Dr Mike Cook named 2020 Gold Medallist


Dr Mike Cook has been named the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) 2020 Gold Medallist. The award recognises his infectious enthusiasm and curiosity for structural engineering and his passion and leadership in responding to the challenges of climate change.

Dr Mike Cook, a former Vice President of IStructE, is a leading building engineer who has played a key role in the development of the consultancy practice Buro Happold since 1976, where he was Senior Partner from 2011 to 2017.

He has greatly enhanced the reputation of the profession through his work in teaching (most notably as Adjunct Professor of Creative Design at Imperial College since 2008) and with professional bodies (including IStructE and the Royal Academy of Engineering).

Queen Elizabeth II Great Court
The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court at the British Museum is just one of the many prestigious projects that Mike has contributed towards. Image: Gidzy

During his career Mike has also made a significant contribution to the design of many innovative structures around the world, including Resident Engineer for the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Centre in Hong Kong, the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court at The British Museum in London, the Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC and the Hauptbahnhof – Dresden’s Main Railway Station.

These projects typify his interest in the connection between natural and man-made structures. Much of his work is informed by nature, built on the principle of using the least resources to do the job well and in a way that creates delight.

During 2019 he was instrumental in galvanising UK built environment engineering companies and institutions into declaring a climate emergency.

I feel greatly honoured to have been awarded the Gold Medal from the Institution of Structural Engineers, particularly when past recipients include so many great engineers who have been an inspiration to so many of us.

Dr Mike Cook, Partner at Buro Happold

Mike said:

“Naturally I am mindful that everything we do as engineers is done in collaboration with others, and I have been very fortunate in having worked with so many very talented engineers and architects during my career.”

“Looking back on my career I inevitably recall Ted Happold’s resounding principle for us to ‘touch the earth lightly’ in all we do as engineers. When structural design is informed by respect for nature we are guided towards efficient use of materials and can create an element of delight that is essential to human experience. This has been a vital thread through my own engineering career.”

“Looking forwards, at a time of climate emergency, it is now abundantly clear that we must redress the growing imbalance between human needs and those of the planet.”

“With the widely recognised urgency to act on this together, both as professions and as united nations, I believe that engineers are centre-stage and we have an opportunity to transform and guide our future along a more sustainable path. There has never been a better time to be an engineer, but let’s be in no doubt, we have a monumental task ahead of us.”

Mike Cook has the wonderful ability to think laterally and to see the inter-connectivity in the big issues. In this time of unprecedented climate emergency challenge, the award of the Gold Medal to Mike is both timely and richly deserved.

Martin Powell, CEO of IStructE

Mike will give his Gold Medal Address on 22 September 2020 at Queen’s University in Belfast.