No, really- what would you think, if I said " I am an artist who has decided to design a 40 story skyscraper- I need to know everything you can tell me, in a few sentances online, about engineering, structures, floor layout, curtain walls, materials, the history of big buildings, and design".
The answer, of course, is that people spend years, usually at least 5, just to get to the point they can work as a flunky in an architecture firm, and then 10 to 20 years of practice before they get really decent at it.
Why should the design and execution of architectural metalwork be any different?
Even excluding all other metals, I would expect about a 2 year learning curve, including hands on time with tools, before you could competently design and spec aluminum building exteriors.
Not that architects dont do it all the time with no experience, but it shows in the results.
So sure, you should study up on basic fab techniques- but really, you need a decent sheet metal professional to help you design what you want.
Here are a couple of basic sheet metal technique books I would recommend, to help you understand the basics of alloys, fastening and welding, bending and cutting, and so on-
Hire a professional. No,
Hire a professional.
No, really- what would you think, if I said " I am an artist who has decided to design a 40 story skyscraper- I need to know everything you can tell me, in a few sentances online, about engineering, structures, floor layout, curtain walls, materials, the history of big buildings, and design".
The answer, of course, is that people spend years, usually at least 5, just to get to the point they can work as a flunky in an architecture firm, and then 10 to 20 years of practice before they get really decent at it.
Why should the design and execution of architectural metalwork be any different?
Even excluding all other metals, I would expect about a 2 year learning curve, including hands on time with tools, before you could competently design and spec aluminum building exteriors.
Not that architects dont do it all the time with no experience, but it shows in the results.
So sure, you should study up on basic fab techniques- but really, you need a decent sheet metal professional to help you design what you want.
Here are a couple of basic sheet metal technique books I would recommend, to help you understand the basics of alloys, fastening and welding, bending and cutting, and so on-
Sheet Metal Shop Practice- Leo Meyer-ATP books
Fabricators Handbook- Ron Fournier- HP Books
Both are available cheaply used from ABEBOOKS.com