The rapid development of Chinese cities has provided unique opportunities to create architecture that either responds to its context or, in the case of emerging cities, creates new urban identities. These opportunities have yielded some of the most sophisticated and progressive architecture. This presentation explores the design of supertall buildings throughout China and examines a … Continued
Edinburgh, Scotland: William F. Baker, Partner in Charge of Structural Engineering for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP (SOM), has been named honorary Doctor of Engineering by Heriot-Watt University in recognition of his distinguished career and influential contribution in the field of structural engineering. “There are only a select number of engineers in the world that … Continued
On February 13, 2014, Northeastern University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering will host SOM Structural Engineering Partner William F. Baker, PE, SE, FASCE, FISTRUCTE, NAE. Baker will present his 2013 AISC T.R. Higgins Lecture, “Structural Innovation: Combining Classic Theories with New Technologies.” The talk presents concepts and methodologies for creating and understanding efficient geometries. … Continued
Austin, TX: William F. Baker, Partner at Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), has been named a member of the National Academy of Construction (NAC). The Academy’s members are drawn from a select roster of professionals who have made demonstrated contributions to the construction industry. Baker’s NAC election citation noted his “outstanding qualifications as a structural … Continued
William F. Baker, SOM Structural and Civil Engineering Partner, will speak at the 2015 Design Methods, Graphic Statics, and Parametric Approaches Seminar, hosted by the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium. The seminar, organized by the Faculty of Architecture, Architectural Engineering, and Urbanism, will bring together international engineering and architecture experts to discuss advancements and … Continued
SOM Structural and Civil Engineering Partner William F. Baker will deliver a lecture titled “Geometry and Structure in Architecture” on November 13, 2014, at the AIA New York Center for Architecture. The talk will focus on how the geometry of a structural system is critical to its function, effectiveness, and efficiency, and it will explore … Continued
On April 8, 2014, SOM Partner William F. Baker will engage in a Design Dialogue with Susan Szenasy, Metropolis Publisher and Editor in Chief. The talk dovetails with the magazine’s recent article, “Bill Baker and the Well-Oiled Machine of SOM Chicago Structural Group.” Baker and Szenasy will discuss the well-honed culture and strategy that lead … Continued
William F. Baker, SOM Structural and Civil Engineering Partner, will deliver a lecture titled “Geometry: The Intersection of Structure and Architecture” at the University of Bath in England on March 6, 2015. The lecture will emphasize the importance of the geometry of structure and architecture. Baker will present both emerging and classical techniques in structural … Continued
The Zurich-based International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) has awarded William F. Baker, SOM Structural and Civil Engineering Partner, with its 2014 International Award of Merit in Structural Engineering. The organization lauded Baker “for extending the profession of structural engineering with his ability to create clear solutions to complex engineering problems in structural systems for … Continued
When it comes to tall buildings, Bill Baker is a rock star. He engineered the world’s tallest building Rising half mile into the sky, [the Burj Khalifa] is like putting the Hancock on top of Willis Tower. Its changing shape is important. “There are setbacks about every 10 floors, and every 30 floors it makes one … Continued