At the Victoria & Albert Museum in London “100 Years of Structural Engineering” are on display until September 7, 2008. Several architecture talks & tours starting on April 8th go along with the presentation of famous works, done by the “Unseen Hands” of structural engineers.

Picture: Beijing National Aquatics Centre
© PTW + CSCEC

Ever wondered whose masterpieces the Burj-Dubai, the Empire State Building or the Millau Viaduct really are? This exhibition reveals new perspectives.

Marking the centenary of the founding of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), this exhibition celebrates the importance of engineering in creating some of the most iconic buildings of the past 100 years.

Using three themes (towers, bridges and large enclosures) the exhibition brings to life the design and construction of structures including New York's Empire State Building, Switzerland's Salginatobel Bridge and Poland's People's Hall - as well as more modern projects including the Millau Viaduct, the Eden Project and the still-rising Burj Dubai.

Through a variety of media - models, drawings, CAD imagery, video and photographs sourced from all over the world - the ambition and ingenuity of these structures is revealed. Developments in material, form and technique are also explored.

Architecture Talks & Tours

Tuesday, April 8
1 pm: Talk with Curator and architectural writer David Littlefield

Fridays April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 5
6 pm: Gallery Tour with industry experts


V&A Museum, London
Architecture, Room 128a
Admission free