As the London’s iconic Shard skyscraper, which is the UK’s tallest building at 309.6m, gets ready to mark the 10th anniversary of its opening on 1 February, this episode catches up with Flan McNamara who led the construction project for Sellar Property Group.
As well as exploring the logistical challenges of bringing the architectural design of Renzo Piano and the engineering work of WSP to life, Flan and NCE editor Claire Smith talk about lessons learned during the life of the project.
Flan talks about how digital technology evolved during the lifespan of the Shard Quarter project, which transformed both the skyline around London Bridge station and was integral to the modernisation of the station itself. He talks about BIM being in its infancy when the Shard itself was conceived and the potential benefits such technology could bring to the project if it was starting today.
Flan also discusses the pace of change that saw a huge leap forward in the technology used to deliver the buildings surrounding the Shard that came later in the programme. However, he believes that the industry needs to go further and faster with adopting digital twin technology to really drive construction efficiency and productivity.
Flan and Claire conclude the conversation by considering what the tall buildings sector might look like in another 10 years when the Shard marks its 20th anniversary. Flan believes that it is only airport flight paths holding London back from another building taking the Shard’s record but whatever the height of future tall buildings, he thinks that mixed use developments are the key to success both for the climate and commercially.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.
Find out more at www.bentley.com
Let's talk about menopause: the importance of supporting employees in the industry
Creating a ‘construction time machine’ to de-risk construction with John Sisk and Sons
The importance of collaboration between architects and engineers with Martin Knight and Michelle McDowell
In the news: the Miami Champlain Towers South collapse with the NCE editorial team
Health, Safety, Wellbeing and data: The ‘Discovering Safety’ programme, with HSE and Atkins
Reimagining the future of infrastructure: tech, BIM, digital twins and a crystal ball, with John Nolan from Network Rail and Dan Vogen from Bentley Systems
The Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition: A place-based approach to net zero, with Mott MacDonald
Learning about the blue economy with San Diego’s Tim Barrett and ECOncrete’s Andrew Rella
Updates on the Road Investment Strategy 2 and lessons learned with Graham Richards from Office of Rail and Road
COP26 in Glasgow: How should civil engineering influence the agenda? With Philippa Spence from Ramboll
Mental health: The impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing in construction with Lindsey Marie and Phil Hinchey from RSK
Using our skills to benefit society and the importance of ethics in engineering with Emma Crichton from Engineers Without Borders UK
Making carbon net zero as common nature as health and safety with Ruth Jeffs from Waterman Group
Bringing joy to infrastructure design with National Infrastructure Design group chair Sadie Morgan
The role of AI in the future of roads maintenance with FMConway and RoadBotics
Exploring the world of ‘Systems Engineering’, with Matt Gibson from Amey and Chris Rolison from Bentley Systems
2020 in review: The NCE team discuss the biggest news stories of the year
Introducing the 156th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Rachel Skinner
Why Brexit doesn't mean the end of Eurocodes, with Steve Denton from WSP
Learning about the Northern Powerhouse Rail journey with director, Tim Wood
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
WSJ Tech News Briefing
Rebel Tech
CyberWire Daily
The WAN Show
Cyber Security Headlines