Buro Happold has won an international reputation for its innovative and elegant structural engineering designs. On every project we apply the same guiding principle: the integration of architecture and engineering to achieve a successful synthesis of form, function and economy. We believe that good design is founded on a thorough understanding of how materials behave and structures are built. Drawing on a blend of experience and technical know-how, our goal is to deliver fully integrated, safe and reliable design solutions that satisfy the specified performance criteria at the minimum practicable cost.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team means we are able to continually refine our understanding of what’s needed and ensure that the structure works in harmony with other elements in the design - for example, the building services and fire engineering requirements. We establish detailed performance criteria, taking into account factors such as building proportions, occupant comfort, code-prescribed limits and load distribution. We select materials and methods that suit the form and location, basing our concept on the relative cost of the different structural options, how much floor space each will provide and the relative complexity of the construction programme.
Understanding how materials and elements will perform - and identifying potential problems early on - enables us to optimise the efficiency and flexibility of the structural design to achieve compliance and satisfy the aspirations of client and architect. Using advanced 3D computer simulations to assess factors such as wind loading and thermal dynamics, our engineers test and analyse the initial concept to assess buildability and environmental performance. At this stage we are already looking at ways of managing on-site costs and risk levels, scrutinising every aspect to give our clients complete confidence in the outcome.
Buro Happold’s thorough, scientific approach ensures that our solutions are always tailored to the specific demands of each individual project. Stylish, imaginative, daring and innovative are descriptions that are regularly applied to our designs. Our multi award-winning work covers all major sectors and includes numerous challenging - and familiar - projects around the world. We combine superb engineering with a clear understanding of our clients’ needs and an uncompromising focus on care, quality and attention to detail.