Stress distribution testing on a 160 Perspex roof model of the Sydney Opera House at Southampton University in 1960
Stress distribution testing on a 160 Perspex roof model of the Sydney Opera House at Southampton University in 1960 © Henk Snoek. Courtesy of Arup

The new V&A show on the work of legendary engineer Ove Arup may appear fairly modest at first glance, occupying a single room at the Porter Gallery – yet spanning two levels in a clever design by Dyvik Kahlen Architects, it really packs a punch. The exhibition, titled 'Engineering the World: Ove Arup and the Philosophy of Total Design' and opening to the public this weekend, is part of the London museum’s ongoing Engineering Season and aims to celebrate the oft-unsung heroes of building design: engineers. And for this, Arup’s work is a perfect case study.

The show, curated by the V&A’s Maria Nicanor and Zofia Trafas White, is a fascinating exploration of the 20th century engineer’s life and work, and how it has influenced today’s practices in his field.
The show, curated by the V&A’s Maria Nicanor and Zofia Trafas White, is a fascinating exploration of the 20th century engineer’s life and work, and how it has influenced today’s practices in his field. - Arup, fittingly argue the curators, was a true pioneer, championing real collaboration with architects, using a computer for the first time during the Sydney Opera House project in the 1960s – a hefty but fascinating machine called 'Pegasus', on display at the show – and spanning multiple applications of Arup’s creative approach using all kinds of materials – concrete, metal or wood. © Robert Baudin for Hornibrook Ltd. Courtesy of Australian Air Photos