ARUP

Arup Group Limited, commonly known as Arup, is a renowned multinational professional services firm based in London, United Kingdom. Established in 1946 by Sir Ove Arup as Ove N. Arup Consulting Engineers, the company offers a comprehensive range of design, engineering, architecture, planning, and advisory services covering all aspects of the built environment. With a global presence, Arup operates in over 90 offices spanning 35 countries and has contributed to projects in more than 160 countries.

Arup gained recognition and acclaim through its involvement in prestigious endeavours such as the iconic Sydney Opera House. The firm has built a strong reputation for taking on complex and challenging projects, demonstrating its expertise and innovation in the field. In 1970, Sir Ove Arup stepped down from his active leadership role, but his principles and vision have continued to guide the company's operations.

One notable aspect of Arup's ownership structure is that it functions as a trust. The beneficiaries of this trust are the company's employees, both current and past, who receive a share of its operating profit each year. This unique approach to ownership reflects Arup's commitment to fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration among its dedicated workforce.

With a workforce of approximately 17,000 professionals, Arup continues to deliver outstanding solutions and insights to shape the built environment. By combining expertise from various disciplines, the firm consistently strives to create sustainable and innovative designs that have a positive impact on communities worldwide.

Arup, originally known as Ove N. Arup Consulting Engineers, was founded in London in 1946 by Sir Ove Arup. Sir Ove Arup had established himself as an expert in reinforced concrete in the 1930s, with notable projects such as the Penguin Pool at London Zoo. When founding the company, Arup envisioned an organization that would contribute to peace and social betterment in the postwar world by employing professionals from diverse disciplines who could collaborate on projects of exceptional quality. This concept, known as 'Total Design,' aimed to achieve superior outcomes by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

During its early years, Arup pursued natural growth rather than acquiring other companies, expanding its presence by opening new offices in locations with potential work opportunities. In 1963, Arup Associates, a new division of the company, was formed in collaboration with architect Philip Dowson.

Within 25 years of its establishment, Arup gained recognition for its design work in the built environment. The firm earned a reputation for its expertise in undertaking structurally and logistically complex projects. Sir Ove Arup himself played a significant role in the company's early years, serving as the lead engineer for the Sydney Opera House project, which catapulted Arup into the premier league of engineering consultancies. The Sydney Opera House was notable for being the first project to employ computer calculations, utilizing the Ferranti Pegasus computer to generate models.

Throughout Sir Ove Arup's lifetime, the firm worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the iconic Centre Pompidou in collaboration with architects Rogers & Piano, as well as the HSBC headquarters with Norman Foster & Partners.

In 1970, after 24 years of leading the company, Sir Ove Arup chose to retire from his active role. Before his departure, he delivered his "Key Speech" in Winchester on July 9 to partners from the various practices within the firm. The speech outlined the firm's goals and established principles of governance to achieve them. These principles included a focus on the quality of work, total architecture, humane organization, integrity in dealings, social usefulness, and the reasonable prosperity of its members.

The visionary work of Sir Ove Arup and the firm's involvement in influential projects have been celebrated and recognized. In 2016, the V&A Museum held a dedicated retrospective exhibition showcasing Arup's philosophy and contributions.

Today, Arup continues to be a leading professional services firm, providing design, engineering, architecture, planning, and advisory services across the globe. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Arup remains at the forefront of shaping the built environment.

Arup, as a renowned global professional services firm, is driven by a mission deeply rooted in the vision of its founder, Sir Ove Arup. With a steadfast belief that work should serve a higher purpose, Arup's mission is to actively contribute to the betterment of our world. Through collaborative efforts and expertise in design, engineering, architecture, planning, and advisory services, Arup strives to shape safe, inclusive, and resilient communities, infrastructure, and cities.

As a dedicated sustainable development consultancy, Arup recognizes the multifaceted nature of sustainable development. Beyond the fundamental aspects of safety, inclusivity, and resilience, Arup's mission extends to promoting environmental regeneration, biodiversity, resource conservation, sustainable economic growth, and social value. This holistic approach is fundamental to creating a thriving future for all.

Arup takes pride in being at the forefront of sustainable practices, with its professionals continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in the built and natural environments. With a strong commitment to the planet, Arup actively pursues resource conservation, biodiversity preservation, and energy reduction in all its endeavours.

The foundation of Arup's values lies in "The Key Speech" delivered by Sir Ove Arup in 1970, where he outlined the aims and principles that guide the firm's operations. These values shape Arup's interactions with clients and inform the work undertaken. Upholding these principles, Arup remains steadfast in its mission to shape a better world through impactful projects and contributions.

With a deep sense of purpose and a collective commitment to making a positive and lasting impact, Arup endeavours to create a sustainable and prosperous future for society, the environment, and the built environment as a whole.

Arup's vision as a leading professional services firm is deeply rooted in a transformative moment of reflection. With its growth as Ove Arup & Partners spanning various practices worldwide, the impending retirement of the firm's founders raised concerns about the potential dilution of its values and ethos. However, the partners shared a collective aspiration to continue their collaboration, prompting Sir Ove Arup to delve into the nature, values, and future of the firm.

In Winchester on July 9, Sir Ove delivered his renowned "key speech" to partners from different practices. This pivotal address outlined the firm's aims and articulated the guiding principles through which these aims could be realized, all in Sir Ove's distinctive and philosophical style.

Even after half a century, Arup holds these aims in high esteem, allowing them to illuminate their path amidst new challenges. They find inspiration in the speech's earnest quest to understand the purpose of work, the kind of work they should pursue, and the optimal ways to collaborate.

It is essential to acknowledge that some aspects of the speech reflect a different era, with comments about the attractiveness of secretaries and the acceptance of social class structures. Rather than discarding or modifying these remarks, they seize this opportunity to confront their past and actively foster a more diverse and inclusive firm. This commitment aligns with Sir Ove's 1970 vision, which embraced the necessity of progress.

Arup's vision goes beyond maintaining the status quo. They continuously evolve, drawing lessons from history, and actively shaping a future that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equality. In doing so, they honour Sir Ove Arup's foresight and dedication to creating a better world through their work and collaborative efforts.

ARUP offers a comprehensive range of professional services that encompass all aspects of the built environment. With its expertise in design, engineering, architecture, planning, and advisory services, ARUP is committed to delivering innovative solutions that shape a sustainable and resilient future.

Design: ARUP's design services cover a wide spectrum, including architectural design, interior design, landscape design, and urban design. By combining creativity with technical expertise, ARUP creates visually striking and functional spaces that enhance the human experience.

Engineering: ARUP is renowned for its engineering capabilities in multiple disciplines such as structural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering. From iconic structures to complex infrastructure projects, ARUP engineers apply cutting-edge technologies and a deep understanding of systems to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable solutions.

Architecture: ARUP's architectural services encompass master planning, building design, and urban design. The firm's architects collaborate closely with clients, stakeholders, and communities to create innovative and sustainable architectural solutions that reflect cultural values, enhance functionality, and contribute to a sense of place.

Planning: ARUP's planning services address the complex challenges of urban development, transportation, and sustainability. With a focus on creating inclusive and livable communities, ARUP's planners apply strategic thinking, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to develop comprehensive plans and policies that promote social, economic, and environmental well-being.

Advisory Services: ARUP's advisory services offer clients strategic guidance and expertise in areas such as sustainability, resilience, digital innovation, project management, and risk assessment. By providing insightful analysis and tailored recommendations, ARUP helps clients navigate complex projects and make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.