Arup Associates was founded in 1963 by Sir Ove Arup in which engineers and architects worked correspondingly, which later became a subsidiary of Arup (also founded by Arup in 1946). It is an independent firm of designers, planners, architects, engineers, and consultants working across various aspects of the built environment. For over 75 years, they have been setting new standards with innovative approaches of design solutions through ensuring confidence and encouraging creativity. With over 14,000 staff in more than 30 countries, the members of the community are creatively turning exciting ideas into tangible reality. The individuality of the firm fortifies its commitment to the evolving sustainable development in the current era of architecture.
About the Founder
Sir Ove Arup was a master builder, humanist, and an exceptional engineer-philosopher with an original with a strong sense of purpose. After creating the firm, he pushed the boundaries of what design and engineering can mutually achieve. Sir Arup connected the bold lines combining aesthetics with construction and artistic approach with practical strategies of building design. According to his belief, there are no natural boundaries between architecture and engineering. A collaborative spirit with the two can lead to a practice called “Total Architecture.”
“Total Architecture implies that all relevant design decisions have been considered together and have been integrated into a whole by a well-organized team empowered to fix priorities.”
- Sir Ove Arup
The Key Speech
1970 was a predominantly transformative year for the Arup Associates and Arup firm as Sir Arup chose to retire from actively leading the firm 24 years after formation. The firm at that time was called “Ove Arup & Partners” which then formed multiple independent practicing firms across the globe.
On the 9th of July, before his departure, Sir Arup gave his ‘Key Speech’ to all of his practice partners in Winchester. In this speech, he articulated the strategic goals and aims for the firm in his unique philosophical style. After all these years, since 1970, they treasure these aims that act as guidance when they face new challenges.
Notable Creations of Arup Associates and Arup
The idea of making the original spherical scheme structurally possible originates from a shell system Utzon and Arup had developed when they were working on the construction of the podium of the Opera House, between 1957 and 1963. Their ultimate solution, which consisted of a ribbed system of precast concrete shells created from sections of a sphere, was no easy task since it took them 12 iterations.
The firm of Arup pushed the boundaries of current software systems by using revolutionary 3D modeling methods, resulting in considerable reductions in modeling time and optimized designs in making the ambitious designs of Marina Bay Sands into reality.
The building’s gravity-defying structure has reshaped the classic skyscraper form and presented Arup’s design engineers with unprecedented structural challenges, particularly in connecting the two leaning towers.
An Insight to the Architectural Studio of Arup Associates and Arup
Delivering Services in a Broader Scale
Arup Associates and Arup also has in-depth publications, books, corporate reports, magazines, research, selected lectures, and so on. The firm works on different perspectives including designing cities, hi-tech digitalization, land transport, and waterways.
Community engagement
Alongside this wide range of subjects, they even utilize their technical and strategic capabilities to support the most deprived, vulnerable, and marginalized people through community engagement programs around the world. On top of this, the firm is currently working on responsive designs to address the new issues caused by the global pandemic.
Developing Sustainable Solutions addressing the Climate Change
The primary purpose of the firm is to contribute to long-term sustainable development by considering climate strategies, plans, developments, projects, and interventions. With the dedication to becoming a net-zero organization, and a goal of creating a safe and resilient future for the upcoming generations, the primary purpose of Arup Associates and Arup is to contribute to long-term sustainable development through considering climate strategies, plans, developments, projects, and interventions. To achieve this net-zero emission and strengthen climate resilience, all sectors of society must participate to address the pollution caused by carbon emissions. They have developed their targets that include provisional goals to ensure to meet their 2030 net-zero target.
Some Innovative Projects by Arup Associates and Arup
PHOTO_©JACARANDA PHOTOGRAPHY
“If we want our work to be interesting and rewarding, then we must try to make it so for all our people.”
Sir Ove Arup, Founder
For over 75 years, Arup Associates and Arup have been shaping buildings, places, and spaces with progressive choices, combining elegance with efficiency and determination. Overcoming countless challenges, they have succeeded to serve 6931 clients and have worked on projects worldwide, covering 143 countries till now. Following traces of the founder and his innovative concept of the ‘total architecture’ approach, they ensure more sustainable, resilient, and intelligent designs with robust outcomes.
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Learn more about Arup Associates and Arup on their website – https://www.arup.com/
