The Institution of Structural Engineers has released the shortlist for The Structural Awards 2016, featuring 47 entries drawn from 14 nations.
The annual awards are held to celebrate the role of structural engineers as innovative design professionals and the guardians of public safety in the built environment.
This year the shortlist showcases the dazzling range of innovative projects which structural engineers help create, including major infrastructure like railway stations, airports and bridges; urban landmarks like skyscrapers and concert halls; plus smaller scale projects of all kinds.
Especially striking is the superb range of timber engineering included with this year’s submissions, which sees wood used to striking effect in a Canadian dinosaur museum, a Scottish art studio and accommodation for patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
Institution Chief Executive, Martin Powell, said: “If a building is a human body, then the structural engineer is responsible for the skeleton –ensuring that structures stand up under all kinds of stresses and strains, whether from wind, earthquakes or their own weight.
“This year’s shortlist well illustrates the engineer’s crucial role, with all kinds of structure represented - from treetop walkways and mega-tall skyscrapers to floating stairways and football stadia. Our congratulations to all those who entered, providing us with another wonderful Structural Awards shortlist.”
The shortlist includes The Cube, London (pictured), a ten-storey residential development that provides 50 homes on a unique rotated cruciform plan. An innovative, cost effective and environmentally efficient development in the heart of London.
The Cube pushes the boundaries of hybrid buildings and timber engineering through its novel twisted design and complex geometry. The interfaces between concrete, steel and timber required the development of a new suite of details and connections.
Photograph: Engenuiti.
