Building skyscrapers is an incredibly complex task. From the complexities of designing foundations to considering wind forces, and working with multi-disciplinary teams in busy urban areas. 

Today we’re joined by an engineer who worked on the design of Western Europe’s tallest tower, The Shard. We delve into the unique challenges she came across and the top-down construction method that was used for maximum efficiency, along with what she learned about the importance of relationships in the engineering space. 

Our guest is an engineer, physicist, author and presenter with almost 15 years experience in the industry. It’s a pleasure to have Roma Agrawal, MBE. 

GUEST DETAILS
Roma Agrawal is an engineer, author and presenter who is best known for working on the design of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest tower. She studied at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford. Roma has given lectures to thousands at universities, schools and organisations around the world, including TEDx talks. She has also presented numerous TV shows for the BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery, and hosts her own podcast, Building Stories.

Her first book, BUILT (2018) won an AAAS science book award and has been translated into eight languages. Roma is passionate about promoting engineering and technical careers to young people, particularly those from minority groups, and has won international awards for her technical prowess and for her advocacy for the profession, including the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering's Rooke Award. She was appointed an MBE in 2018 for services to engineering.

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   

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I really love the idea of responding to what's there. This building could only have been on this particular site. - Roma Agrawal 

There's lots of different systems that have to work together to make sure that a big skyscraper stays stable. - Roma Agrawal 

A building like The Shard, we predict might move about half a metre. What's key as a structural engineer is to make sure that we don't feel that. - Roma Agrawal 

As a student, I don't think I ever understood how essential the skill of being able to work with other people is to be an engineer - Roma Agrawal 

I think being enthusiastic about what you do is a big thing. I think we're all too modest. - Roma Agrawal 

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