Jane Wernick facts for kids

Jane Melville Wernick is a famous British structural engineer. She was born in April 1954. A structural engineer designs the bones and muscles of buildings and bridges, making sure they are strong and safe. Jane Wernick has worked on many important projects, including the London Eye and the terminal building at Stansted Airport.

Early Life and Education

Jane Wernick was born in 1954. She grew up in Hampstead, London. She went to Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls. After school, she studied at the University of Southampton. She graduated from there in 1976.

Her Engineering Career

Jane Wernick started her career in 1976 at a company called Ove Arup & Partners. She worked there for many years, until 1998. For a couple of years, she even led Arup's office in Los Angeles, USA.

She has also shared her knowledge by teaching at several universities. These include Southampton University, Harvard Graduate School of Design, and the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow.

Jane Wernick has been part of important groups that help shape how buildings are designed and built. She was involved with the Design Council and the Construction Industry Council. In 2016, her amazing work was shown at the V&A in London during their Engineering Season.

Amazing Projects She Worked On

Jane Wernick has helped design many cool structures. Here are some of her notable projects:

• 1986: Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. This is a place where people go to watch shows.
• 1990–1993: Lille TGV station. This is a big train station in France.
• 1990–1998: London Eye. This is a giant Ferris wheel in London. It gives amazing views of the city!
• 2004–2006: Young Vic, London. This is a theatre.
• 2005: Tickle Cock Bridge, Castleford. This is a bridge in England.
• 2010–2011: Living Architecture houses. These are special holiday homes designed by famous architects. They include the Balancing Barn and the Shingle House.

Awards and Recognition

Jane Wernick has received many awards for her work. These awards show how much her contributions to engineering are valued.

• 1988: She won first prize in a bridge design competition. This was from the Institution of Civil Engineers.
• 2006: She became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. This is a special title given to people who have made a big impact on architecture.
• 2009: She became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This is a very high honor for engineers.
• 2013: She was named "First Woman of the Built Environment." This award celebrates women who have achieved great things in designing and building our world.
• 2015: She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a high honor from the Queen for her services to engineering.