The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) awarded the accolade to Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd for their work on the Tibetan Art Museum in Lhasa, Tibet.
Located on the world’s highest plateau, the Tibetan Art Museum sits in a remote and ecologically sensitive environment, which presented a number of unique challenges.
A key challenge of the project was upgrading the existing factory buildings, which had insufficient concrete strength, to meet modern seismic standards. Tongji’s solutions included strategic strengthening, the installation of damping systems, and base isolation, all designed to work seamlessly with the original structures. According to IStructE, this approach minimised the need for new construction, significantly reducing the environmental impact on the Tibetan Plateau.
Judged across four key pillars - Planet, People, Process, and Profession – IStructE said the Tibetan Art Museum stood out for its commitment to sustainability, minimal intervention, and seismic resilience. The judges praised the project as an ‘inspiring example of transformative reuse and seismic strengthening in a challenging environment’.
In addition to the supreme award, 10 other projects were recognised for their contributions to structural engineering, showcasing excellence in areas including innovation, social impact, and sustainability. All winning projects demonstrated the integration of environmentally friendly solutions, with a particular focus on reducing embodied carbon in construction.
In a statement, Professor John Orr, chair of the judging panel and chartered member of the IStructE, said: “A massive congratulations to the Tongji team. Their work on the Tibetan Art Museum exemplifies the critical role that structural engineers play in shaping the future, with the ability to address complex social and environmental challenges. Their ingenuity and precision in seismic retrofitting are truly commendable.
“This year’s awards also recognised a wealth of other inspiring projects, all characterised by their intelligent use of materials, circular design principles, and low-carbon construction. Our judging framework, focused on key attributes, highlights how structural engineers are driving innovation towards a safer, more sustainable built environment.”
The winners were announced on November 8, 2024 during the awards ceremony in London. A full list of winners and project highlights can be found here.
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