Thinking stone: some aspects of the structural design evolution for the Padre Pio church, Italy

This month's letters discuss design responsibilities, the cost of professional services, insurance matters and the value of 'thinking time'.

This accessible book on physical security will be useful to both engineers new to the subject and those more experienced seeking a reference document, say Andrew Morrison and Giles Prosser.

Oscar Emanuel urges engineers not to be put off by the challenges of timber, and to seek early specialist input where necessary to make the most of this natural material.