On day one, Paul Campbell, a technical director and seismic expert from our New Zealand business, is chairing a workshop on ‘Tall Building Seismic Considerations’. Paul will also deliver a presentation entitled ‘Mind the Gap: Code-Based Minimum Performance vs. Public Expectations – the New Zealand Experience’. At the same time , Fikre Haj Husein, a structural engineer in our Middle East business, will be sharing his expertise in a workshop on ‘Smart Design Tools’ and making a presentation about ‘Smart Structural Design Solutions for Iconic Buildings in Dubai and Polycentric Cities.’
On Day 2 we are represented by Andy Dean, our Middle East head of facades, who is participating in a discussion on ‘Critical Issues in High-Rise Façade Design’; and Mark O’Connor , a technical director from the UK, who is taking part in a discussion entitled ‘Tall Timber: What are the Main Drivers and Challenges?’
Day 4 will see Conference delegates making site visits to some of Dubai’s most impressive high-rise buildings, which include the Mashreq Bank Headquarters, designed by the architects SOM, with WSP as structural engineer. A unique feature of the building is a four-storey crown structure that forms the top four floors of the building and extends up to 27 metres beyond the main building’s footprint. Our technical director, Zaher Hadow, will explain to visitors our ingenious design for bracing the cantilever. WSP will also be assisting in tours of The Index, an 80-storey residential and commercial tower; and of One Za’Abeel, a flagship mixed-use development that boasts the world’s longest cantilever.
We will also be hosting a networking reception at The Atlantis, attending Conference networking receptions, and holding our own client events, including a Breakfast Panel Discussion about Future Cities on Wednesday 24th October.
