The future of structural design

Author: J Norman et al

Date published

12 March 2025

Price
Standard: £44.95
Member: £29.95
Student: £22.95
The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
Back to Previous

The future of structural design

Tag
Author
J Norman et al
Date published
12 March 2025
Price
Standard: £44.95
Member: £29.95
Student: £22.95
Thought leadership
Author

J Norman et al

Date published

12 March 2025

Author

J Norman et al

Price

Standard: £44.95
Member: £29.95
Student: £22.95

Thought leadership from the Institution of Structural Engineers.

The world is changing, fast. In this new thought leadership title, the authors try to answer the question “What is the future of structural design?”

Central to their response is an examination of the role of uncertainty in the design process. This book is a “What if?” rather than a “How to” — founded in the theory of reliability and risk-based design.

Specifically, the book explores:

  • Why we should be confident in designing to the codes, and not to more than the codes
  • Emergent materials in response to regenerative design
  • Design considerations for the reuse of existing buildings as we transition to a circular economy
  • The ethical basis for this approach
  • What the future of design might look like

The book includes a number of conceptual case studies that explore what the work of an engineer might look like in the future. Above all else it challenges structural designers to reimagine their work in the face of new global challenges and provides an optimistic way forward.

Additional information

Format:
Book (Print or PDF)
Pages:
384
Publisher:
IStructE Ltd
Attachments:

Tags

Ethics Guidance Climate change Community & Inclusivity Risk Best practice Conceptual Design Guides

Related Resources & Events

Regional
A photograph of open umbrellas next to a red telephone box in London

Extreme weather - guided walk led by Lester Hillman

A guided walk of London's greatest ever downpour.

Date – 17 October 2026
Location – Golders Hill Park North End Way London NW3 7HE
Price – Free
Course
A construction site revealing a concrete structure and scaffolding against bright sun is shown.

Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures - November 2026

This course covers the design of common structural elements to Eurocode 2. Participants will be introduced to concrete material properties and learn about designing for durability and fire.

Date – 17 November 2026
Location – Online
Price – £315 - £465 + VAT
Course
A technical drawing with pencils and papers rolls on top.

Advanced conceptual design for design team leaders

Through a series of interactive sessions this course helps experienced practitioners take their conceptual design skills to the next level.

Date – 1 October 2026
Location – Online
Price – £565 - £835 + VAT