Structures: or why things don’t fall down by James Edward Gordon (1913–1998) was published in 1978 and has enjoyed cult status among designers and engineers ever since. After all, Gordon succeeds like no other in explaining the basic principles of structural design. For example, he explains crystal-clearly that structures only remain standing because they move. Deformation is a fundamental condition for the interplay of forces within a structure. I gradually came to realise this during my studies too, but unfortunately not because anyone explained it so clearly.
His broad interest in and wonder at natural and cultural phenomena is no coincidence. He wonders, for example, how a bat can fly unscathed through thorn bushes, and in doing so arrives at the basic premises of a design. Gordon does indeed teach you to think about the economy and the aesthetics of a design that does not automatically fall back on classical, pressure-based structures in brick and concrete. That remains relevant, certainly in times when screen images make everything virtually possible, but test nothing.
Gordon was, after all, no ordinary figure. He studied naval architecture at the University of Glasgow. During the Second World War, he devised composite materials, wooden aircraft, plastics and all manner of new materials for the Royal Aircraft Establishment. He also designed the lifeboats for the bombers. After the war, he continued his research into new construction materials at various companies and government agencies. Some of his discoveries are still used in the construction of fibre-reinforced components for aircraft and rockets.
EPFL Press (the publishing house of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) published a French translation of the book in 2022, featuring all the original drawings and illustrations. The translation is excellent: the subtleties of the argument have been preserved without it feeling like translated English, which is certainly no simple task. It is therefore a must-have. For those who do not speak French: the original version can be found online with a little effort.
One drawback: the publisher felt it necessary to state on the book cover that the book was a reference work for Elon Musk. Not a wise choice. I imagine that Laurent Ney or Santiago Calatrava also read the book with interest at some point. That would, today, be more fitting.
Structures: or why things don’t fall down, James Edward Gordon, EPFL Press, Lausanne. ISBN 978-2-88915-450-0. Paperback, 416 pages, recommended retail price €24.20.
