17 June 202518:00 - 19:30 BST
Hybrid
The annual James Sutherland history lecture showcases outstanding research in the history of structural engineering. The 2025 lecture will be delivered by Professor Dr. Stefan M. Holzer and will explore the crucial role of temporary works in historical construction sites. Temporary works, such as scaffolding, lifting gear, and centring for arches and vaults—played an essential role in the execution of historic structures. However, as they rarely left behind clear traces, reconstructing their use requires a combination of building analysis, archival research, pictorial evidence, and early technical literature. This lecture will highlight how temporary works not only provided access to worksites but also facilitated material transport and influenced structural designs. Understanding these historical construction procedures offers valuable insights for engineers involved in rehabilitation works.
Learn about contemporary construction site procedures to better understand the conception and execution of historical structures.
Discover the rich and fascinating history of construction site procedures and temporary works.
Uncover little-known pictorial evidence on historic construction site procedures
This annual lecture is a collaboration between the Institution and the history of Structural Engineering study group. Named after the late James Sutherland—an esteemed engineer specialising in prestressed and precast concrete structures—the lecture continues his legacy of promoting historical research in engineering.
Professor Dr. Stefan M. Holzer Born 1963. Trained as a structural engineer at TU München (1987). Doctorate in structural mechanics (boundary element and finite element methods combined), TU München (1992). After some years of professional practice, back to academia in 1995 (University of Stuttgart until 2001). Analyzing historical constructions since around 2000. Professor of Engineering Mathematics 2001–2016. 2016–present: Professor of Construction History and Building Archaeology at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich. Monographs on structural analysis of historical constructions (2 vol.s), historic timber structures, and the history of scaffolding, centring, and other temporary works
Kim Rochard is a Conservation Accredited Engineer with 18 years’ experience of working with historic buildings. After graduating from Bath University, Kim worked in private practice on a range of high profile conservation projects before joining Historic England in 2020. Kim now leads the Structural Engineering Team providing consulting engineering services to English Heritage and specialist advice and guidance to the regional delivery teams.
Email - [email protected]
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