Sustainable free-flowing temporary access solution: the Queen’s Tower, London, UK

The structural analysis and design of lattice-framed temporary works can be highly complex, particularly when addressing the demands of a challenging design brief. Sustainable design plays a crucial role in large-scale access solutions. For the refurbishment of the Queen’s Tower in London, an 87 m high scaffold was engineered with a unique shape, fundamental engineering principles and the advantages of historic engineering decisions. The project required clear access to the entire external structure within touching distance, while ensuring no lateral load was applied to the tower. Additionally, the scaffold needed to allow the seamless movement of workers to ensure programme targets were met. The project also explored the interaction between encapsulated and open lattice structures and the external forces acting upon them. The final solution met all aspects of the challenging brief, utilising standard components and a minimal footprint to create a visually striking structure and an efficient temporary works design.