Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) stands as a titan in the realm of architecture, engineering, and urban planning, with a legacy deeply embedded in the fabric of global cityscapes. Since its inception, SOM has been at the forefront of integrating architectural innovation with engineering excellence, shaping skylines and communities across continents.

The foundation of SOM's approach lies in its pioneering integration of architecture and engineering, a principle that has guided the firm since the early days. This ethos is vividly demonstrated through the careers and contributions of its founding members and subsequent generations of designers. For instance, the architectural marvels created by Gordon Bunshaft, such as the Beinecke Library at Yale University, and the transformative designs of Myron Goldsmith and Natalie de Blois, showcase the firm’s commitment to blending form and function with grace and strength. Walter Netsch’s "field theory" and Bruce Graham’s collaborations with engineer Fazlur Khan on iconic structures like the John Hancock Center and Sears Tower underline SOM's ethos of innovative, interdisciplinary solutions​​.

SOM's impact extends beyond iconic skyscrapers to include the development of spaces that foster community, collaboration, and sustainability. The firm's approach to design is characterized by a holistic view that considers every aspect of a project, from the structural innovations pioneered by Khan to the integration of interior and exterior design that enhances the human experience within built environments​​.

Sustainability and innovation are central to SOM’s philosophy. The firm has led groundbreaking research in areas such as collaborative CAD platforms and engineering solutions for some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Burj Khalifa. SOM’s work with public art installations, robotic fabrication, and sustainable city planning illustrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and engineering​​.

SOM’s culture is built on the idea of a collective with a shared purpose: to improve the built environment and enhance people's lives. The firm's global team of designers, architects, and engineers shares a common goal of creating significant, sustainable, and innovative urban design projects. This culture of curiosity and idea exchange is vital to SOM’s identity, fostering a workspace where diverse expertise and perspectives drive pioneering design solutions​​.

One of SOM's recent projects, the new Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, exemplifies the firm's commitment to reimagining the travel experience through architecture. Termed as a "terminal in a garden," this project reflects Bengaluru’s identity as the "garden city" and sets a new standard for airport design by emphasizing connectivity with nature and sustainable development. This project not only increases the airport’s capacity but also serves as a civic gateway that celebrates local culture and landscape, showcasing SOM’s ability to blend functionality with environmental stewardship and cultural sensitivity​​.

In summary, SOM’s legacy is not just its buildings but also its enduring impact on the practice of architecture and urban planning. Through a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the integration of diverse fields of expertise, SOM continues to shape the future of our built environment, creating spaces that reflect the aspirations of societies around the globe.