2007 Structural Engineering Traveling Fellowship
Kiley Rode

Structural design of both building and bridge structures entails a complex understanding of aesthetics, innovation, efficiency, and economy. This understanding combined with creativity and passion is at the heart of advancements in structural design. The area of concern that interests me is the harmony of innovative, aesthetically pleasing architecture with structural soundness. By viewing these structures firsthand, my knowledge and understanding has been greatly enhanced. In order for my knowledge in structural engineering to expand, a firsthand experience combined with my engineering studies proved to be influential.

Before my trip and through my extensive research I was able to view all of the structures on my itinerary via pictures. However, nothing could have prepared me for the grandeur that all of these great structures exhibited while being in their presence. Seeing how the building interacts with the environment, its surroundings, the people, and the city was phenomenal. I was very fortunate to visit structures from the distant past up to structures that are currently being erected. I found it exhilarating to be able to stand under the roof of the Pantheon, originally built in 27 BC, and to take in and realize the sheer genius of its creators. Although technological advancements like today were not available, these structures have withstood the test of time and maintained their structural strength. I was also fortunate enough to see different architecture styles, which ranged from Gothic to classical to modern.

There were many times when I stood in utter astonishment standing before these structures. By dissecting the structure into simplified components, it became easier to understand how these sections behave alone as well as in combination with the other parts to create a whole piece.

Since many of the structures displayed great complexity and intricate detail, it seems impossible to fully understand and study without being in direct contact with it. I was able to walk up to many of these magnificent structures, and stand under the grand archways, touch the carved marble pillars, view the interiors, and take in each piece one at a time. These structures are not only historically significant, but their architecture is praised as well. To be able to view structures that are currently being constructed as well as structures that were erected in 80 BC really gave me an overall greater appreciation for engineering works. I feel extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to travel and experience many works of structural art throughout the world.

Fellow Experience

Overall, this opportunity to travel to sites that I had only seen in photographs and studied about in textbooks has greatly increased my learning experience. I have learned that this firsthand experience is vital for a complete comprehension of classroom studies. I feel extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity for advancement in knowledge of structural engineering, culture, and aesthetics. I have been given the chance to view such beautiful, aesthetic structures and understand their harmony with their environment and structural soundness in an up-close and personal way. This has truly opened me up to a new perspective and way of thought. This travel fellowship has enabled me to fulfill one of the most memorable and impactful learning experiences that I have ever partaken in. I am grateful for the SOM Foundation for choosing me as the 2007 fellow and facilitating me to participate in such an amazing opportunity. After traveling and standing in front of such incredible pieces of aesthetic architecture and amazing feats of structural engineering, I am more motivated than ever to increase my knowledge and in turn use my creativity to imagine and design. I plan to carry this knowledge and experience with me in order to make a positive impact in the field of the harmony of form and function in engineering and architectural works. Since I have learned so much this summer from travel and research, it has really motivated and encouraged me to continue and extend my research in this field. My hopes are to continue learning, encourage others to pursue this field, and help make further advancements in the area of form and function. In conclusion, I sincerely want to thank the SOM Foundation for their generous scholarship fund which has allowed me to pursue something I had only thought of in dreams. The award has provided me with the essential means to develop my dreams into a reality. My original intentions were fulfilled and exponentially surpassed by this opportunity to travel. A special thanks to Susan Larson and Bill Baker for their help throughout this process and providing me with the tools and resources to make my travel such a success. The intention of the SOM Foundation Structural Engineering Traveling Fellowship is to encourage and enable advancements in research and in the field of structural engineering in general. This whole experience has truly inspired and incited my passion for this harmony between aesthetically pleasing architecture and structural soundness. This has been a life-altering learning and growing period in my life, one that I will never forget!