We speak to structural engineer Premma Makanji about the challenges of converting a waterworks into an arts centre and about how she uses illustration in her everyday work.

Can you tell us about the work of structural and services engineers?

Eckersley O’Callaghan (EOC) is a global team of structural and facade engineers, working on a range of building projects: from complex structures of timber, steel or concrete, through to heritage projects and advanced materials.

We place high priority on our responsibility to help tackle the climate emergency. We actively promote low-carbon building design and have been at the forefront of modern timber design.

Our team has provided structural engineering services on New River Head’s conversion into the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. We've also provided civil engineering for the below-ground drainage, ramps and surfaces.

What do you find exciting about working on this project?

The New River Head site being listed, in addition to the hidden complexity below ground.

With congested services including live high-pressure water mains below the Engine House, we needed to allow for burst resistance. In addition, the new entrance foyer and its connections to the two existing buildings have been designed as demountable, allowing for future maintenance access to the pipework below. There is also a rainwater storage tank concealed within a ramp to avoid digging and affecting services running below.

How have you approached the task of opening up these historic buildings as an arts centre?

We designed the structure so that it was sensitive to its historic fabric, while ensuring safety, usability and regulatory compliance. Through a collaborative approach, we offered cost-efficient and innovative structural solutions that achieved safe, workable outcomes.

Tell us something about illustration.

One of my favourite things about working as a structural engineer is that even though it feels like digital and computer aided design tools have taken over, there’s still so much value in hand sketching a complex design problem. Drawing helps me understand how materials will fit together and how a structure can be safely constructed. Below is a sketch of the Engine House stair!