At MIPIM 2026, it’s easy to be drawn to the excitement of “new” architecture. But the real opportunity lies within the structures we already have.
As Chris Atkins, Managing Director of Symmetrys Structural and Civil Engineers explains, “retrofit-first” is fast becoming the norm in London. The next step is clear, not just choosing to retrofit but also mastering the forensic engineering that makes it possible.
The « Material Bank » Mentality
Demolition used to mean a clean slate. Now it often means lost potential. Existing buildings are
“material banks” holding both resources and stored carbon. Asking “Why are we demolishing
this?” is really about understanding that value before it’s thrown away.
Retrofit is more complex than new build. It means working out how a building was designed
years ago, often with limited information. The real value comes from using modern tools and thinking to make those older buildings work for today.
The Hybrid Friction: Steel, Timber, and Regulation
A subject that is important to me also highlighted by Chris Atkins, is the growing use of hybrid
systems; particularly combining steel and timber. In 2026, these solutions are finally being
delivered within the UK’s strict fire and robustness requirements.
The industry has often been cautious. Timber is seen as “too risky”, while steel is criticised for
its carbon impact. The reality is innovation lies in how the two are used together.
By using steel for primary structural elements and timber for floor systems, we can significantly
reduce embodied carbon without compromising safety. It’s not just about choosing materials;
it’s about understanding how they work together over the life of a building.
Why AI is the Map, Not the Navigator
We are currently inundated with AI-enabled optimisation tools that can test a thousand steel
tonnages in seconds. It is an incredible time to be an engineer, but my expertise has taught me
that data without context is a liability.
London is a city of « sequencing compromises ». An algorithm can tell you about the most efficient
grid for a building, but it cannot negotiate with a party wall surveyor or predict how a contractor
will react when they find an unmapped Victorian sewer two meters from a foundation pile. The
« Challenger » of 2026 isn’t the person who uses AI the most; it’s the person who knows exactly
when to override it.
During our MIPIM Challenger course, Josh Panknin explained how a better understanding of AI
and a better appreciation for its capabilities and challenges are crucial for utilising AI to its full
potential. Our duty of care, as defined by the ICE Code of Conduct, is a human ethical burden
that no software can shoulder.
The 2026 Call to Action
As this publication reaches the 2026 registered community, my message is simple: Value the
invisible. The most successful projects of the next decade won’t be the ones with the most
striking silhouettes; they will be the ones that demonstrate the most surgical precision in
reusing what was already there.
We must continue to push for early-stage engineering engagement. Don’t bring us in to « fix » a
design; bring us in to find the hidden potential in the foundations. The tools of our trade have
evolved significantly, but our responsibility to deliver safe, buildable, and carbon-intelligent
structures remains the constant heartbeat of our profession.
