Despite the enormous changes in the built environment in the 20th century, current technical advances indicate that the pace of change is accelerating. This flux makes it an exciting time to be an engineer. History shows that technological advances change the world and as Engineers we are dedicated to sharing new ideas and concepts. We want to build intelligent structures, design buildings that are active, move and respond. The use of new materials or the reinterpretation of established ones are key factors in developing a language which responds to our time and preoccupations.

These days Engineers can bring a pretty sophisticated array of tools to the design table. Computer analysis has freed us from laborous calculations and allowed us more time to create. Design development can be loose and free for longer. Equally, we recognise the importance of real material knowledge and the importance of craft and fabrication as a fundamental contributer to the design process. In the end I guess that we want to combine technical knowledge with innovation to reach out and stretch the boundaries.