Structural Awards 2014 shortlist is announced

It's that time of year again. The Institution of Structural Engineers revealed the 2014 shortlist for their annual Structural Awards today. The awards recognize achievement, innovation, and excellence in the field of structural engineering in addition to promoting its significant role in the creation of inventive design solutions.

The international shortlist features projects from New Zealand, Turkey, China, Germany, Canada, and many from the UK. Winners will be announced during the Structural Awards ceremony in London on November 14.

Check out a selection of the shortlisted projects below.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Shenzhen, China
Structural Designer: Arup

Description: "This 255m high tower supports a large three-storey podium 36m above ground level. A textured all-glass façade enables the building to sparkle and change appearance according to the lighting conditions."
Judges' comments: "Responding to structurally challenging architecture in a rational and analytical manner, the engineer has succeeded in providing a sensational building with good sustainability credentials."

Serpentine Sackler Gallery, London, United Kingdom
Structural Designer: Arup

Description: "The project required the sensitive refurbishment and repurposing of a Grade II listed 19th century munitions store. The building was extended with an extraordinary fabric roof."
Judges' comments: "The engineers have helped to breathe new life into an under-used heritage building. A bold yet fitting addition to a significant historic building."

Elbebridge Schönebeck, Germany    
Structural Designer: Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner    

Description: "The new bridge at Schönebeck is the largest cable-stayed bridge in the region, constructed to relieve the City of Schönebeck from a considerable increase of through traffic."
Judges’ comments: "The judges were impressed by the elegant simplicity of the bridge, which has been thoughtfully detailed to fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape while creating a landmark structure."

Footbridge over the Bow, Banff, Canada
Structural Designer: Fast + Epp

Description: "This footbridge over the Bow River is a new icon for the historical Rocky Mountain town of Banff. Achieving the minimal slender form in timber was made possible by a pair of unique tuned mass dampers that control vibrations, addressing both walking and jogging frequencies."
Judges’ comments: "This bridge pushes the boundaries for timber footbridges in a dramatic manner. It responded sensitively to the constraints and aspirations for the site, delighting the town it serves and respecting the beautiful natural setting."

Glass Lantern, Istanbul, Turkey
Structural Designer: Eckersley O’Callaghan 

Description: "There are only five elements to this new Apple 'lantern' building - four sheets of glass and a single panel of FRP. The only thing holding them together is silicon."  Judges’ comments: "The judges found this to be a supreme example of collaboration between engineer and fabricator, taking structural glass technology into a new dimension. Only engineering excellence and attention to detail can produce a result of such simplicity and purity of expression."

Kew House, London, United Kingdom
Structural Designer: Price & Myers 

Description: "The Kew House project brings a refreshingly different and highly-engineered approach to the archetypal problem of creating attractive, useable space on a tightly-constrained site."
Judges’ comments: "This dramatic new house is the direct result of a thoroughly innovative approach in many different respects. The outcome is a highly bespoke and delightfully detailed building - a truly cutting-edge project."

Lower Hatea River Crossing, Whangarei, New Zealand
Structural Designer: Knight Architects

Description: "The Lower Hatea Crossing is part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion around the city of Whangarei, New Zealand. The memorable architectural appearance was inspired by a traditional Maori fish hook."
Judges’ comments: "The client aspired for the bridge to be a public landmark that would reflect the art and culture of the Maori people. The innovative design of the bridge has delivered that aspiration."

Manchester Town Hall Transformation, Manchester, United Kingdom
Structural Designer: URS

Description: "The Transformation Programme involved the remodelling and refurbishment of the Manchester Town Hall Extension and Central Library, which are Grade II* Listed buildings of national significance."
Judges’ Comments: "A good example of significant alterations to an important listed building. The significant historical details of the Reading Room were all kept in place, thanks to carefully considered temporary support systems."

New Encants Market, Barcelona, Spain
Structural Designer: BAC Engineering Consultancy Group

Description: "A new market building built on a site surrounded by some of Barcelona’s busiest transport lanes. The roof was assembled at ground level and jacked up into position." 
Judges’ comments: "The design incorporated many aspects of good engineering practice adapted to a complex city centre site."

Red Bridge House, East Sussex, United Kingdom
Structural Designer: Lyons O’Neill Ltd.

Description: "Red Bridge House is set within a remote area of ancient woodland in East Sussex. The vision was to create a bespoke three-storey residential structure, worthy of its unique setting."
Judges’ comments: "Elegant design and detailing combine to give this daringly-conceived project a light, open feeling. The outcome is a delightful residence."

Slipstream, Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom
Structural Designer: Price & Myers

Description: "Slipstream is a giant sculpture in the new Heathrow Terminal 2 building, expressing the movement of a stunt plane flying through the entrance space. It is the longest permanent sculpture in Europe, made from around 32,000 unique parts."
Judges’ comments: "This is an impressive piece of engineering design that will be seen and enjoyed by millions every year. It is a great example of creative art and engineering coming together."

Somerset House, The Miles Stair, London, United Kingdom
Structural Designer: Techniker

Description: "A new lightweight-concrete staircase with a steel core at the Grade I listed Somerset House in London, designed to last for 120 years." 
Judges’ Comments: "The judges were impressed with the elegance and refinement of this design. The engineers have succeeded in producing a stair that is extremely refined and provides an important and delightful addition to an important historic building."

To see the full shortlist, click here.

Photos courtesy of the Structural Awards 2014.