Engineers Create
The Crypt Gallery, 7 – 16 November 2024
A Celebrationof Creativity and Innovation
- By Floss Willcocks
The Engineers Create Exhibition returned this year for its third edition, cementing its reputation as a vibrant celebration of engineering creativity. Held in the atmospheric Crypt Gallery, an underground space beneath St Pancras Church, the exhibition presented an extraordinary array of work from engineers and designers. Models, sketches, drawings, prototypes, and samples highlighted the imaginative problem-solving and artistry that underpin engineering.
Open to all and free to visit, the event drew almost 1,000 attendees, thanks in part to the outreach efforts of platforms like Ian Visits. From curious members of the public to engineering enthusiasts, visitors marvelled at the range and depth of contributions. This year saw some new and exciting firsts, including our first outdoor exhibit, an inspiring Soundscape, and a model that truly embodied “Engineering in Action.”
The exhibition balanced visions of the future with a focus on preserving and reimagining the past, featuring several exhibits dedicated to giving new life to historic houses, city buildings, bridges, and reclaimed materials. Visitors even interacted with exhibits; the icosahedron which was designed to be demountable, could collapse under rough handling, but invited reconstruction with a bit of engineering ingenuity! This structure inspired live 'product development,' adding a lively and dynamic element to the display. Additionally, the impressive sketches on show reassured everyone that the art of sketching is thriving among our member firms. Notably, two prominent glamping schemes and our first-ever environmental engineering exhibit enriched this year’s showcase, alongside works exploring how structures come together, some with elegant simplicity and others with remarkable ingenuity.
Recognising Excellence: Prizes and Awards
The exhibition concluded with a series of awards celebrating standout contributions. Entries were judged on ingenuity, elegance, practicality, sustainability, and storytelling. The winners were:
- Best Sketch: A Contemporary Boathouse by Foster Structures
- Best 3D Model Object: Equinox Bridge by Arup
- Node of the Year: Prototype Node by Cake Industries with Price and Myers
- Judges’ Choice: Ugakei Circles by Structured Environment
- Visitors’ Vote: New Hope Community Centre by Eckersley O’Callaghan
The Visitors’ Vote, introduced to encourage audience engagement, sparked vibrant discussions and helped attendees connect more deeply with the exhibits. It was inspiring to see visitors championing their favourites and sharing thoughtful feedback, which many exhibitors said would stay with them long after the event.
Collective Endeavours
The exhibition’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the collective enthusiasm of its contributors, organisers, and visitors. Special thanks go to Christian Spencer-Davies, who was the friendly face at the entrance, greeting everyone with stories, laughter, and his iconic orange glow. The evening social events—lively gatherings held among the exhibits—also stood out as highlights, offering opportunities for networking and informal discussions.
A huge thank you must also go to Kinna Stallard, and to everyone who volunteered their time for an afternoon minding slot. The exhibition could not happen without these people, so thank you for ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout.
The exhibition was judged by an esteemed panel, including Trevor Flynn, Tim Lucas, Dr. Jasmine Pradissito, Christian Spencer-Davies, and Andrew Scoones. Their dedication, along with the contributions of all exhibitors and volunteers, made this year’s event one of the most memorable yet.
Looking to 2025
The next Engineers Create Exhibition is already in the calendar, running from 6th–15th November 2025 at the Crypt Gallery. We encourage all members to start thinking about what they might contribute. The event thrives on diverse input, and we’re always eager to hear your feedback or suggestions for improvement.
Whether it’s exploring new media, experimenting with cutting-edge materials, or simply sharing your work with a broader audience, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to share ideas with like-minded professionals and the public.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed, supported, or attended this year’s event. Together, we’re redefining how the public views engineering and creativity. See you next year!
Full List of Exhibitors and Projects
AKTII
A Brick for Venice
Crinkle-Crankle Concrete
Khudi Bari - modular monsoon shelter
3D-Printed Metal Node
Arup
Vault floorplate concepts model
Park Tower Hotel extension
Equinox Bridge – structural model of a form-found bridge **Winner of Best Model Category**
Arup with Mamou-Mani
Altostrata - 3D-printed bioplastic.
Buro Happold
Cladding Detail Sketches
Cake Industries with Price and Myers
Prototype Node **Winner of 'Node of the Year' Category***
Conisbee
Conservation Engineering at Ickworth House
COWI
Severn Crossing Strengthening Works
David Hewlett, Expedition
Spatial area of the Laban dance movement, Expedition
Eckersley O’Callaghan
New Hope Community Centre **Winner - Visitors' Vote**
Engineers HRW
Structural Model
Foster Structures
A Contemporary Boathouse **Winner - Besk Sketch**
Mamou-Mani with Format Engineers
Temple Galaxia
Manja van de Worp, YIP Structural Engineering
DIY Timber I-Beams
Max Fordham
National Portrait Gallery Digital Twin
Ralf Saade, Atelier One
Sonic Soundscape
Price and Myers
OSB Cross-Wall construction concept
Simple Works with Timber Workshop
The Acorn - a timber gridshell glamping pod
Structured Environment
Chair Pavilions, Denmark
Tversted House
Ugakei Circles, Japan **Winner - Best Project**
Structure workshop
Fern’s Caudal 2 casting
Bradford Beacon 1:1 Prototype Connection
Feilden Fowles Studio 1:1 Connection
Tonkin Liu with Arup
Mush Room Earth Room
Webb Yates Engineers
Stone Space Frame - external sculpture
Low Carbon Home Model
Stone Insulated Block system
