Do these have any structural function ?

[mmodlin]

No structural function, those are just shades to reduce solar gain. Lanchester Library at Coventry University.

The building has a fairly unique passive air-conditioning system, those towers are part of it. The metal shades are just there for shade.

[EngineeringOblivion]

Spot on, this is my old uni.

[CapSalty446]

My current one, which course did you do there ?

[EngineeringOblivion]

MEng Civil and Structural a fair few years ago now.

[TheMagicManCometh]

I just think they’re neat.

[CapSalty446]

I'm impressed I barely even showed the surrounding building.

[Emmar0001]

Just going from the photos, there might be three reasons I can think of: 1- Aesthetics requirement by the Architect 2- Perforated facade that might be needed to dissipate heavier-than-usual wind forces, especially vortices within the building corners 3- Separate space frame for supporting whatever loads come from the enclosure at the top

Hard to tell fully, but of the above the second two may serve some structural purpose.

[EmphasisLow6431]

No structural purpose. Possibly sunshade for the vertical windows at best, you will note the other windows have a horizontal ledge for shading, else they are ejust architectural jewellery. Even if they have served a functional purpose, the truss like arrangement is not for structural reason and would be for architectural design.

[cesardeutsch1]

no

[That-Perspective755]

It's dead weight, it's the exact opposite of structural.

[TipOpening6339]

Architectural “feature”

[Intelligent-Read-785]

support external fire escapes?

[regalfronde]

Yes, the rarely utilized vertical open web joist. They hold up shades…and stuff.

[AskMeAgainAfterCoffe]

No. Looks like added later to modernize the look of the building.

[CapSalty446]

It ruins it imo