Exploring Interconnections: The Synergy of Architecture and Engineering in SOM's Design Philosophy
In an illuminating exhibition hosted by the esteemed School of Architecture at the University of Seville, Spain, the intricate relationship between architecture and engineering comes to life through the lens of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a pioneer in contemporary design. Titled “Interconexiones: Arquitectura e Ingeniería en SOM,” this exhibition not only showcases exemplary architectural projects from the 1960s to today, but also emphasizes the essential collaboration that lies at the heart of SOM’s design practices.
The exhibition unfolds as part of a broader discourse on structural engineering, a dialogue previously initiated at the University of Alcalá, near Madrid. This latest installment emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of SOM’s approach, highlighting how the integration of architectural vision and engineering precision creates structures that are not merely functional but also aesthetically profound.
At the core of the exhibition are innovative connection joints, or nodes, which serve as critical points in SOM-designed buildings. These joints encapsulate the fundamental architectural and structural challenges that the design team seeks to address. Each node is significant not only as a standalone element but as a microcosm of the project’s larger narrative. Through a detailed examination of these components, visitors gain insight into the broader design philosophy that characterizes SOM’s work.
The exhibition features meticulously crafted 1:2 scale models of connection joints from five notable architectural projects, alongside a selection of 21 structural models scaled at 1:500. This diverse array highlights SOM’s innovative engineering solutions across various typologies and scales, including renowned structures like the JTI Headquarters in Geneva, Chicago’s iconic John Hancock Center and Willis Tower, as well as the record-setting Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Each showcased project serves as a testament to SOM’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and engineering.
Complementing the exhibition, a series of lectures will form an essential part of this intellectual exploration, fostering discourse among professionals and students alike. The inaugural lecture will be delivered by Mark Sarkisian, SOM’s Structural and Seismic Engineering Partner, on March 18, 2026, marking the official opening of the exhibition. Following this, the conversation will continue with Margarita Calero, an Associate Principal at SOM, who will discuss integrated design methodologies on April 17, 2026, along with her insights in dialogue with Francisco Javier Terrados Cepeda, a professor of Architectural Design at the University of Seville.
On April 27, the exhibition will culminate in a thought-provoking lecture by SOM Associate Principals Edward Guerra and Abel Diaz, who will contextualize the themes of the exhibition in relation to architectural and engineering practices in Latin America, including the influential work of the esteemed architect Felix Candela. This series of events not only celebrates the achievements of SOM but also invites reflections on the global implications of architecture and engineering as interconnected disciplines.
The exhibition runs from March 18 to May 17, 2026, at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Sevilla (ETSA), located at Avenida Reina Mercedes no. 2, 41012 Sevilla. Visitors can explore the exhibition from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., providing ample opportunities for engagement with this significant exploration of design innovation.
As the fields of architecture and engineering increasingly intertwine, exhibitions such as “Interconexiones” serve as crucial platforms for advancing public understanding and appreciation of these interdependent practices. Highlighting the ingenuity required to create contemporary structures, it fosters an environment in which interdisciplinary collaboration can flourish, ultimately enriching our built environment.
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