Abstract:
The tall building has become a defining artefact of urbanisation, yet its structural design is still largely governed by the assumption that each tower must stand alone and resist the full force of wind & seismic loads in isolation. This “solitary fortress” mindset leads to oversized foundations, heavily stiffened cores and congested ground-level access, driving up embodied carbon and intensifying pressure on the public realm and transport networks at grade.
This lecture presents a novel concept borrowed from nature that somewhat challenges the norm – the concept of the Shared Tall City, in which towers are structurally and functionally linked to share stability demands, redistribute horizontal effects and unlock new layers of public realm at height. The talk will explore how groups of tall buildings can behave as a connected system rather than isolated objects. The discussion will outline how techniques adapted from bridge engineering of using of Shock Transmission Units, which when combined with portal systems, can be used to manage thermal loads while enabling meaningful load-sharing between towers.
Beyond the technical mechanics, the Shared Tall City framework raises wider questions around ownership, regulation, governance and value creation in the vertical dimension of the city. The lecture will invite participants to consider tall buildings not just as individual assets but take a macro view and consider them as components of a collective urban infrastructure where structural efficiency, resilience and new economic opportunities emerge from collaboration rather than competition.
Bio:
Alpesh Patel is a chartered structural engineer and founder of Vector & Form Ltd, recognised for his contributions to complex transport infrastructure, long-span structures and advanced analysis-driven design in the UK and overseas. He completed a BEng in Civil Engineering at Imperial College London in 1994, then spent two years working in East Africa, gaining early exposure to both site and design practice, before returning to Imperial to undertake a master’s degree in Concrete Structures.
His project portfolio spans major rail schemes, including the London Bridge Station redevelopment, Crossrail stations and the HS2 project, alongside international work from concept through detailed design of overground stations for the Dubai Metro, concept design of stations on the Jeddah Metro project, and concrete viaducts for the Taiwan High Speed Rail project. In the UK, he was a core team member from concept to delivery on the Wimbledon Centre Court fixed and retractable roof, and has led teams on the London 2012 Olympic venues from bid phase into design, as well as leading the design team for the Brighton & Hove Stadium.
These projects have been honoured with industry recognition, including awards for innovation and structural steel design for the Wimbledon Centre Court redevelopment, a Structural Steel Design Award and other commendations for the Brighton & Hove Stadium, and a Wood Award in the structural category for the Marlowe Academy timber gridshell. In parallel with project delivery, Alpesh has contributed to developing analytical and design capability within the profession, providing specialist structural analysis and design training and consultancy to engineering teams across the UK and Europe. In all his work, he aims to combine rigorous structural understanding with practical delivery and clear communication, supporting clients and multidisciplinary teams to navigate complex engineering challenges with confidence.
Open to all. Attendees external to Imperial need to register by email.
Time: 2:00 pm