Synopsis
Structural engineers are central to how societies prepare for and adapt to a changing climate. Yet many education curricula were designed for a perceived world of known loads and hazards, and unlimited new construction. The graduates of the coming decade will design in a different world: one shaped by shifting climate projections, an enormous legacy of ageing infrastructure, the scale of future urban construction in rapidly urbanising regions, and the urgency of reducing the carbon emissions for which the built environment accounts for approximately 40% globally.
Drawing on recent work to integrate structural mechanics, materials science, environmental design and ethics within a unified, design-led curriculum, we show how climate projections, changing hazard profiles and ageing infrastructure can be translated into design projects and analysis. We frame the argument around three 'Rs' of robustness, resilience and regenerative design. We close with practical recommendations for curricula, accreditation and professional development.