HB2 Lecture Series // António Adão da Fonseca

Don’t miss António Adão da Fonseca dropping some fresh insights in the HB2 Lecture Series, it’s gonna be a chill and inspiring session.

Structural planning. His dissertation entitled “Plastic analysis and synthesis of plates and shells using mathematical programming” illustrates how the analysis of a structure should reflect its structural optimization. This significantly influenced his work as a structural engineer and is reflected in the design and details of many of his buildings and bridges.

Adão da Fonseca has extensive experience in the planning and coordination of highly complex bridge and building construction projects. Some of the most important projects are associated with his name. After completing his doctorate, while at the same time teaching at the FEUP (Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto), where he was a full professor of bridge construction until 2010, he resumed his work as a civil engineer and founded the engineering firm AFA - Adão da Fonseca e Associados - Consultores de Engenharia in 1985. In 1997, he invited his key project managers from AFA to become partners and founded the company AFAssociados – Projectos de Engenharia to cover the entire spectrum of building and bridge construction projects. In both companies, Adão da Fonseca is chairman of the board of directors and chief designer for bridges and special structures. In December 2005, Adão da Fonseca left AFAssociados and founded ADÃO DA FONSECA - Engenheiros Consultores (AdF) to focus again on the design of bridges and special structures and to offer specialized consulting and expert services in the field of civil engineering.

In 2012, they founded together with the Spanish company IDEAM ( www.ideam.es ) and the Brazilian company RMG ( www.rmg.com.br ) the Brazilian company ADEAM – Engenharia e Consultoria ( www.adeam.com.br ), dedicated to the Latin American continent.

After 2010, international opportunities expanded. To achieve a more efficient global presence, in 2016 he joined forces with renowned civil engineer and designer Cecil Balmond to form the British firm Balmond & Adao, Consultancy Limited (B&A).

Projects from 1985 to 2005 were designed under AFA; After 2005, projects were designed within the framework of AdF, ADEAM or B&A.

Between 1992 and 2002, Adão da Fonseca also held leadership positions in the Chamber of Engineers and the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE). In the Chamber of Engineers he promoted specializations, skills and responsibilities in civil engineering. As President of the ECCE, he played a key role in ensuring that the European Code of Conduct for European Civil Engineers was unanimously adopted at the General Assembly in Rome in 2000.

He has published numerous articles in national and international journals as well as contributions to conference proceedings. He is the author of several specialist lectures at national and international symposia and conferences. (https://www.adfconsultores.com/pt/equipa/partners/antonio-adao-da-fonseca/)

As part of the HB2 Lecture Series at TU Wien, this year’s program is dedicated to the theme “Made in Portugal.” Renowned architects and engineers from Portugal present their work, offering insights into contemporary projects, design approaches, and architectural practice within a specific cultural and geographical context.

The lecture series provides a platform for exchange on contemporary architecture, construction, and design, and enables students and a broader audience to engage directly with leading international offices.

Speakers:

• Ricardo Bak Gordon (Bak Gordon Arquitectos)
• Inês Lobo (Inês Lobo Arquitectos)
• Ricardo Carvalho (Ricardo Carvalho Arquitectos & Associados)
• Graça Correia (Correia/Ragazzi Arquitectos)
• António Adão da Fonseca (Adão da Fonseca engheiros consultores)
• Cristina Guedes (Menos é Mais Arquitectos)

Time and Venue:
All lectures take place at 6:00 p.m. at various lecture halls at TU Wien (see schedule for details).