Laing O'Rourke
There has been much discussion in the media about wasteful and inefficient processes in construction methods but also news of building material innovation and faster approaches to building.
Laing O'Rourke is joining Future Cities Forum to talk about changes in the built environment and creatively meeting the challenge of efficiency and sustainability. As an engineering enterprise, it is committed to playing a vital role in building a stronger and more sustainable economy that benefits society in general. The firm works across buildings, transport, power, water and utilities resources, mining and natural oil and gas.
This firm has developed a potential for innovation in construction by establishing an in-house consultancy, the Engineering Excellence Group. It is led by Paul Westbury and experts from the key engineering disciplines, including heavy civil, structural, mechanical, electronic, chemical process and manufacturing.
It is an intellectual resource for the firm's design and delivery business aimed at developing alternative methodologies and providing the expertise to tackle specific technical challenges. Recent examples of such innovation include 122 Leadenhall St (working with architects Rogers Stirk Harbour for Oxford Properties and British Land), the Francis Crick Institute (with HOK Architects and PLP) and London Gateway Port.
Laing O Rourke's R&D work has included extending the Design for Manufacture and Assembly capability into new product areas. The firm partners with world-leading universities including Imperial College London, Oxford and Cambridge.
Paul Westbury, who will be speaking at our forum in March is Group Technical Director, with responsibility for global engineering resources including the Engineering Excellence Group. Previously Paul was CEO of Buro Happold. He was awarded a CBE for services to engineering and construction in the 2013 New Year's Honours List.