WHEN invited by the Chadwick Trustees to give this lecture the title, “Engineering Problems of Modern Building Construction,” was chosen for two main reasons:-
Firstly-The name of Mr. Alfred Bossom, the sponsor of this series of lectures, is largely associated with modern building construction not only in this country but also in America. His keenness to improve both methods of construction and regulations governing design is well known.
Secondly-A certain amount of ambiguity exists, in this country at least, as to the relative positions of the two professions, architecture and engineering, which merge in the field of modern building construction. Energetic steps have been and are being taken by both these professions to inform the public of their respective achievements. In national as well as professional fields true co-operation can often be furthered by a mutual appreciation of each other’s difficulties and problems. Such appreciation engenders mutual respect with the result that the public benefits.
H. John Collins