Student competition invites future vision as Hilson Moran turns 40

Consultant Hilson Moran has launched a design competition asking students in the engineering sector to explore how they think the design and construction of the built environment will change over the next 40 years. The competition is one of a series of events and initiatives taking place throughout 2017 in celebration of Hilson Moran’s fortieth anniversary year.

The competition question posed to students asks: ‘How will the design and construction of the built environment change in the next forty years?’

The idea is to encourage students to come up with a vision for the future of the industry and how it could benefit the world and society at large. Conceptual ideas and designs are also invited to be submitted, by the competition deadline of 24 April this year. The competition is free to enter and the winner will receive £1000, along with the opportunity to take up a paid internship in one of Hilson Moran’s UK offices. 

A shortlist of five of the best entries will be selected and asked to present to the judging panel, which comprises a number of Hilson Moran directors together with others including UCL's professor of places and city planning Peter Wynne Rees, Fletcher Priests Architects founding partner Keith Priest and Great Portland Estates project manager Martin Quinn.

Hilson Moran describes itself as an international and multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy; one that 'applies the latest design techniques, technology and innovation to the design and operation of buildings'. High profile Hilson Moran projects include 30 St Mary’s Axe and 20 Fenchurch Street in London, Ordnance Survey’s headquarters in Southampton and the North Yas Island masterplan in Abu Dhabi.

The student design competition – claimed as a sign of Hilson Moran's commitment to championing technology and supporting the younger generation – is aligned with the wider goal of the firm's Future Forty programme in celebrating not only the past but the future of the industry. Events taking place across the company's international offices, ranging from debates to hackathons will discuss innovation in its many forms. 

The competition judging will take place in two stages. A shortlist will be announced on 4 May, with shortlisted presentations to take place on 23 May, before a final winner is announced on 29 May. For more information, visit the student competition website.