What is the Difference between Civil Engineering and Architecture?
In the construction industry, development projects usually require the knowledge and understanding of civil engineering and architecture. These are important disciplines that deal with the process of creating structures, such as buildings, airports, churches and houses.
Both professions have critical functions that are essential in any construction job and they rely on one-another to accomplish a given task.
These two professions are generally similar. Yet, there are clear differences between civil engineering and architecture. As a matter of fact, they have well-defined roles that make them distinguishable from each other.
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The Difference between Civil Engineering and Architecture
Both Civil Engineering and Architecture are involved in planning and designing structures. However, Architecture focuses more on the spatial functionality and aesthetics of the development work and is more concerned with the artistry, look, feel and functionality of the design, while Civil Engineering concentrates on the structural elements of the design, making certain that the structure can endure normal and extreme conditions.
Even though Civil Engineers are involved in the design process, Architects take the lead role in terms of the design of the structure. The Architect will initiate and create the design, including the shape, color and spaces of the development work then civil engineering professionals will analyze it to find ways to make the construction design possible. The civil engineer will be responsible in finding suitable materials, suggesting modifications and alterations and evaluating the structural integrity to transform the architect's vision into realization.
To summarize, architecture's primary concern is designing the development work while civil engineering's responsibility is ensuring that the design can be implemented in a safe and reliable manner. Civil engineers and architects may sometimes overlap each other's work but a good relationship between the two professions will make the construction job more effective and successful.
Civil engineering firm Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge in Connecticut, makes it a point to work harmoniously with architects to ensure superior quality results and proper design implementations for all clients, because they understand that teamwork and cooperation is vital to the success of any construction project.
Architecture focuses more on the spatial functionality and aesthetics of the development work and is more concerned with the artistry, look, feel and functionality of the design.
Civil Engineering concentrates on the structural elements of the design, making certain that the structure can endure normal and extreme conditions.
About Adam Hoffman
Hoffman began his surveying career back in 1978 when he worked for his uncle, Bernard Godfrey. After graduating from Paul Smith’s College, he worked his way from rod-man to transit-man and eventually party-chief. In 1988 when Adam received his Land Surveying license, he and Mr. Godfrey formed Godfrey-Hoffman Associates. After 12 years of a great partnership, Mr. Godfrey retired which left Mr. Hoffman with the entire business.