The research field of Conceptual Structural Design explores the platform between structural engineering and architectural design. Conceptual structural design is about structural design aiming for more than solely carrying loads; it is about carrying loads in ways that, in addition to being structurally sound, appear meaningful, beautiful or otherwise interesting. Applied on work across the professions of architecture and structural engineering, the term conceptual structural design is about developing structures that unite structural functionality and visual form into a meaningful and interesting whole.

Functionality, form and visual expression are, in addition to traditional structural design, important factors when developing new constructions in a society under constant change. Among architects, engineers as well as the construction industry, there are huge potential for knowledge development and innovation related to conceptual structural design bridging the professions.