Cecil Balmond (b. February 26, 1943) is a Sri Lankan–British designer, artist, and writer. Balmond is one of the most influential names in the world of structural engineering and design.
Through his work in collaboration with leading architects and artists, such as James Stirling, Rem Koolhaas, Shigeru Ban, Anish Kapoor and many others, he has put forward a dynamic, organizational and science-based approach to the understanding of the structures that compose the material world.
Photo: Courtesy Arup Advanced Geometry Unit
In 1968 Balmond joined Arup, to become deputy chairman. In 2000 he founded design and research group, the AGU (Advanced Geometry Unit). The AGU at Arup brought together architects, mathematicians, programmers, artists, musicians and scientists. I
n 2010 Balmond set up his own practice, Balmond Studio, with offices in London and Colombo. Balmond’s own designs are numerous and include Weave Bridge, a bridge for the University of Pennsylvania (2010) and the Pedro e Inês bridge in Coimbra (2006).
Photo: Lwbalmondstudio.co
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is designed by Balmond and Anish Kapoor. It is a 120m high sculpture designed for the 2012 Olympics in Stratford, London. Balmond also collaborated with Kapoor on Marsyas a sculpture which was displayed in Tate Modern Turbine Hall (2002), and also co-designed the Tees Valley Giants art installations with Kapoor. The Freedom Sculpture is a stainless steel, gold and silver monument located in LA on Santa Monica Boulevard.
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
