The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has revealed the shortlist of the 2019 Structural Awards, featuring 49 outstanding projects from around the globe.
The awards are now in their 52nd year, celebrating the best of the best in structural engineering. The shortlisted entries are divided into 12 categories each highlighting the prolific work of structural engineers and the invaluable service they deliver.
The scheme recognises the positive impact these professionals have which can be observed daily, from soaring skyscrapers and gravity defying bridges to buildings designed to withstand extreme conditions.
Finalists include:
The V&A Dundee, UK
Arup
Category: The Award for Structural Artistry (building structures)
La Reference, Haiti
Eckersley O’Callaghan
Category: The Award for Structures in Extreme Conditions
KnitCandela, Mexico City
Block Research Group, ETZ Zurich
Category: The Award for Small Projects
Tūranga library, Christchurch, New Zealand
Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers
Category: The Award for Structures in Extreme Conditions
Other shortlisted structures include the world’s tallest statue in Kevadia, India, a sports stadium with a roof consisting of rotating petals in Hangzhou, China, a 22m deep mega-basement under a 5-star hotel in London as well as buildings showcasing the world’s best seismic performance in San Francisco, New Zealand and Haiti.
Significantly, many of the projects demonstrate how using state-of-the-art technologies, such as BIM (building information modelling), can be used to help foster sustainable approaches in the built environment.
Chair of the judging panel, Professor Tim Ibell comments, ‘Our profession has again demonstrated extraordinary innovation over the past year. The 2019 shortlist offers many great examples of the ingenuity, creativity and skill of structural engineers worldwide. As the guardians of public safety, structural engineers ensure that buildings and bridges can withstand all kinds of loading, but issues such as creativity and sustainability are at least as important in these awards.’
He continues, ‘In line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, we have a duty, alongside other professionals in the construction industry, to work in ways which touch lightly on our precious resources, which enhance rather than threaten biodiversity, and which place society at the centre of our endeavours. It is only right that the Structural Awards seek out those projects which display such characteristics in tandem with brilliant structural engineering ambition and creativity.’
Martin Powell, Chief Executive of The Institution of Structural Engineers, adds: ‘One of the aims of this awards programme is to increase awareness of the important work that structural engineers do. This presents an opportunity to celebrate our rich and diverse community of problem-solvers whilst also establishing a dialogue with the general public, highlighting the positive impact our profession has on their lives.’
Following strict judging criteria, shortlisted entries were selected for excellence, creativity and innovation, as well as elegance and detailing. Sustainability, economic viability and value for money were also core considerations.
The complete shortlist can be viewed at www.structuralawards.org. The winners will be announced at the awards dinner and ceremony which takes place on 15th November at the Brewery, London.
Download high-res images of the projects here – https://we.tl/t-TVTHRb1ndX