Fazlur Rahman Khan 

Fazlur Rahman Khan was a pioneering structural engineer and architect born on April 3, 1929, in Dhaka, British India (now Bangladesh), and he passed away on March 27, 1982, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Khan is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the field of structural engineering, particularly for his revolutionary contributions to skyscraper design. 

 Khan's early education in civil engineering took place at Ahsanullah Engineering College in Dhaka, now known as the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Later, he pursued higher studies in the United States, earning a Master's degree in structural engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1952.

 Fazlur Khan's career flourished when he joined the architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Chicago in 1955. At SOM, Khan became a key figure in the development of innovative structural systems for tall buildings. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern skyscraper design, and he became known for his integration of both architectural and engineering considerations. 

 One of Khan's most significant contributions was the development of the framed tube structural system, which was employed in iconic skyscrapers such as the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago. This structural innovation involved a system of exterior columns and internal columns that worked together to resist lateral forces, making it possible to build taller and more efficient skyscrapers. 

 Throughout his career, Khan received numerous accolades and honors for his outstanding contributions to the field of structural engineering. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1972 and received the National Medal of Science in Engineering in 1981. Fazlur Rahman Khan's impact on the world of architecture and engineering extends beyond his technical achievements. 

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between architects and engineers, recognizing that both disciplines played crucial roles in the success of a project. Khan's work not only transformed the skyline of cities but also influenced the way architects and engineers approach the design and construction of tall buildings. 

 Sadly, Fazlur Rahman Khan passed away at the age of 52, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the field of structural engineering and inspire future generations of architects and engineers.