When I design something and it’s the right engineering solution, it looks beautiful, I don’t think of art and science as mutually exclusive, but as mutually supportive fields.

Eva MacNamara

Eva graduated from Cambridge University in 2007 with a Master’s Distinction in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. She has since been working as a structural engineer; first with Atelier One for four years and then with Expedition Engineering since October 2011.

Eva's submission details the concept and application of the Dune Grass structures, whilst at Atelier One, which are 35m-high swaying "dune grass" blades, part of the overall 'People's Playground' concept, inspired by the notion of escapism. One of the main challenges Eva faced was designing the structures so that they moved about at low wind speeds while remaining stable at high wind speeds, something that a majority of similarly moving installations were not able to achieve. Photographs and a video of the Dune Grass structures can be found on the Freestate website, Freestate were the architects on the project: http://freestate.co.uk/#project-4-65

The judges expressed particular commendation for Eva’s submission in the following areas:

• How she had tackled a very unusual engineering task from first principles.
• Her understanding of wind engineering.
• Her use of models, tests and a prototype to develop the engineering of the sculptures.
• Her work was very well illustrated in her submission.
• How she promotes engineering as a career to schools and as a profession to a wide audience.

The Dune Grass masts were successfully installed on Blackpool promenade in October 2011 creating an electrifying spectacle for promenade visitors and baffled engineers.

Runner Up: James Engwall - Brockholes Visitor Center in Preston

James graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2006 with an MEng (hons) in Engineering. After graduating, he was selected to work as a Structural Engineer at Price & Myers.

His submission was based on his role in developing a design and construction method for the Brockholes Visitor Centre.

His role in the project initially saw him researching how the Centre’s proposed barn-shaped roof designs could be realised into full sized ten-metre tall buildings. As the project developed, he took on the role of project engineer. The judges were particularly impressed by:

• The approach he adopted to the buildability of the floating pontoon including practical considerations of loading and floating.
• The elegant timber roof structure of the retail and exhibition buildings.

 

After coming first and second in the Young Structural Engineer of the Year Award 2012, Eva and James were asked for their viewpoint on structural engineering as a profession and the importance of celebrating young engineers’ achievements.

Winner: Eva MacNamara

What does receiving the award mean to you?

My entry for the award detailed my work on a rather unconventional large moving sculpture. I was delighted that the Institution honoured this kind of project for the fascinating, experimental piece of engineering it was. Winning the award validates my strong interest and development in designing structures which really communicate with people. Receiving the award has encouraged me to keep pushing and pursuing engineering solutions that are not always obvious; they sometimes require some kind of prototyping and often lead to something both unexpected and fantastic.

Why do you think it’s important to recognise the work of young structural engineers?

It’s incredibly important to recognise the work of young structural engineers. There are so many young engineers with a huge passion for what they do, but it often goes unrecognised as a smaller part of something much bigger. Having awards like this and running design competitions gives young engineers the confidence and encouragement to continue on through their careers until they reach their peaks much later on; it can be a long wait otherwise! Showcasing winning entries can be an inspiration to others as they realise that the work they do themselves could also be award winning. For those who have not set out on their career yet, seeing the work of young engineers recognised gives them something tangible to work towards that they can relate to more easily.

What attracted you to structural engineering as a profession?

I have always been interested in a career in structural engineering but my interests within it have evolved significantly over time. At a young age it was probably because I liked making things, particularly sandcastle bridges with just the right sand wetness to keep them up and, as I got older, because I appreciated the satisfaction of designing something people use, look at and respond to. The reward of people enjoying something you’ve had a part in is priceless. As a person who constantly wants to learn new things, engineering couldn’t be a better career. We are always developing through the incredible collaborators we work with, for example architects who share the vision and desire to do something better and different. I love the sense of tranquillity that comes with finding the right structural solution; if it looks beautiful, it is probably working the way it should.

Can you tell us about your career to date?

Since graduating in 2007 from Cambridge University with a master's distinction in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, I have been working as a structural engineer; first with Atelier One for four years and with Expedition Engineering since October 2011. I became chartered with the IStructE in 2012 and am currently on secondment to Costain to work on the London Bridge Station Redevelopment. My experience at Atelier One was extremely varied and challenged me to work on a number of projects where there was no previous precedent. This has meant that I have developed into an engineer who can design in many different materials, from my experience as the engineer on James May's Lego House with Lego, to a steel 120m gridshell arena roof in Slovenia with Sadar Vuga Architects through to a composite cross laminated timber roof with FCB Studios saving 250 tonnes of steel. I have been able to put these skills to good use at Expedition Engineering and am now working on a three span tied arch footbridge which is technically complex due to its curvature on plan. We are the lead consultant on the bridge which means I have been able to further develop my skills in aesthetic engineering. I am also part of the team working on the concept and prototyping for a suspended monorail cycling transit system. My cross disciplinary expertise and familiarity with working with moving structures has been put to good use. As well as my project work I am dedicated to promoting the engineering profession to those selecting a career. I have presented in industry webinars, carry out talks at schools to encourage young people into engineering and tutor Bartlett students for their 5th year technical thesis. In March 2012 I was selected to be part of a panel giving oral evidence on higher education in STEM subjects to a subcommittee at the House of Lords.

Runner up: James Engwall

Why do you think it’s important to recognise the work of young structural engineers?

The YSEOY Award showcases the potential of young structural engineers and also encourages others in the industry to reflect on the contribution they can make to their own projects. By drawing attention to the work of young engineers the Award also recognises the quality of the training and guidance they receive from their colleagues, mentors and the wider industry, promoting opportunities for personal success and achievement at any age.

What attracted you to structural engineering as a profession?

I've always enjoyed problem solving and building things and so for me, structural engineering is the perfect combination of both. It is an inventive and internationally recognised profession where you are regularly presented with complex challenges that require you to think beyond the boundaries of pure engineering, considering issues of sustainability, aesthetics and value. In addition, the skills you develop can be applied to a wide variety of situations, for example one day I can be in the office designing a reinforced concrete frame for a commercial development, the next day I can be investigating renovations on a listed building and on other days I can be working on community projects with an international development focus.