The Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI) has selected SOM Associate Benton Johnson as the winner of the 2016 Outstanding Young Engineer Award. Established in 2008, the award recognizes an engineer aged 35 or younger for outstanding achievements in structural engineering. “Ben is not only really good at solving given problems, he also displays a strong ability to explore alternative solutions,” said SOM Associate Director Bradley Young, in presenting the award. “He has a knack for being able to see the bigger picture, and to pose alternative, creative solutions.?”
Johnson has conducted groundbreaking research into the use wood in tall buildings, including the proposal for a 42-story timber tower in Chicago. Recently, Johnson has been working in partnership with researchers at Oregon State University to further explore the potential of wooden skyscrapers worldwide. Johnson also served as Lead Engineer on the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE 1.0) demonstration project, the world’s largest 3D-printed polymer enclosure and a model for off-grid residential living.