This webinar will begin at 9.30am GMT
In the decades following World War II, fuelled by post-war optimism and an urgent need to rebuild, the UK construction industry embraced rapid transformation. Innovations promised cheaper and faster methods of construction through new materials and typologies, aiming to meet housing demands and reduce costs.
The reality, however, was widespread defects, deterioration, and costly remedial programmes. Despite many of these issues being identified in the 1980s and 1990s, the legacy of non-traditional construction persists. Now, in the 2020s, the industry faces another wave of change—promising smarter, faster, and cheaper solutions.
The question remains … have we learned from our past mistakes?
Structural Engineer Jamie Paterson will explore the rise and fall of non-traditional construction, examining why these methods were adopted, the problems they created, and what lessons must be applied today. Through historical context and modern parallels, Jamie will provide insight into the risks, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of building design.
What you’ll learn:
- The origins and evolution of non-traditional construction methods
- Common defects and failure modes—and why they occurred
- Lessons from past mistakes and how they apply to today’s innovations
- Key considerations for risk management and insurance in modern construction
