Step-by-Step Structural Systems 7th Edition

YEM Yayın has published the "Step by Step" series, which has been eagerly awaited for some time and serves as a fundamental reference for architecture, interior architecture, and landscape architecture students.

The series consists of four books titled Design Ideas - Design Methods - Structural Systems - Building Materials, which are recommended to be read together for narrative integrity and complement each other in content. The aim of the series is to meticulously present the fundamental problems encountered in the processes of different activities and areas of expertise within the architectural discipline, the factors affecting these processes, and the main approaches and principles developed for solutions, with easy-to-understand explanations and enlightening suggestions.

The first book in the series, "Design Ideas," focused on the initial stage of the architectural design process, offering suggestions and tips to help designers generate ideas for solving a design problem. The second book, "Design Methods," built upon the results of "Design Ideas," meticulously examining a series of design methods that designers could utilize when solving a design problem.
The third book in the "Step by Step" series, "Structural Systems," focuses on the load-bearing systems encountered at almost every stage of the architectural design process, which we use to bring design ideas to life. With the aim of providing a simple approach to the theory of load-bearing systems, which may seem complex at first glance, the book guides architecture students who struggle to find their way through the complexity of statics and load-bearing theory, especially at the beginning of their architectural education. Starting from the idea that designing load-bearing systems will develop designers' spatial ideas and foresight, it attempts to explain the fundamentals of load-bearing theory in a simple and understandable way. "Step by Step Structural Systems," which aims to build a bridge between the disciplines of architecture and civil engineering, seeks to enable students to understand structural contexts, consider the requirements these contexts present when designing, and thus realize their designs with a realistic and holistic understanding.

Bert Bielefeld, who prepared the book for publication, shares his views on the book:

“When constructing a building, we need to know how its load-bearing system functions. Structural elements can be decisive components of the design or merely an invisible infrastructure, but there is always a load-bearing system upon which the building is founded. This system holds the building together, transfers loads to the ground, and ensures stability. Understanding the load-bearing system – its structural principles and the unique characteristics of each system – is crucial for applying these principles precisely during the design process and for developing a solution appropriate to the materials used and construction method. Especially at the initial stages of education, where many new pieces of information need to be assimilated, it is often difficult for a student to navigate the complexity of statics and load-bearing theory. ‘Step by Step Structural Systems’ bridges the disciplines of architecture and civil engineering and explains the fundamentals of load-bearing theory in a simple, understandable, and chronological manner. For a general comprehension of the subject, the author first explains the loads and forces acting on a structure through examples and simple explanations. He introduces typical structural elements and shows the load-bearing systems that designers can use when designing different types of structures. The concise information provided here enables students to work with load-bearing systems with a holistic understanding and to create innovative designs...”

Alfred Meistermann, the author of the book, states:

“...‘Step by Step Structural Systems’ aims to provide a simple approach to the theory of load-bearing systems, which may seem complex at first glance. The information presented here should enable students to understand structural contexts, consider the requirements arising from loads and supports during design, and thus realize their designs with a realistic and holistic understanding. Designing load-bearing systems develops designers' spatial ideas. The possibilities offered by load-bearing systems allow them to be more creative. Therefore, the success of a load-bearing system is primarily related to the extent to which it reflects the overall design idea and how it contributes to the formation of this idea. This becomes even more important in design processes where load-bearing systems are decisive in every respect (for example, in large-span building systems). In such cases, addressing the designed load-bearing system in all its complexity greatly simplifies the solution of problems...”