Last night, The Institution of Structural Engineers announced the winners of The Structural Awards 2019 during a glittering black-tie evening at The Brewery, London.
The winners were chosen from a shortlist of 49 pioneering global projects in 12 categories, celebrating the ingenuity and expertise of the engineers behind them.
A diverse range of structures was recognised across 12 categories; from the world’s tallest statue in India to the complex exterior walls of V&A Dundee in Scotland. This year’s entries perfectly underlined the creativity of structural engineers and their ability to harness digital tools to design structurally efficient buildings. The winning projects showcase cutting edge examples of innovative engineering solutions.
The new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, UK, received the Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence. The coveted accolade is presented to the year’s finest example of structural engineering design.
The judging panel, made up of a distinguished group of industry experts, were unanimous in their view about the cable-net roof structure, which is a vital feature of this redevelopment project.
The judges were impressed by the ingenuity shown by the structural designers in dealing with very challenging constraints and requirements. They added that the attention to detail throughout is exemplary and is an excellent showcase for the structural engineer’s art. Structural innovation is evident in the sliding pitch, vast open concourses and an almost impossibly light roof. They felt that the sheer elegance of structural form, light-touch use of resource, and outstanding detailing evident in key connections all pointed to design worthy of the 2019 Supreme Award.
Chair of the judges, Professor Tim Ibell, comments: “Many congratulations to all the winners and thanks to those who entered the awards. Each year the quality of the projects keeps getting better. This year we saw some excellent examples of the exploitation of digital tools, geometry, choice of materials to improve and enhance structural behaviour and most importantly, the carbon footprint.”
He continues, “Keeping in mind the current climate crisis; we must pledge to build structures which are kind to the environment. Reuse and refurbishment should be our adopted mantra. With the net zero carbon target in sight, we wholeheartedly support the Structural Engineer’s Declaration which encourages companies and us to change the way we work.”
Now in its 52nd year, these prestigious awards celebrate the world’s most outstanding achievements and demonstrate the diversity of structural engineering, recognising excellence, creativity and innovation, as well as sustainability, economic viability and value for money.
The full list of winners and projects can be viewed at www.structuralawards.org
