How do architects use calculus?

Answer 1

Most architects do not use calculus. I would guess that very few even know what it is. Architects retain consulting engineers to design the structural, mechanical and electrical systems in their buildings, and even those engineers do not use calculus as a matter of course (Although, being trained in engineering, they are more likely to understand the concepts). Engineers do perform many calculations to determine the proper size and configuration of the various systems, but they normally base these calculations on standard formulas and published codes, and not on the direct use of derivatives or integrals. Insofar as the original formulas and codes may have been generated by calculus, you could say that the engineers benefit from from its prior use. Architects need only simple arithmetic for most of what they do. Of course, there are exceptions, ut it is a rare practicing architect who uses or even understands calculus. Dave Anderson, Architect DAnderson@KulwiecGroup.com