Organisation
Soon after a fascinating and very successful first edition of The Value of Design in 2005, it has been decided to continue this symposium every other year. ‘The Value of Design’ is intended to be and to stay a distinct event, and had a very successful second edition in 2008. The challenge within was to attract renowned architects and engineers as speakers who are provoked to give their vision on a certain theme. The organization of the symposium was a cooperation between students of Delft University of Technology, Professor J.N.J.A. Vamberský and ING Real Estate. Invitations were sent to some of the most notable ones in the profession. Santiago Calatrava (TU Delft Doctor Honoris Causa, 2005), Renzo Piano, Jean Nouvel, Jörg Schlaich, Richard Rogers, they were all in The Value of Design 2008. Also a third discipline was taken into account adding an extra dimension: a project developer, Larry Silverstein, known for his involvement in redeveloping NYC Ground Zero or the Beijing 2008 Olympic project developers.

Theme
Structuring the lectures, the sub-theme in the previous edition was ‘sharing ambitions’. It concerned the challenges that lie in the overlapping regions between architecture and engineering, and the solutions these disciplines together can come to when certain ambitions are shared. Ambitions rising from both Architecture and Engineering; the tallest, the most eccentric, the most sustainable, the most transparent, the most striking shape. Two disciplines with both harsh dilemmas, but also creating astonishing synergy. During the symposium, the architects and engineers gave their vision on design and proper communication between the two disciplines by reflecting these aspects on their own portfolio of design projects. Similarly, as an unique workshop format, stressing the interdisciplinary, team approach to the design of high-rise buildings, the Delft University of Technology is giving the High-Rise Workshop for many years and since 2006 also the XXL-Span Workshop. During design processes among students (and perhaps even in professional
sphere), hilarious terms like ‘anti-gravitation paint’ or ‘sky anchors’ are commonly used. By simulating the practice and with symposia like ‘The Value of Design’ where the masters share their experiences from the ‘frontlines’, this should lead to a better mutual understanding between the
disciplines. With these essential and constantly debated subjects, the last version of ‘The Value of Design’ contributed much to our education that supports and nurtures this philosophy of integrated team approach.

Location
The Value of Design 2008 was held in a very inspiring location. The first thing inhabitants of the city of Delft will tell you about the five spires of the Old Church towering above the canals, the main reason anyone who has ever studied in Delft remembers the church, is that the tower is leaning.
It might be a stretch to say that this characteristic is a product of both the aesthetic and structural design – forcing it into the subject area of the last symposium. The architecture of churches was designed to impress and in attaining that goal pioneered some fundamental principles of structural engineering. This undoubtedly contributed to the inspiring atmosphere during The Value of Design 2008. A good starting point to look forward to The Value of Design 2011 with great expectation!