Looking forward to the Venice Architectural Biennale

Engineering in its purest sense is a combination of both art and science. That is precisely how I was encouraged to think when I was taught technology by an enthusiastic and passionate schoolteacher as a teenager.

It is also what attracted me to Buro Happold as a graduate engineer: our goal has always been to ensure the engineering solution is supportive of the artistic ambition. It is therefore a real pleasure to be part of Buro Happold’s team attending this week’s Venice Architectural Biennale.

Spending time with a community largely comprising of architects was highly beneficial for me, and I developed a deeper appreciation for the holistic challenges of design.

I am looking forward to enjoying two days of enquiry. I am also looking forward to being challenged about the complexity of issues relevant to the built environment – albeit perhaps from the perspective of a more creative lens.

This is not my first visit to Venice. Some years ago, I attended the Biennale as a young engineer. Spending time with a community largely comprising of architects was highly beneficial for me, and I developed a deeper appreciation for the holistic challenges of design.

This is why Buro Happold’s delegation of 12 engineers attending the event next week includes a significant number of young engineering specialists. All of them have a strong appreciation that good design results from a quality debate between architects and engineers. Participating in the Biennale will be a wonderful opportunity for us all to listen, learn and confidently enter the debate of what delivers great design outcomes.

We have always been warmly welcomed to participate in events that embrace participation from across the breadth of our industry. So we are highly appreciative that we can take part in this year’s Venice Biennale. We look forward to connecting with old friends and establishing new acquaintances – and to continuing the debate that will shape the future of a high-quality built environment.

Finally, to anyone who will be at the Biennale next week, we look forward to meeting you in Venice.

Paul Rogers, Senior Partner