The advances in glass technology over the past two decades are amongst the most significant of any construction material during that period.
Eckersley O’Callaghan has been instrumental in the journey of progressively innovating structural glass design and fabrication techniques. Many of today’s most ambitious glass projects have been achieved in collaboration with Apple through their iconic retail stores around the world.
James O’Callaghan discusses the interplay between innovation, design approach, designers and makers; and the central role of the engineer in advancing the industry. James will also reflect on the journey to date and how changing priorities are now calling for emerging technologies to path the next steps forwards.
Bio
James O’Callaghan is a structural engineer with over 20 years of experience. Widely acknowledged as an authority on structural glass, he is perhaps best known for his highly innovative designs for glass envelopes, stairs, bridges and other structural elements in Apple’s iconic retail stores around the world. He co-founded Eckersley O’Callaghan in 2004, which has since grown into a 100 strong, award-winning practice with offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
James is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Structural Engineers. He is a member of the UK Design Council’s Sounding Board, the HS2 Design Panel and the Design South East Panel. He taught at Portsmouth University and is currently a Professor at TU Delft School of Architecture. In 2016, James was awarded the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) Milne Medal for excellence in structural design, and in 2019 he received the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Gold Medal; both awards are among the highest accolades an individual engineer can receive.
Video courtesy of UM SoA