Within the Chair of Structural Design & Mechanics, research focuses on improving the mechanical performance and energy efficiency of buildings and building envelopes. Overend observes:
“In Delft, I perceive a drive to apply what is learned in the lab out in the field, whether in living lab environments or real-life settings provided by industrial partners. I find this way of disseminating fundamental yet highly practical knowledge particularly attractive.”
Although structural engineering is widely regarded as a mature discipline, there is still significant potential for improvement. “The primary objective remains to construct efficient buildings that don’t collapse. We must maintain a high level of education and training to ensure this,” explains Overend. “However, efficiency is typically limited to the cost-effective use of materials during construction. The building sector has yet to fully address the fact that buildings and, more specifically, their materials, can and should be reused and recycled at the end of their service life. For instance, over the past two decades, the industry has reduced the energy required to keep buildings comfortable, warm in winter, cool in summer, and well-lit year-round. Yet, in doing so, we have introduced composite components and structures that are very difficult to deconstruct, creating real barriers to reusing basic materials. Structures have a service life, but what about their afterlife?”
Traditional materials such as steel, concrete, and glass are still mostly used in conventional ways: in large quantities and often not very sustainably. Within the Chair of Structural Design & Mechanics, we explore ways to build more reactive, responsive systems, which could help reduce the amount of material required. Overend asks:
“Why, for instance, use structures designed to support peak loads at all times, when these loads only occur once every ten or even fifty years? Why not embed systems that are triggered to handle these occasional peaks, for example, to dampen movement or limit deflections as needed? I have adopted such an ‘adaptive structures’ approach for a ‘switchable insulation’ component, which uses structural engineering principles to collapse and expand easily without requiring much energy. This is still under development, but it makes it possible to adjust the level of insulation as needed, whether for heating or cooling the building. I aim to further develop this and similar concepts here in Delft. Guaranteeing safety while using resources more efficiently, that’s the main objective.”
The multidisciplinary approach that integrates structural design and structural mechanics is essential and extends beyond the chair itself. Overend is keen to explore and strengthen existing links between this chair and the fields of civil engineering, materials science, and electrical engineering, particularly regarding complementary lab facilities and expertise. These collaborations offer opportunities in both research and teaching to achieve a more holistic approach to the design process, meeting current and future societal needs. One example is the ongoing integration of smart electronic systems with mechanical structures. Another important development across all design disciplines is the ever-increasing computational power that supports the later stages of the design process. As a result, future designers and architects will spend more time on the early, conceptual stages of design, where they can add significant value. Overend notes:
“They need to be aware of the most suitable technologies and methods available and be able to implement them. I would like to nurture that awareness.”
Mauro Overend obtained his bachelor’s degree in architecture and civil engineering in Malta. He then exchanged one island for another, moving to the UK, where he completed his PhD in structural mechanics in 2002. While working for an engineering consultancy in London, he became involved in several cutting-edge building projects before his inquisitive nature led him to research positions at the universities of Nottingham and Cambridge.