What is Architectural Structure Design?

Architectural structure design is the process of creating a structural system that safely supports a building's intended use while aligning with its architectural vision. It ensures that the building can withstand both everyday use and external forces such as earthquakes, wind, and snow, all while complying with legal and safety standards.

The process begins with a review of the building's design specifications to determine design conditions and load requirements. Based on these, a structural framework is developed in line with relevant codes and regulations.

Beyond ensuring safety and code compliance through application procedure, architectural structure design also aims to optimize performance and cost-efficiency. This includes proposing structural solutions that meet or exceed client expectations, contributing to buildings that are not only functional and safe, but also architecturally ambitious and economically viable.

Design and Engineering Process

Structural Planning

The process begins by determining the appropriate structural system based on the building’s intended use, architectural performance requirements, and construction schedule.
This sets the foundation for a safe, efficient, and buildable structure.

Preliminary Section Design

A preliminary design is prepared to address seismic forces and estimate the required cross-sections of structural members.
If seismic walls or braces are needed, their layout is carefully planned to achieve structural performance while maintaining harmony with the architectural design.

Coordination with the Client and Stakeholders

The preliminary design is shared with the client and relevant stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure alignment.
Based on this coordination, the structural concept is refined and finalized before moving into the detailed design phase.

Detailed Design

Using the outcomes of the coordination phase, a full structural design is developed.
Throughout this process, both structural safety and cost-effectiveness are carefully considered to deliver a high-quality design.

Pre-Application to Building Inspection Authorities

Before the official building confirmation application, design documents are submitted for a pre-application review.
Any issues raised during this review provide an opportunity to improve or refine the structural design.

Building Confirmation Application and Conformity Evaluation

After addressing feedback from the pre-application, the final design is submitted for official building confirmation. The authorities verify that all requirements are met.
For large-scale buildings, a third-party conformity evaluation may also be required to further ensure safety.

Design Completion / Start of Construction

Once the design is approved through the building confirmation process, construction can officially begin.

Our Approach to Architectural Structure Design

In Japan, where seismic activity is a constant concern, structural safety is paramount. At RISE Structural Design, Inc., we prioritize seismic resilience not only for buildings, but also for industrial facilities such as plants and piping systems. A key objective in our designs is to ensure that structures possess adequate ductility—enabling them to deform under seismic forces without collapsing, thus allowing safe evacuation and reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.

This is achieved by allowing controlled deformation rather than relying solely on rigidity. Just as a wire stretches under tension before failing, a well-designed structure absorbs and dissipates seismic energy through its members and connections.

A recent project exemplifies this approach: a multi-level parking structure with a spiral configuration. The upper parking levels required significant stiffness to meet functional demands, while the first-floor commercial space called for a more flexible layout. This contrast, combined with the irregular geometry, introduced complex shear force behavior requiring careful structural planning.

To address such challenges, RISE focuses on two core principles:
　• Ensuring efficient transmission of seismic forces throughout the structure, and
　• Strategically incorporating ductility to avoid stress concentrations and enhance energy dissipation capacity.

Rather than applying uniform reinforcement or simply increasing member sizes, our approach emphasizes understanding the flow of forces and optimizing structural member selection and placement. This ensures safety, cost-effectiveness, and constructability.

Successfully analyzing and resolving complex force interactions is a core strength of RISE Structural Design, Inc. These challenges not only require a high level of technical expertise but also provide opportunities to deliver solutions that are both structurally sound and aligned with our clients' goals.

Although the process is challenging, successfully designing with a clear understanding of force flow provides a deep sense of professional satisfaction. That sense of achievement is further amplified when the completed building can be seen standing as intended.