Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is hosting an exclusive lecture featuring Bill Baker, one of the world’s most influential structural engineers, titled “Structural Research in the Creation of New Architectures.” Baker, who led SOM’s structural engineering practice for over two decades, has been instrumental in defining the skylines of cities worldwide.
Exploring Structural Innovation:
The lecture delves into how open-ended structural research can serve as a foundation for pioneering new architectural forms. Baker will illustrate this concept through his acclaimed projects, including the Burj Khalifa, Broadgate Exchange House in London, General Motors Pavilion in Detroit, and Manulife Calgary Pedestrian Bridge.
A Legacy of Architectural Excellence:
As Honorary Professor at both Cambridge and MIT, Baker continues to influence the global architectural community through his integration of science, creativity, and design precision. His philosophy of “blue sky” design thinking emphasizes pushing technical and conceptual boundaries in structural design.
Collaborative Insights:
The event will also feature Sigrid Adriaenssens (Princeton University), Thorsten Helbig (knippershelbig), and moderator Elizabeth O’Donnell (Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture), bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to the dialogue on the future of architectural innovation.
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