Structural engineers are highly skilled, creative professionals who design the strength and stability of buildings and bridges. The Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE) leads and supports the development of structural engineering worldwide, in order to secure a safe and resilient built environment for all. As world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to structural engineering, with over 28,000 members in 105 countries, the institution provides fantastic support its members, including the award evenings which reward the marvellous contributions to skylines across the globe made by their members.
The ISE Northern Ireland Regional Group held its Annual Dinner on October 11 at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast. The dinner is a valuable opportunity to bring members together from all over the country, to celebrate both individual and industry successes. Speeches were made by Northern Ireland Regional Group Chairperson, Paul Taylor; Institution President, Joe Kindregan; and, from the NI Young Members’ Group, Eoghan McManus and all highlighting the current work and future plans for the institution. The audience were also entertained by some stand-up comedy following the dinner, by local comedian Shane Todd.
The chosen charity for the event was the Cancer Fund for Children, which aims to empower, connect and strengthen affected families, so they feel equipped to deal with whatever the future may hold. Following a presentation by Phil Alexander, CEO for the charity, it was revealed that the ISE raised an incredible £1,890.50.
Some winners of the 2019 NI Structural Awards were named, including Design ID, OCSC, Hanna and Hutchinson and Arcen, as well as some of the industry’s leading students. There were 21 entries for the Project Awards in total, with judges reviewing entries against the following criteria:creativity and innovation, elegance and detailing, sustainability, value and ease of constructability. The winning projects were divided into four categories:
In the ‘Small’ category, the winner was Ballynameen Bridge Repair by Design ID. In the ‘Medium’ category, the winner was the CDE Offices, HQ 2020 by Arcen. In the ‘Large’ category, the winner was the Grand Central Hotel, Belfast by Hanna and Hutchinson. In the ‘Outside NI’ category, the winner was Lombard Road, Battersea, by O’Connor Sutton Cronin.
Several awards and prizes were also handed out on the night. Zoe Russell was the winner of the Student Award and James Walsh won both the Graduate Award and the Dr John Hill Cup in the annual Papers Competition. Student prizes were also awarded, won by Greg Shevlin, David Calvert and Ruairi McAleer.
The ISE congratulated all involved with the event, “This year’s entries perfectly underlined the creativity of structural engineers and their ability to harness digital tools to design structurally efficient buildings.” With such a successful event bookending the year, the next decade looks bright for the ISE!
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