We recently attended the IABSE Future of Design event hosted by the University of Edinburgh Business School.

The event is always a good oportunity to meet people working in a variety of areas within the bridges and structures sectors. On this occasion the speakers ranged from architects, consultant turned contractor, designers for the offshore wind industry and engineers who had many years of experience that they can hand on to the next generations.

Of particular note was the Young Designers competion where the shortlisted entries had the oportunity to present their project to judges for formal recognition and prizes. All of the presentations we saw demonstrated the wide variety of projects being undertaken and the advanced work that junior engineers and designers are doing throughout the county.

There was also a group session where all attendees split off into groups to discuss a range of topics covering what had been discussed and learnt during earlier talks.

All in all it was an enjoyable and educuational event.