Buildings technology theme at quarterly ExIST event

The Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology (ExIST) quarterly event was held on Wednesday 15 April 2015 at the Flybe Training Academy

April’s event had a buildings technology theme with 3 presentations including ‘Building for Uncertainty’ from Mark Harvey of the Met Office, ‘Innovation to the Construction Industry’ from Andrew Dobbs of  Willmott Dixon, and ‘Shake Rattle and Roll’ from Professor Paul Reynolds of the University of Exeter.

Mark Harvey is the project manager at the Met Office overseeing the construction of the new supercomputer hall being based at the Exeter Science Park.  The next generation supercomputer to be operational in the latter part of 2016 will be the most powerful in Europe, and will cement the Met Office as a world leader in weather and climate science.  Attendees received an overview of the new facilities and how the Met Office is attempting to future proof an environment for future generations of supercomputers.

In his presentation Andrew Dobbs, Pre-Construction Director at Willmott Dixon, provided an overview on innovation to the construction industry.  Delegates heard how Willmott Dixon - one of the UK’s largest privately-owned contracting, residential development and property support companies - manages to find and integrate innovation from its supply chain into the built environment.

Professor Paul Reynolds, of the Vibration Engineering Section, University of Exeter and a founding Director of Full Scale Dynamics Ltd., provided an insight into an advanced new field of civil engineering that enables structures to monitor and respond to human induced vibration across a wide spectrum of construction from bridges to office blocks.    He and his colleagues specialise in vibration serviceability, dynamic analysis, testing/monitoring and control of any large structure.

Dr Paul Sheppard, from ExIST, updated attendees on ExIST's ongoing work, achievements by local bodies, together with future projects.

ExIST aims to raise the profile of Exeter as a centre for science and technology and to help build relationships between businesses, between educational establishments and business, as well as helping organisations to participate in government initiatives and investment.