Although the disciplines of architecture and structural engineering have both experienced their own historical development, their interaction has resulted in many fascinating and delightful structures. To take this interaction to a higher level, there is a need to stimulate the inventive and creative design of architectural structures and to persuade architects and structural engineers to further collaborate in this process, exploiting together new concepts, applications and challenges.

The Structures and Architecture set of book of abstracts (704pp) and full paper searchable CD-ROM (2262pp) presents over 300 selected papers presented at the 2nd International Conference on Structures and Architecture Conference (ICSA2013), organized by the School of Architecture of the University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal (July 2013), to promote the synergy in the collaboration between the disciplines of architecture and structural engineering.

The set addresses all major aspects of structures and architecture, including building envelopes, comprehension of complex forms, computer and experimental methods, concrete and masonry structures, educating architects and structural engineers, emerging technologies, glass structures, innovative architectural and structural design, lightweight and membrane structures, special structures, steel and composite structures, the borderline between architecture and structural engineering, the history of the relationship between architects and structural engineers, the tectonics of architectural solutions, the use of new materials, timber structures and more.

The contributions on creative and scientific aspects of the conception and construction of structures, on advanced technologies and on complex architectural and structural applications represent a fine blend of scientific, technical and practical novelties in both fields.

This set is intended for both researchers and practitioners, including architects, structural and construction engineers, builders and building consultants, constructors, material suppliers and product manufacturers, and other experts and professionals involved in the design and realization of architectural, structural and infrastructural projects.

Paulo J.S. Cruz is Full Professor of Construction and Technology at the School of Architecture of the University of Minho. He is President of IDEGUI - Design Institute of Guimarães and Director of Lab2PT - Landscape, Heritage and Territory Laboratory as well as Head of studies on Product Design. He was President of the School of Architecture of the University of Minho (2004-2011) and Head of the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Minho (2003 & 2004).

He graduated in Civil Engineering (1987) and received an MSc in Structural Engineering from the University of Porto, Portugal (1991) and obtained his PhD in Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain (1995). Since 1987 he has conducted research in the domain of special structures. After his PhD he started in the field of "Steel and Composite Structures", progressively devoting his research interests to the area of bridges, particularly concerning safety, inspection, assessment and monitoring.

Since his involvement with the School of Architecture, he has bridged the gap between architecture and structural engineering, promoting the efficient use of the traditional materials and their judicious combination; exploring innovative technological, constructional and structural solutions and establishing effective collaborations with the construction industry.