This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Ever wondered how the complex capital we call home keeps going and growing? Find out this Autumn at One Great George Street — AKA, the home of UK engineering.
On Friday 11 October, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) invites you inside its opulent London HQ for an evening of after-hours adventures. Get to grips with London's largest infrastructure projects and explore the intersection between art, archaeology, and engineering through a range of fascinating talks and interactive activities.
Highlights of this year's Engineering Late include a conversation with Crossrail CEO Mark Wild — revealing how the long-awaited Elizabeth line is getting back on track — and a talk from Hawkins Brown's Harinder Singh about how infrastructure projects are creating and reinventing public spaces throughout the capital.
There's also the chance to learn more about the Illuminated River art project, which set has the bridges of the Thames aglow with beautiful coloured lights. Oh, and archaeology enthusiasts won't want to miss Janet Miller, CEO at the Museum of London Archaeology, here to explain the link between her field and the world of engineering.
Up for something a bit more hands-on? Play bridge-themed mini-golf, take on VR challenges, and even try out a robotic arm in ICE London's magnificent Great Hall. This stunning chandelier and gold leaf-adorned space serves as the event's social hub, where real-life engineers are on hand to field your most burning infrastructure-adjacent questions.
If you haven't already checked out ICE London's awe-inspiring Water Exhibition, the Engineering Late is the perfect occasion to do so, with opening hours extended until 9.30pm for one night only. Plumb the depths of water engineering and discover the hidden heroes fighting fatbergs and flooding beneath the streets of the city.
The exhibition features VR goggles and an immersive media cube, but don't get so caught up in the evening's interactive elements that you forget to look around you — One Great George Street just happens to be an architectural masterpiece. Discover the history of this Grade II listed building on a guided tour. If any of it looks familiar, that's probably because you've already seen it. The building has appeared in Wonder Woman, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, The Night Manager and more.
As it's a Friday night, you can also expect plenty of entertainment to ease you into the weekend. Get grooving to live rock'n roll and disco tunes, and stick around in-between sets for a water themed quiz. With a pop up bar onsite, the Engineering Late offers a brilliant twist on your usual after-work drinks. And did we mention that it's free entry?
Engineering Late, 6pm-10pm on Friday 11 October at One Great George Street (Westminster). The event is free, but you must pre-register.
