THE STRUCTURES LAB
ABOUT THE LAB

A laboratory for non-engineering majors is an important feature of “CEE 262: Structures and the Urban Environment.” During University President Harold T. Shapiro’s tenure, in 1991, the lab was added to the course, allowing humanities majors to take the class to fulfill their laboratory science and technology requirement. This supported the Council on Science and Technology's efforts to offer more opportunities for non-science students to learn about science and technology. Professor Michael Littman, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, created the four major experiments for “CEE 262,” which include towers, cable bridges, beam bridges, and concrete structures. When current University President Shirley Tilghman was head of the Council of Science and Technology in 1999, she was instrumental in creating the position of Lab Manager. Since his arrival, Joe Vocaturo has reorganized the labs and created a more streamlined operation. Today, about forty percent of all University students who have to a take a lab science take this course or “CEE 102: Engineering in the Modern World.”

Last spring, David Billington had the idea of asking students in the Architecture and Engineering program to create the models in the lab for “The Art of Structural Design.” He received enthusiastic support from Peter Jaffe, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Susan Taylor, director of the Princeton University Art Museum. Lab Manager Joe Vocaturo agreed to work with the students to create models of technical and aesthetic excellence to include in the exhibition.

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© 2003 The Princeton University Art Museum