How much math does an architect do?
Question from YouTuber:
How much math is involve in a typical architectural project?
Answer:
The answer (on the architects end) is very little. A building is defined with drawings, models, words and dimensions. The architectural engineer deals in math with most buildings. He uses numbers, equations, variables and physics to make sure what the architect does stands up. With that said, architects use a few mathematical rules of thumb when designing a building but usually rely on the engineer to make sure what he draws works. He does however deal in simple mathematical terms regarding the dimensional aspects of his design. With that said, the architect uses math and physics early in his career if he wants to be licensed in the United States (or get through school). Architects take lots of engineering courses and must be facile with physics and math. Bottom line - the architect needs to understand rules and concepts in order to design things that work. In practice complex mathematics is more the purview of the architectural engineer.
Image by James Cridland @ flickr
