The art of systems architecting: the design of complex systems must blend the art of architecture with the science of engineering

Article Abstract:

The art of systems architecting combines the art of architecture itself with the science of engineering. The two disciplines are brought together by their emphasis on complexity and reliability. There are four principles involved in designing a system: all systems have subsystems and all systems are parts of larger systems; the value added by a system must come from the relationships between the parts, not from the parts per se; and systems architects must be specialists in relationships, rather than generalists. There are also four architecting methods that depend on the nature and phase of the project, the problem to be solved and the architect's style: normative methodology, which relies on standard, quantitative solutions based on subjective value judgments; rational methodology, which is based on quantitative analysis and algorithms that describe how to find a solution; argumentative methodology, which is based on broad participation of interested parties; and heuristic methodology, which is based on common sense derived from experience. Other systems architecting concepts are discussed.

Innovations, Engineering, Architecture

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Architecting the system

Article Abstract:

Before electric vehicles (EV) hit the market in a major way, their makers must implement standardized charging hardware and procedures. Most importantly, EVs need a means of being connected to the ac power grid for charging. The Infrastructure Working Committee (IWC) is considering low-voltage signals transmitted by direct contact, fiber optics, RF or some other method, and whether actual transfer of energy should be by ohmic contact or magnetic induction. Another problem for EVs is that those in large cities will require public charging stations or an adequate number of curbside chargers, both of which will be vulnerable to vandalism, and a means of payment must be determined. A related challenge will be providing the necessary power that a city full of EVs will need. That scenario may require that utilities promote charging during off-peak hours via demand side management measures that implement a special rate structure, such as time-of-day, interruptibility and real-time pricing.

Management, Standard, Standardization, Cover Story, Design and construction, Motor vehicles, Power resources, Electric vehicles, Electric motors, Power supplies (Computers), Power Supply

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Teaching systems architecting: science and art

Article Abstract:

Teaching systems architecting involves both its arts and its sciences. While teaching its science is basic, teaching its art is still in the experimental stage, and existing guidelines are few; the challenge is to teach its art without ruining its creative core. Codifying the common sense of successful systems architects is relatively easy, involving showing students that what is meant by common sense is contextual sense, or what is sensible depends on the context of the particular system. Therefore, the rule of thumb, or heuristic, that applies in one context may be wrong for another. Once students learn the concepts of heuristics as architectural aids, they can spot statements of common sense. However, well over 100 heuristics have been found, and different heuristics apply to the different phases of system acquisition. One method used to teach heuristics is the case study.

Teaching, Study and teaching, Case Study

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