2. Linear and sequential course structure

The overall structure of the i-Structures course follows the linear, sequential course structure that was initiated by Aurelio Muttoni in Mendrisio and is presently being taught by Massimo Laffranchi. As shown in figure 1, the course moves from simple structures on left to more complex structures on the right : equilibrium, tension and compression, cable structures, arch structures, hybrid structures, trusses, beams, frames, etc.

Figure 1: Structure of the on-line course (going from left to right)

The consecutive nature of the course strongly implies that:

• Each lesson needs to be sufficiently understood by all students before moving to the next.

• It would impractical to attempt to extract only selected “modules” from the course, as they will make references to previously studied material.

The entire course has been divided into the themes represented in figure 1, and each theme has itself been separated into a series of short lessons. Each lesson should ideally take the student from 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The course material to be studied each week will thus typically consist of several of these lessons (1 to 3).