Design Works Engineering’s Post

Imagine a building that adapts to its environment like a living organism. Welcome to the future of structural engineering! As cities grow denser and climate challenges intensify, our skylines are evolving in ways that will take your breath away – literally. Innovative structural engineers are revolutionizing skyscraper design with dynamic facades and adaptive systems. Take the Circa Central Park in New York City, for example. Its shape-shifting exterior responds to sunlight, maximizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Or consider Pittsburgh's Tower at PNC Plaza, dubbed the ""breathable building."" Its double-skin facade and solar chimney create natural ventilation, mimicking how our lungs work. These "breathing" skyscrapers aren't just architectural marvels – they're a testament to how structural engineering is tackling change head-on. By reducing energy consumption and improving air quality, these buildings are setting new standards for sustainable urban living. But the innovation doesn't stop there. Engineers are now exploring materials that can heal themselves, much like human skin. Imagine a skyscraper that can repair minor damage without human intervention! As we push the boundaries of what's possible in structural engineering, we're not just building taller – we're building smarter. How do you envision the future of our urban skylines? Will "breathing" buildings become the norm, or is this just the beginning of a structural revolution? #StructuralInnovation #SustainableArchitecture #SmartBuildings #UrbanEngineering #FutureOfCities

This is one of the ingenious, completely cleaned cable net elements of the façade of the Grade II-listed Channel 4 Television Headquarters building – designed by Richard Rogers in 1994 - in London. Octatube joined forces with Arup to refurbish this façade with minimal modifications to the original design and with focus on reusing materials to minimise carbon footprint. The cable net consists of prestressed parabolic shaped horizontal and vertical cables that showed little to no damage over three decades. The cables are connected by special nods that remain under constant substantial tension: any unexpected detachment could lead to a sudden release of energy, posing significant risks. Consequently, it was crucial to carefully monitor the alignment of clamps, forks and bolts during disassembly. We discovered that in some of the nodes one of the essential components– the top head pin – did not appear fully engaged. As you can imagine, alle elements of the nodes are produced with extremely tight tolerances (H9 and f9). While checking all dimensions and tolerances, we found that some of the tapped threads on the clamps were out of tolerance, preventing proper tightening of the top head pin. These elements had to be reproduced. We measured, dismantled, cleaned and refurbished all nodes, only replacing parts when necessary. We thoroughly documented the refurbishment of each node before reassembling them in their original positions. Looking brand new. This project demonstrates that refurbishing complex designs rather than building new ones is feasible, though challenging. We are proud that this fascinating project is shortlisted for both the SFE Façade 2024 Design and Engineering Awards and the Structural Awards 2024. Arup | Epiphany | Wheelers | Channel 4 | Cornelius UK Ltd #EngineeringExcellence #FaçadeDesign #RichardRogers #StructuralEngineering #RefurbishmentProject #HighTechFaçade #StructuralAssessments #CarbonFootprint 📷 Hufton + Crow

Why is building with concrete so important? It is not simply because concrete is more robust, durable, and longer-lasting. It is more profound than that. We need to build more climate-resilient, affordable, and livable buildings, homes, and cities, and we need your help. We need architects, engineers, designers, and developers to design these better buildings and communities. You design it; we can build it. We can build for resiliency, durability, and safety. For us, it's more than a business. It's a mission.https://bityl.co/OBSO

I recently completed an in-depth analysis of the design methodology behind the Olympic House by 3XN and IttenBrechbühl. This case study explored innovative construction techniques, sustainable practices, and the integration of local materials. Through this project, I gained valuable insights into how architectural design can merge aesthetics with functionality and environmental responsibility. In the design methodology phase of my analysis, I focused on understanding the different testing methods that architects and engineers employed, such as environmental and structural testing, thermal performance analysis, acoustic testing, and insulation efficiency. These tests were crucial in guiding the decision-making process to ensure the building met high standards of sustainability and comfort. By delving into these aspects, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how rigorous testing and evaluation contribute to creating resilient and efficient architectural designs. One key takeaway from the study was the importance of incorporating natural light and ventilation to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. I also learned about the significance of adaptive reuse and flexibility in design, which allows buildings to evolve with changing needs over time. Additionally, the Olympic House exemplifies how architecture can foster a sense of community and well-being, with spaces designed to encourage interaction and physical activity.

Are #NYC architectural firms specifying structural thermal breaks to prevent thermal bridging? Absolutely! Here we highlight a few of the firms leading the way to improved building envelope performance. #thermalbreaks #energyefficiency

Why is building with concrete so important? It is not simply because concrete is more robust, durable, and longer-lasting. It is more profound than that. We need to build more climate-resilient, affordable, and livable buildings, homes, and cities, and we need your help. We need architects, engineers, designers, and developers to design these better buildings and communities. You design it; we can build it. We can build for resiliency, durability, and safety. For us, it's more than a business. It's a mission.https://bityl.co/OBSO

Why is building with concrete so important? It is not simply because concrete is more robust, durable, and longer-lasting. It is more profound than that. We need to build more climate-resilient, affordable, and livable buildings, homes, and cities, and we need your help. We need architects, engineers, designers, and developers to design these better buildings and communities. You design it; we can build it. We can build for resiliency, durability, and safety. For us, it's more than a business. It's a mission.https://bityl.co/OBSO

Why is building with concrete so important? It is not simply because concrete is more robust, durable, and longer-lasting. It is more profound than that. We need to build more climate-resilient, affordable, and livable buildings, homes, and cities, and we need your help. We need architects, engineers, designers, and developers to design these better buildings and communities. You design it; we can build it. We can build for resiliency, durability, and safety. For us, it's more than a business. It's a mission.https://bityl.co/OBSO

The concrete industry are straying perilously close to telling blatant lies in this post. Other materials, including timber and steel, are just as ‘robust, durable and long-lasting’. What they don’t mention, which is true, is that they - the concrete industry - are responsible for some 8 per cent of global carbon emissions annually - greater than the whole of the EU. See: https://lnkd.in/gHM-t39N

Why is building with concrete so important? It is not simply because concrete is more robust, durable, and longer-lasting. It is more profound than that. We need to build more climate-resilient, affordable, and livable buildings, homes, and cities, and we need your help. We need architects, engineers, designers, and developers to design these better buildings and communities. You design it; we can build it. We can build for resiliency, durability, and safety. For us, it's more than a business. It's a mission. https://bityl.co/OBSO