The Anthropobscene is here (digitally)!

Education, Next Generation Design

The domed structure represents a deconstructed planet; formed, fractured and reconfigured from geometric timber segments. When approaching the pavilion a complete dome is visible, but as viewing angles adjust and shift the viewer uncovers a configuration of concave plate modules pulled apart. The dome fragments are positioned to frame views out to its surroundings and enable movement through the pavilion itself.

The pavilion celebrates sustainability through its modular production methods, recycled materials and future re‐use; whilst encouraging people to rest and socialise within its bounds with a series of modular seats reflecting the structure of the dome.

In an uncanny mirror of the world we live in the tragic results of our real and obscene anthropocene brought us a highly contagious lethal pandemic, which made the traditional physical construction of a Next Generation Design pavilion challenging this year.

However, do not fear! In collaboration with the wonderful XR developers at Grimshaw the pavilion was created as both a virtual and augmented reality composition which can be explored online. The pavilion can be experienced anywhere using the instagram filter to drop it into your surroundings and move around as if in real life.

Will there be a Next Generation?

Education, Next Generation Design

As the world as we know it crumbles before our eyes, how prescient do the themes behind this year’s pavilion sound?

Tackling the global climate crisis and human influence as the root cause of unprecedented damage, this pavilion showing our home being split apart by the society that we fostered seems pretty spot on.

Fingers-crossed London is still here to build it.

2020 Press Image

Are we getting old?

Research

No! We’re staying relevant. Or, at least, we’re telling everyone that we are.

Phil and Dan wrote an article called “Staying Relevant – new ways to assess engineering aptitude” for the Institution of Structural Engineers’ Journal about Future Trends in Structural Engineering, to make sure that everyone knows how relevant we really are. You can find the article here for free if you’re a member of the IStructE,  and at the princely sum of £9+VAT if you are not.*

Here is a nice picture from our article:

Staying Relevant - figures

*If you are not a member, email us and we can discuss give you a brief synopsis of our relevance.

Awards Season

Education, Next Generation Design

This year there has been some fuss over The Supreme Award for Structural Engineering, or The Award for Structural Artistry – connoisseurs of engineering know that the real IStructE award of note is the Arts and Entertainment Structures Award.

Thus and so, it is with much excitement and fanfare that we send our congratulations to the Nottingham team of Next Generation Design Scale Rulers, who are the proud recipients of the 2019 Arts and Entertainment Structures Award from the IStructE Midlands regional group.

Structural Engineering Awards 2019

This is rubbish!

Projects

It certainly is! and doesn’t it make mighty fine chairs?

Who’d have thought a load of old cardboard, bottles and sticky tape would create so much fun? (everyone I hear you answer).

Well done to everyone who helped out (Simona + Pauline + Veronica + Annabel) and to Open City for organising the Open House Families event and to all the kids who turned up and had so much fun making chairs. For more info check out the project page where you can scroll through for some home improvement inspiration.