Viewpoint: There is more to a flower than a STEM

Dr Angus Law, Dr Rory Hadden and Professor Luke Bisby seek clarification of the fire safety strategy employed at this landmark high-rise timber building in Canada.

This month's letters address the Eurocodes again; consider whether it is preferable to demolish or dismantle unsafe tower blocks; return to the topic of subsidence; discuss the inspection opportunities made possible by photos on Google Maps; and relate an interesting tale about wind speeds.

A year ago, I opened my presidency with a call to embrace the future – a future which, I am convinced, will look quite different to what we have become used to; and, with the increasing complexity and opportunity, a call to work together for a creative and collaborative future. I believe, as I stated then, that the world is changing at a scale and pace which challenges our ability to understand the implications of these changes, let alone adapt to them, before there are changes yet again. Sharp headlines have underlined this for all of us throughout the year, reminding us that we, as individual professionals or collectively as an institution, cannot afford to stand still. I am proud to say that the Institution is not standing still, as over the past year I have met those members and professional communities around the world who are passionate about seeing that our profession will continue to play a vital role in the future of tomorrow’s built environment.