UTILITAS, FIRMITAS and VENUSTAS (Vitruve, -15 B.C)
Our philosophy comes from Vitruve, a Roman architect whose rules of construction were :
- Utilitas (functionality and economy)
- Firmitas (strength)
- Venustas (esthetism, elegance)
We do add another rule : Durabilitas, sustainability.
Convinced that architectural elegance should come from the structure, our role is to lead the forces path from the application point to the foundation systems with simplicity and efficiency.
Engineering and bridges designs
Civil engineering works concern mainly pedestrian areas, roads, railways projects.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES
We make preliminary studies which expose many technical solutions in two phases :
- The sketching phase consisting in creating functional cross-sections according to the client’s criteria, drawing the structures allowing the crossing.
- The studying phase in which we include the environmental dimension. Structures should fit in their natural environnement.
THE PROJECT
After the preliminary studies, the project phase consists in choosing the technical solution with a more in-depth structure study to define the structure dimensioning (foundation, abutment, pier, deck…) and then determine the estimation based on the detailed preliminary measurements. There are also calculations describing the structural type, load cases, combinations, construction steps, etc.
The next step will be looking for a skilled firm (generally through invitation to tender), to undertake the works.
EXECUTION PHASE
The selected firm will have to re calculate and justify each part of the structure while respecting their construction methods, their material resources.
We ensure VISA missions to control graphic parts: plans, calculations.
Anyway, even if we are not participating in the management of the works, we may be consulted.
Engineering of existing works
Existing structures support many load cases. To anticipate economic, functional and security issues, a diagnosis plus a survey must be undertaken during the operation and the maintenance of the structure.
DIAGNOSIS AND SURVEY
The structure undergoes many loads (chemical stress, load cases...) that can cause considerable material damages and even human casualties.
To preserve and/or improve the structural integrity of your buildings, our design agency proceeds with the following approach :
REPAIR AND REHABILITATE
When the structure needs to be reinforced, rehabilitated or transformed, we help the customer through these different missions :