Cecil Balmond

Cecil Balmond is a distinguished Sri Lankan-born British structural engineer, architect, and designer, renowned for his innovative approach to integrating engineering and architecture. Born in 1943 in Sri Lanka, he studied at the University of Moratuwa and later at the University of Edinburgh. Balmond’s career took off during his time at the engineering firm Arup, where he worked closely with architects like Rem Koolhaas. His expertise in combining advanced mathematical principles with architectural design has made him a leading figure in modern structural engineering.

Balmond is best known for his ability to create visually striking, complex structures that push the boundaries of both form and function. Projects like the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing and the Serpentine Pavilion in London showcase his unique approach, which fuses geometry, art, and engineering. His work often explores the relationship between structural integrity and aesthetic beauty, where engineering solutions are not only practical but also conceptually rich and artistically engaging.

In addition to his design work, Balmond has written extensively on the intersection of engineering, mathematics, and architecture. His books, such as The Maker’s Touch and Informal, reflect his philosophical approach to design, emphasizing creativity, abstraction, and the intellectual joy of construction. Recognized with numerous honors, including an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to architecture and engineering, Balmond continues to inspire both engineers and architects to think beyond conventional boundaries in the pursuit of transformative, boundary-pushing design.

• Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2002 by Toyo Ito and Cecil Balmond with Arup
• CCTV Headquarters, Chaoyang Qu, China
• Pedro e Inês bridge, Coimbra, Portugal

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2002 by Toyo Ito and Cecil Balmond with Arup

CCTV Headquarters, Chaoyang Qu, China

Pedro e Inês bridge, Coimbra, Portugal