Merging Structural Engineering and Care for Communities

The professional duty of structural consultants - across the phases of a construction project - is to ensure that the structures supporting the buildings are safe and reliable. Apart from the technical aspects of their deliverables, the work requires coordination and discussion with people in various organisational and external roles, such as project delivery, asset management, etc. Furthermore, it’s becoming essential to consult with the end-users who will live in and use the space as a part of their everyday lives. 

Where do the risk and liability of engineering end and the bold kindness of design innovation begin?

At Matter, we strive to merge engineering expertise and our passion for human-centred design. This unlocks the potential to produce structural design of a high technical standard, created with care for the client and the community.

Traditionally, the primary responsibility of the structural engineer is limited to upholding public safety standards while fulfilling only the client's interests. The outputs are created by adhering to all applicable laws and regulations in the city. Conventional success was achieved by delivering structural elements that were stable, strong, and economical. But today, values are shifting. We at Matter especially believe that people, the planet, and prosperity can co-evolve.

While engineers build the building to withstand forces from gravity, explosions, high winds, water, dirt and earthquakes, the communities that live in the buildings deserve the intentional eye of the designer as early as the project begins. Understanding that structural engineering can bring physical strength and durability and that participatory design can bring social resilience is at the heart of our practice.