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Arup Group
Arup Group
Arup Group
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Arup Group Limited,[2] trading as Arup, is a British multinational professional services firm headquartered in London that provides design, engineering, architecture, planning, and advisory services across every aspect of the built environment. It employs about 17,000 people in over 90 offices across 35 countries,[3] and has participated in projects in over 160 countries.[4][5]

Key Information

Arup was established in 1946 by Sir Ove Arup as Ove N. Arup Consulting Engineers. Through its involvement in high-profile projects such as the Sydney Opera House, it became well known for undertaking complex and challenging projects.[6] In 1970, Arup stepped down from actively leading the company, setting out the principles which have continued to guide its operation.[6]

Arup's ownership is structured as a trust[7] whose beneficiaries are its employees, past and present, who receive a share of its operating profit each year.[8][9]

History

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Founding the firm

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The company was founded in London in 1946 as Ove N. Arup Consulting Engineers by Sir Ove Arup. Arup had established himself in the 1930s as an expert in reinforced concrete, known for projects such as the Penguin Pool at London Zoo.[10] According to the architectural author Ian Volner, Arup's vision when establishing the company came out of a combination of his wartime experiences and a progressive-minded philosophy broadly aligning with early modernism, was for the organisation to be a force for peace and social betterment in the postwar world.[6] To this end, it would employ professionals of diverse disciplines that could work together to produce projects of greater quality than was achievable by them working in isolation, a concept known as 'Total Design'.[6][11][12]

Early years

[edit]

As the company grew, Arup spurned the common practice amongst its rivals of acquiring other companies; instead, it pursued natural growth, opening up new offices at locations where the potential for work had been identified.[6]

During 1963, together with the architect Philip Dowson, a new division of the company, Arup Associates, was formed.[13]

Within 25 years of its establishment, the firm had become well known for its design work for the built environment,[14][15] acquiring a reputation for its competence at undertaking projects that were structurally and/or logistically complex.[6] Arup himself worked on multiple projects during the firm's early years, including the Sydney Opera House, where he was lead engineer, and which author Peter Jones credited with launching Arup into the premier league of engineering consultancies.[16][17] The Opera House was the first application of computer calculations to an engineering project, using the Ferranti Pegasus computer to generate models.[18]

During Arup's lifetime, the company would also work on high-profile projects such as the 'inside-out' Centre Pompidou with Rogers & Piano, and the HSBC headquarters with Norman Foster & Partners.[19][20]

The Key Speech

[edit]

1970 was a particularly transformative year for the firm; 24 years after founding the company, Arup opted to retire from actively leading the company. At the time, the firm (then Ove Arup & Partners) was made up of several independent practices spread across the globe, so prior to his departure, Arup delivered his 'Key Speech' on 9 July in Winchester to all his partners from the various practices.[21] The speech set out the aims of the firm and identified the principles of governance by which they might be achieved. These included quality of work, total architecture, humane organisation, straight and honorable dealings, social usefulness, and the reasonable prosperity of its members.[6]

Arup's philosophy work on influential projects was the subject of a dedicated retrospective at the V&A Museum in 2016.[22]

Scammed

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Arup fell victim to a deepfake scam at their Hong Kong office, resulting in a loss of approximately $25 million. Fraudsters used AI-generated video and audio to impersonate senior company officials, deceiving an employee into transferring funds across multiple transactions.[23]

Operations

[edit]
Picture of an office building.
An office building occupied by Arup in the Dublin Docklands.

Arup is an employee-owned business, with all staff owning a stake in the company and part of a global profit share.[24]

By 2013, Arup was operating 90 offices across 60 countries around the world.[6] These offices are elaborately interconnected by shared internet-based collaborative working packages and communication systems that can, where required, enable a single project to be worked on by multiple offices across a seamless, 24-hour working cycle. However, it is more common for individual offices to specialise in working on an assigned subsection of a project rather than continuously exchanging.[6]

The BBC Television and RIBA documentary The Brits who Built the Modern World highlighted Arup's collaboration with architects and described Arup as "the engineering firm which Lord Norman Foster and his peers Lord Richard Rogers, Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, Sir Michael Hopkins and Sir Terry Farrell most frequently relied upon."[25]

The firm has published an annual sustainability report since 2008, and is involved in several projects around the world aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions,[26] such as Dongtan Eco-City, which is planned to be zero waste,[27] and the High Speed 2 Interchange Station, which is the first railway station in the world to achieve BREEAM 'outstanding certification.[28]

Arup also runs community engagement programmes comprising initiatives to combat homelessness,[29] improve sanitation in disaster relief programmes,[30] and disaster recovery after earthquakes.[31] They also engage in partnerships with governments, NGOs, think tanks, and other advocacy groups.[32][33]

Arup secured its first Fair Tax Mark certification from the Fair Tax Foundation in 2024.[34]

Sports

[edit]

Arup had its own sports division, specialising in designing, consulting and structural engineering for sporting facilities such as stadia.[35] The Bird's Nest Stadium for the 2008 Olympics was complimented for its striking architectural appearance[36] and the City of Manchester Stadium for the 2002 Commonwealth Games has stairless entry to the upper tiers through circular ramps outside the stadium.[35] The most notable stadium projects led by Arup remain the City of Manchester Stadium (2002), Allianz Arena (2005), Beijing National Stadium (2008), Donbas Arena (2009) and the Singapore Sports Hub (2014).

Awards

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Awards to group

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The firm is consistently placed amongst top performers in Corporate and Social Responsibility rankings such as the ACCSR.[37]

Arup's multidisciplinary sports venue design and engineering scope on the Singapore Sports Hub won the 2013 World Architecture Festival Award in the Future Projects, Leisure Category.[38]

Casa da Música

The Casa da Música, Porto, designed by Arup and Office for Metropolitan Architecture was nominated for the 2007 Stirling Prize.[39]


Arup won the Gold Medal for Architecture at the National Eisteddfod of Wales of 1998 for their work on the Control Techniques Research and Development HQ, in Newtown, Powys.[40]

Arup Fire has won the Fire Safety Engineering Design award four times since its creation in 2001.[41] The 2001 inaugural award was won for Arup's contribution to the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, the world's largest greenhouse. In 2004, the design for London's City Hall was appointed joint winner. In 2005, the Temple Mills Eurostar Depot won. The 2006 winning entry was for Amethyst House, a nine-storey building with an atrium from the ground to the top, in Manchester, UK.[42]

Arup was awarded the 2010 Live Design Excellence Award for Theatre Design for the integrated theatre and acoustic team's design for the new Jerome Robbins Theatre, created for Mikhail Baryshnikov and The Wooster Group.[43]

The Evelyn Grace Academy, London designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and Arup won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2011.[44]

Arup was named Tunnel Design Firm of the Year at the 2012 ITA AITES International Tunnelling Awards.[45]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Arup Group

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from Grokipedia
Arup Group Limited, commonly known as Arup, is a British multinational firm specializing in , , , , and advisory services for the . Founded in 1946 by Danish-born engineer and philosopher Sir in , the firm emphasizes a holistic "Total Design" approach that integrates technical expertise with social purpose and . Headquartered at 8 Fitzroy Street in , Arup operates as a owned by its staff through a trust structure designed to promote long-term independence and ethical practices. With approximately 18,000 employees across more than 90 offices in over 30 countries, Arup provides multidisciplinary consultancy in over 150 areas, including , , , , and climate advisory services. The firm's global presence spans regions such as (with over 2,000 staff in 12 offices), , , and the , enabling it to deliver projects in more than 160 countries. Arup's work focuses on creating resilient , sustainable cities, and innovative structures, guided by core values of , , and inclusivity. Arup has been involved in numerous landmark projects that exemplify its engineering innovation and commitment to challenging designs. Notable examples include the structural engineering for the (completed 1973), the ("Bird's Nest") and National Aquatics Center ("") for the 2008 Olympics, the in London (1986), the connecting Denmark and Sweden (2000), and the ongoing restoration of Barcelona's basilica. More recent contributions encompass the () in London (opened 2022), New York City's Little Island public park (2021), and sustainable transport initiatives like . Through these endeavors, Arup continues to shape the future of while prioritizing decarbonization, resilience, and community impact.

History

Founding and early development

Sir Ove Nyquist Arup, a Danish-born engineer, was born on 16 April 1895 in , , to Danish parents. After studying philosophy at the , he attended the Sorø Academy in before studying engineering at the , where he graduated in 1922 as a . Following his graduation, Arup worked briefly in with the Danish firm Christiani and Nielsen, a major contractor; he then moved to the in 1923 and joined J.L. Kier & Co., a leading specialist, as chief designer. In 1946, shortly after the end of , Arup founded Ove N. Arup Consulting Engineers in as a structural engineering consultancy, drawing on his extensive experience in innovative techniques developed during the interwar and wartime periods. The firm initially operated from modest premises, reflecting the austere economic conditions of post-war Britain, where reconstruction efforts prioritized essential infrastructure and housing to address widespread shortages and bomb damage. Amid the national push for rebuilding, Arup's early work focused on practical projects such as housing schemes and industrial facilities, emphasizing efficient structural solutions like the box frame system to support rapid, standardized construction in Britain. These efforts aligned with government initiatives to restore urban areas and boost industrial output, helping the firm establish a reputation for reliable in a recovering . By 1949, the practice had expanded to include key partners, leading to its renaming as , which formalized the collaborative model central to its operations. The firm experienced steady growth throughout the , evolving into a larger entity that incorporated international elements, culminating in the formation of Ove Arup & Partners International Limited in 1969 to manage its broadening scope. Starting with a small , the organization had grown to employ several dozen staff by the late , laying the groundwork for further expansion.

Expansion through iconic projects

Arup's involvement in the Sydney Opera House project from 1957 to 1973 marked a pivotal phase in the firm's expansion, establishing its expertise in complex structural engineering on an international scale. As structural engineers collaborating with Danish architect Jørn Utzon, Arup tackled the innovative yet challenging design of the iconic shell-like roofs, which initially lacked a feasible geometric solution and required extensive computational analysis to model the curved, tapering precast concrete ribs. The project's difficulties intensified after Utzon's resignation in 1966 amid political and budgetary disputes, leading to its completion under a new architectural team led by Peter Hall in 1973, with Arup adapting the engineering to revised interiors while preserving the original roof structure. This high-profile commission not only boosted Arup's reputation but also necessitated the establishment of a dedicated team in Sydney, laying the groundwork for overseas operations. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Arup secured several landmark projects that showcased its innovative approach to structural design, further solidifying its domestic and emerging global presence. The Kingsgate Footbridge in Durham, , completed in 1963, was personally designed by as a slender, arch spanning the River Wear, earning acclaim for its elegant integration of form and function and winning the 1964 Concrete Society Award. During this period, Arup also contributed to early high-rise developments, including structural engineering for multi-story buildings in such as elements of the scheme, where it addressed the demands of vertical construction in urban settings. These commissions highlighted Arup's growing capability in handling ambitious, geometry-driven structures amid the post-war building boom. The 1970s saw Arup's expansion accelerate through transformative projects like the Centre Georges Pompidou in , designed from 1971 to 1977 in collaboration with architects and . Arup provided comprehensive services, including structural, mechanical, and services integration for the building's revolutionary "inside-out" design, where exposed ducts and escalators exemplified and pushed the boundaries of multidisciplinary coordination. This project introduced advanced services to Arup's portfolio, enabling flexible interior spaces and setting a precedent for future cultural landmarks. Parallel to these iconic works, Arup pursued international growth by opening its first overseas office in in 1963 to support the , followed by its office in 1976, which became a hub for Asian projects. By 1970, the firm had reached a milestone of over 1,000 employees across three countries, reflecting rapid scaling from its roots. This period also marked diversification into multidisciplinary services, with the formation of integrated teams offering building engineering that combined , mechanical, and environmental expertise to meet the demands of complex commissions.

The Key Speech and philosophical foundations

On July 9, 1970, Sir delivered his seminal "Key Speech" in , , addressing the partners of the firm's various independent practices amid growing fragmentation as the organization expanded globally. This address came at a pivotal moment, as the original Ove Arup & Partners had evolved into multiple autonomous entities, prompting concerns about maintaining a unified and culture. In the speech, Arup championed the concept of "total ," an integrative approach that unites , , and broader social considerations to deliver comprehensive, purpose-driven solutions rather than siloed expertise. He articulated three core aims for the firm: attaining the highest standard of work through uncompromising thoroughness, competence, and responsibility; ensuring jobs are intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding; and cultivating a supportive, harmonious work atmosphere. To realize these aims, Arup proposed three guiding principles, or "ways": prioritizing fitness for purpose in all designs to meet functional and aesthetic needs effectively; fostering integrated, multidisciplinary efforts to avoid compartmentalization; and committing to worthwhile tasks that advance societal well-being. These themes underscored a where technical excellence serves humanistic goals, as Arup stated: "Our work should be interesting and rewarding. Only a job done well, as well as we can do it—and as well as it can be done—is that." The speech profoundly shaped the firm's trajectory, directly inspiring the unification of its independent practices into the Arup Group in as a centralized holding structure that preserved autonomy while reinforcing shared values. This reorganization emphasized employee ownership via charitable trusts, promoting a non-hierarchical culture that encourages collaboration and long-term over short-term gains. Arup balanced with practicality, cautioning against excessive : "We must be idealists in believing in the value of what we do, but realists in achieving it," while affirming that quality and social impact take precedence over profit, as "reasonable prosperity" follows from honorable, useful work. The Key Speech remains a foundational document, required reading for all new Arup employees to instill its principles from the outset. Its enduring legacy is evident in the firm's ongoing emphasis on multidisciplinary teams, ethical project selection, and a commitment to innovative solutions that address global challenges, ensuring Arup's philosophy continues to guide its operations more than five decades later.

Recent milestones and challenges

In the and , Arup experienced substantial international expansion, particularly in and , with notable projects including the for the headquarters in alongside Foster + Partners and the design of the UK's rail line. By 2013, Arup had grown to operate in over 90 offices worldwide, reflecting its increasing scale and influence in the engineering sector. Entering the 21st century, Arup achieved key milestones through high-profile involvements in major events, such as providing for the (Bird's Nest) and the National Aquatics Center () at the , as well as leading landscape design for the London 2012 Olympic Park. Concurrently, the firm pivoted toward sustainability consulting, integrating environmental strategies into its services, including projects and planning to address climate challenges. This evolution aligned with growing global demands for eco-conscious design, positioning Arup as a leader in low-carbon infrastructure. A significant challenge emerged in early 2024 when an employee in Arup's office was deceived during an AI-generated video conference, leading to the unauthorized transfer of HK$200 million (approximately $25 million USD) to fraudsters impersonating company executives. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in remote verification processes but did not compromise the firm's internal systems. In response, Arup implemented enhanced cybersecurity protocols, including stricter multi-party approvals for financial transactions and mandatory training on AI-driven threats. Following the 2024 scam, Arup focused on recovery through internal audits and process fortifications, while emphasizing in its operations to mitigate future risks in digital communications. By 2025, the firm had reported no further similar incidents, crediting proactive measures like advanced verification tools. Throughout this period, Arup navigated broader challenges, including the 2008 , which caused project delays such as the uncompleted Pinnacle tower in due to economic turbulence. Additionally, the company committed to , partnering with organizations like C40 Cities to support net-zero transitions and embedding sustainability in its advisory services.

Organization and operations

Core services and business sectors

Arup Group provides a multidisciplinary range of , , and consulting services, focusing on in the . Its core offerings include for complex load-bearing systems and seismic resilience, mechanical and encompassing building services such as HVAC, lighting, and power distribution, as well as and for integrated masterplans and functional spaces. The firm also delivers specialized consulting in acoustics for and mitigation, engineering to enhance building performance and evacuation strategies, and advisory for energy-efficient designs and principles. The company's expertise spans key business sectors, including buildings for commercial and cultural developments that prioritize occupant well-being and environmental integration. In , Arup engineers resilient bridges, tunnels, and civil works to withstand extreme conditions while minimizing ecological impact. Its transport sector covers rail systems for high-speed connectivity, facilities for efficient passenger flow, and broader mobility solutions. Additionally, Arup addresses and environmental management through projects in resource optimization, defense, and restoration. A notable specialization lies in sports and venues, where Arup designs stadiums and arenas emphasizing structural integrity, crowd dynamics, and acoustic optimization. For instance, the firm contributed engineering services to , completed in 2007, focusing on pedestrian modeling and overall venue functionality, and served as a lead advisor for venues and infrastructure at the 2020 Olympic and . Arup advances innovation through digital modeling with (BIM) to facilitate collaborative design iterations and lifecycle management, resilient strategies for climate adaptation such as flood-resistant , and methods that streamline multidisciplinary teams for efficient outcomes. The firm places increasing emphasis on net-zero consulting, supporting clients in decarbonization pathways and sustainable transitions across its services.

Global presence and structure

Arup Group operates a vast international network comprising over 90 offices across more than 30 countries, enabling localized expertise while supporting global project delivery. Its headquarters is located in , , with principal hubs in New York (), (), and Hong Kong, alongside growing operations in emerging regions such as and the , where offices facilitate and urban development initiatives. This extensive footprint allows Arup to engage in projects spanning over 160 countries, adapting to diverse regulatory, cultural, and environmental contexts. The firm's structure is organized into three primary regional areas—Americas, EMEIA (encompassing , the , , and ), and —to streamline operations, foster regional , and ensure coordinated service delivery across borders. Each area is overseen by a regional chair who manages local teams, resource allocation, and strategic alignment with the global board, promoting efficient collaboration on multinational assignments while leveraging area-specific insights. As of 2024, Arup employs approximately 18,000 professionals worldwide, spanning disciplines like , , planning, and consulting, with a deliberate focus on recruiting locally to embed cultural and market knowledge within teams. Knowledge sharing is facilitated through Arup University, the firm's internal learning center, which offers training programs, workshops, and resources to build skills and disseminate best practices across its global workforce. Arup's operational model centers on multidisciplinary, project-based teams that assemble dynamically for each assignment, often partnering with renowned architects such as Foster + Partners to integrate engineering with design innovation. These teams employ proprietary digital tools and cloud-based platforms for real-time collaboration, risk assessment, and project oversight, ensuring seamless integration across geographies and time zones. Following a 2024 deepfake scam in its office that led to a $25 million loss through impersonation of executives, Arup has bolstered its cybersecurity framework with enhanced verification protocols, employee training on AI-driven threats, and region-tailored measures to safeguard financial transactions and communications.

Ownership model and governance

Arup Group operates under a unique trust-owned structure that ensures full employee ownership, free from external shareholders. Since 1979, the firm has been held by three independent trusts—the Partnership Employee Trust, the Partnership Charitable Trust, and the Arup Service Trust—benefiting current and former employees as members of the Arup Partnership. This model, with approximately 18,000 members worldwide, allocates a portion of the firm's operating profits as a profit share to eligible employees twice yearly, fostering a collective sense of ownership and alignment with long-term organizational goals over short-term financial gains. Governance is overseen by the Arup Group Limited Board, chaired by non-executive chair Hilde Tonne, with strategic direction provided by CEO Jerome Frost, who assumed the role in April 2025 as part of a structural revamp introducing a dedicated CEO position for the first time. The board is supported by a body of independent , chaired by Mahadev Raman, comprising former board directors and external members who safeguard the firm's independence, ethical standards, and adherence to founder Ove Arup's values. This trustee oversight ensures decisions prioritize sustainable success and societal impact, with no dividends paid to outsiders, allowing full reinvestment in research, development, and . The partnership model promotes collaborative decision-making through member forums, regional committees, and annual consultations, enabling staff input on strategic and operational matters while upholding rigorous ethical as outlined in the firm's annual reports. As a privately held entity, Arup reported revenue of £2.2 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2024, with an operating profit of 3.9% before profit share allocation, reflecting steady growth and commitment to the trust's non-profit-driven ethos amid global expansion. This structure, evolved from post-1970 reforms following Ove Arup's Key Speech, continues to embed philosophical principles of total design and into contemporary leadership.

Notable projects

Architectural and structural engineering highlights

Arup's architectural and work has consistently pushed boundaries through innovative solutions that integrate form, function, and performance in landmark buildings. From pioneering techniques to advanced seismic systems, the firm's contributions emphasize resilience, flexibility, and efficiency, often collaborating with visionary architects to realize complex visions. The , completed in 1973, exemplifies Arup's early mastery of challenging structural forms. As structural engineers, Arup tackled the formidable task of realizing Jørn Utzon's sail-like design by developing a system of shells formed from curved, hollow ribs laid side by side to create continuous surfaces. These shells, supported by a robust foundation and integrated with the concourse and glass walls, overcame initial geometric complexities and construction difficulties through precise and on-site assembly. Additionally, Arup's acoustic engineering innovations established new benchmarks for concert hall design, optimizing sound distribution within the multifunctional venues to enhance performance quality. In the , opened in 1977, Arup served as both structural and services engineers, enabling and ' radical "inside-out" concept. The design features an exposed on the exterior, with all mechanical services—such as escalators, ducts, and plumbing—color-coded and mounted outside to maximize internal flexibility for evolving cultural uses. This braced steel superstructure, paired with floors, provides a lightweight yet stable framework that spans large open spaces without internal columns, allowing adaptable partitions and layouts while giving the building its distinctive, expressive aesthetic. Arup's structural engineering for 30 St Mary Axe, known as the Gherkin and completed in 2004, introduced a pioneering diagrid system that defines the building's tapered, aerodynamic form. The diagrid—triangular steel elements forming a lattice—efficiently transfers loads from the irregular shape to the foundation, using approximately 50% less steel than a conventional frame while providing inherent stiffness against wind and seismic forces. This structural innovation supports energy-efficient features, including a double-skin facade for natural ventilation and low solar heat gain, enabling the tower to consume only half the energy of similar-sized office buildings through passive climate control and optimized airflow. For in Cupertino, completed in 2017, Arup led the of the massive circular "Ring" building, spanning 1 mile in circumference. The design incorporates 700 friction pendulum base isolators—large stainless steel saucers beneath the structure—that decouple the building from ground motion during earthquakes, reducing seismic forces by up to 80% and ensuring operational continuity in California's active fault zone. This resilience-focused approach integrates with the ring's floor system, which embeds mechanical services for efficient cooling and , balancing the architectural ambition of Foster + Partners with practical seismic safety.

Infrastructure and transportation works

Arup has played a pivotal role in designing and engineering major transportation infrastructure projects worldwide, emphasizing innovative solutions for rail, bridge, and systems that enhance connectivity and efficiency. The firm's expertise in alignment optimization, tunneling, and integrated systems has contributed to developments that support high-volume passenger and freight movement. These efforts often involve multidisciplinary collaboration to address complex geological, environmental, and operational challenges in urban and marine environments. One of Arup's seminal contributions to rail infrastructure is the (HS1) project, formerly known as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), completed in 2007 in the . Arup, as part of the Rail Link Engineering consortium alongside , Halcrow, and , led the alignment design and provided specialized tunneling expertise for the 109 km high-speed line connecting to the . The route, initially proposed by Arup in 1991 and granted preferred status by the UK government, incorporated advanced geotechnical analysis to navigate urban constraints and chalk strata, enabling trains to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and reducing travel time from to the continent to 35 minutes. This project transformed regional connectivity, facilitating over 200 million passenger crossings since its opening. In urban rail systems, Arup's work on the project, now the , opened in 2022 in , exemplifies its capabilities in station and systems . Arup contributed from initial concepts through to technical design, including tunneling for the 42 km of twin-bore tunnels and for 10 new underground stations with integrated ventilation, signaling, and power systems. The design ensured seamless interoperability with existing networks, supporting up to 1.5 million daily passengers while minimizing disruption to 's infrastructure during construction. Since opening, it has carried over 500 million passengers as of January 2025. This feat marked the first heavy rail service beneath , enhancing east-west connectivity across the city. Arup continues to advance subway infrastructure through its ongoing involvement in New York's since 2001, in partnership with the (MTA). As part of a with DMJM-Harris, Arup has focused on ventilation systems and structural integration for Phase 1, which added a 1.8-mile extension with three new stations from 63rd to 96th Streets, completed in 2017. The firm's engineering addressed deep excavation in Manhattan's dense bedrock, incorporating energy-efficient air handling and seismic-resistant frameworks to support future expansions into . This work sets precedents for urban transit resilience in high-density environments. A standout in bridge engineering is Arup's role in the -Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), the world's longest sea crossing at 55 km, opened in 2018. Arup provided multidisciplinary design for the sections, innovating joint fabrication and immersion techniques to connect , , and across the . The firm also led environmental mitigation strategies, including marine habitat protection during construction of the 6.7 km undersea tunnel, ensuring compliance with stringent ecological standards while facilitating over 27 million annual passenger trips as of 2024 to boost regional . In aviation infrastructure, Arup's engineering for , opened in 2008, integrated transportation systems within the UK's busiest airport. As lead above-ground structural engineers, Arup designed the terminal's long-span roof and rail connections, facilitating 30 million annual passengers with efficient baggage handling and ground transport links to the London Underground and . Building on this, Arup has advanced sustainable airport designs globally, such as masterplanning low-carbon terminals for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's expansion, incorporating fossil fuel-free systems and biophilic elements to reduce operational emissions while maintaining high throughput.

Sustainability and innovative initiatives

Arup has committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its global operations by 2030, encompassing office energy use, goods, services, and business travel. This pledge aligns with broader efforts to reduce embodied and operational carbon in projects, including a target for all new buildings and renovations to achieve at least 40% less embodied carbon by 2030. To support these goals, Arup developed the Carbon Insights Platform, a tool that educates designers on early-stage project impacts through data compilation. In sustainability initiatives, Arup contributed to in , launched in 2008 as a prototype for zero-carbon urban development powered by . The firm provided multidisciplinary support, including for sustainable and the design of the net-zero energy Mosque, which targets Platinum certification through and . This project exemplifies Arup's role in pioneering low-carbon , integrating shaded streets, efficient transport, and waste minimization to minimize environmental footprint. Arup advances through tidal projects, emphasizing cost reduction and environmental integration in tidal infrastructure. Arup integrates digital tools like AI and (VR) into design processes to enhance , such as using VR for immersive acoustic modeling in the SoundLab and AI for building safety scans and simulations. Following a 2024 deepfake scam that resulted in a $25 million loss via fraudulent video calls, Arup reinforced secure technology adoption protocols, emphasizing multi-factor verification and employee training to mitigate AI-driven risks in digital workflows. On social impact, Arup conducts work to bolster disaster resilience, seconding engineers to humanitarian agencies for recovery efforts, including post-2005 disaster planning like where staff provided in-kind technical support for reconstruction and risk assessment. Collaborations with organizations like and C40 Cities further extend this through free expertise on climate-resilient infrastructure for vulnerable communities.

Awards and recognition

Firm-level honors

Arup Group has been recognized with the Queen's Award for Enterprise for its contributions to international trade, notably receiving the award in 2000 for outstanding export achievements. The firm's distinctive employee ownership structure, established to benefit its global workforce, has garnered accolades for fostering a supportive workplace culture. Arup was named one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2014, highlighting its employee engagement and professional development initiatives. Earlier, in 2003, it was featured prominently in a Sunday Times survey of top employers in the construction sector. In 2025, Arup won the CPD Employer of the Year Award from Engineers Ireland, praising its commitment to continuous professional development. Arup's legacy in engineering and design is underscored by industry honors tied to its foundational principles. Founder received the in 1966, the UK's highest accolade in , acknowledging his profound influence on practices that define the firm. In recent years, Arup has continued to earn recognition for its advisory expertise and organizational excellence. The firm was named Technical Adviser of the Year in the at the 2024 IJInvestor Awards, commended for advising on high-profile infrastructure transactions. Additionally, in 2024, selected Arup as Design Firm of the Year for , citing its sustainable project leadership and market growth. Arup was also honored with the 2025 Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence by the U.S. Council, celebrating its role in advancing standards globally. Arup maintains a strong position in global industry rankings, with Arup US Inc. placed 18th on Engineering News-Record's 2024 Top 500 Design Firms list based on design revenue. The firm also ranked within the Top 225 International Design Firms for 2024, reflecting its worldwide operations and revenue from international projects. In 2024, Arup was named the Most Admired Company in the business support services sector by University's corporate reputation study, marking the second consecutive year for this recognition of its ethical practices and innovation. In 2025, Arup received the Leadership Pioneer Award at the Green Building Awards, honoring its pioneering role in sustainable practices.

Project-specific accolades

Arup's involvement in the earned the project the RAIA Merit Award in 1974 for its architectural excellence, recognizing the innovative that realized Jørn Utzon's visionary design. The structure's enduring global significance was further affirmed in 2007 when it received World Heritage status, highlighting the pioneering engineering contributions that made the sails and precast elements feasible. The project, where Arup provided structural and services engineering, received the Award in 1977, honoring its revolutionary "inside-out" design that exposed services and structural elements. This accolade underscored Arup's role in structural innovations, including the development of gerberette connections and a flexible steel frame that supported the building's cultural and functional ambitions. In modern infrastructure, Arup's engineering for the (now ) project contributed to its recognition with the British Construction Industry Award in 2018, celebrating the scheme's technical delivery and urban integration. Similarly, Arup's structural work on , including the , led to the AIA Committee on the Environment Top Ten Green Projects in 2018, acknowledging the campus's sustainable features like natural ventilation and low-carbon materials. For sustainability-focused initiatives, Arup's masterplanning and engineering for secured the World Architecture Festival Prize in the Future Cities category in 2010, praising its zero-carbon urban model with integrated renewable energy systems. Among sports venues, Arup's design of the iconic arch and roof for won the Structural Steel Design Award in 2007 from the British Constructional Steelwork Association, lauding the 133-meter lattice structure's engineering precision and aesthetic impact. For the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, Arup's acoustic and supported its World Architecture Festival award in 2021 for best sports building, recognizing the timber roof's seismic resilience and environmental performance.

References

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