EDWARD ALLEN, FAIA, has been a member of the faculties at both Yale University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has frequently taught as a guest at institutions across the United States for over 30 years. He is the bestselling author of The Architect's Studio Companion; Shaping Structures: Statics; and Fundamentals of Building Construction. PATRICK RAND, FAIA, is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Architecture at North Carolina State University. He has been recognized nationally for his innovative teaching and research regarding construction materials.