University of Texas at Austin: Maymester: Emerging Technologies

London is home to many of the world's most innovative and influential architecture and engineering firms. This course takes students behind-the-scenes to learn about the latest design technologies of world-class buildings including issues of complex geometry, digital analysis, sustainability, materials and state-of-the-art construction methods. Particpants visit contemporary buildings such as the Millennium Bridge, St. Mary Axe, London City Hall, London Shard tower, Pinnacle tower, the new Stadium and Aquatics Center (host to the Summer Olympics). Students learn directly from architects, engineers and builders responsible for these buildings. Firms students visited in the past include the architecture offices of Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, KPF, Zaha Hadid, and David Chipperfield. Engineering offices included Arup, Buro Hapold, Expedition Engineering, and WSP. Students also attend lectures, conduct research, give class presentations and write papers.