading to more sustainable and streamlined project development.