We’re proud to announce that the international design and engineering firm Arup has joined the roster of supporters of the WDCD Refugee Challenge. As a knowledge partner Arup provides the five finalists with advice and guidance while they are developing their projects.
Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering a broad range of professional services. One of Arup’s claims to fame is the technical design of the iconic Opera House of Sydney. Another project that jumps out is the construction of the bridge between Denmark and Sweden, made famous by the television series The Bridge.
Ove Arup
Arup was established in London 1946 by the English-Danish engineer and philosopher Ove Arup as ‘an organisation which is human and friendly’ that carries with it ‘a wish to do socially useful work and to join hands with others fighting for the same values’.
Through its work the firm, which operates offices in 38 countries on all continents, strives to make a positive difference in the world. Every day, Arup’s work is helping to regenerate neighbourhoods, forge new physical and social infrastructure and transform lives for the better.
Edwin Thie, senior Bridge Engineer in the Amsterdam office and Arup Community Engagement representative for the Netherlands, says: ‘It’s great to be able to support such a good cause as the WDCD Refugee Challenge through the use of our expert skills and enthusiastic staff.’
‘We are very happy with the support of Arup,’ says WDCD Refugee Challenge leader Dagan Cohen. ‘They offer us the help of a large group of engineers, who work in the countries where the finalists are located. That makes it possible for them to give face-to-face advice on all sorts of design and engineering questions. That’s of huge value for the final outcome of the projects.’