William F Baker | Architecture & Structures in the Computational Age
Recent advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing have led to greater freedom in form-making. In the best instances, form and function unite to create an integrated, inspirational building, however sometimes these forms are willful and independent of the restrains of clear structure and function. Is it appropriate to create designs that are often extremely inefficient?
Not so long ago, architecture needed to be relatively simple and clearly organized because of the inability of the engineer to calculate complex structures. The current situation crept up on the profession in small steps and these changes unfolded without a critical conversation. Today’s modern structural engineers find themselves in the midst of an ethical dilemma: Are we the enablers of waste or the facilitators of dreams? The time has come for a critical discussion.
About the Speaker
William F. Baker
PE, SE, FASCE, FIStructE, NAE, FREng
Structural Engineering Partner
SOM
William Baker has led the SOM’s structural engineering practice for over 20 years. Since joining the firm in 1981, he has dedicated himself to extending the profession of structural engineering through design, research, teaching, and professional activities.
Baker is best known for the development of the “buttressed core” structural system for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest manmade structure. While widely regarded for his work on supertall buildings, Bill’s expertise also extends to long-span roof structures and specialty structures such as the Broadgate Exchange House in London and the Entrance Pavilion for General Motors’ Headquarters in Detroit. Baker has also collaborated with numerous artists, including James Carpenter (Raspberry Island – Schubert Club Band Shell), Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle (Gravity is a Force to be Reckoned With), James Turrell (Roden Crater), and Jaume Plensa (World Voices).
He is a Fellow of both the ASCE and the IStructE, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering (United States) and an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (United Kingdom).
Admission & Registration
TONGJI ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GROUP LECTURE HALL
1230 SIPING ROAD | 1F
Time & Date
October 15, 2019
19:00-21:00
[Registration to begin at 18:15]
Admission
Members: Free
Non-Members: 50 RMB
RSVP Required
AIA Learning Units will be provided