Virtual screening followed by a live Q&A with structural engineers
The NCSEA Foundation will host a virtual screening of Leaning Out, the documentary portrait of Leslie E. Robertson, on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Robertson was the lead structural engineer of the World Trade Center and one of the most consequential builders of his generation — a career that spanned iconic high-rises, transformational structures, and cultural centers around the world. Leaning Out traces the structural innovation, wind engineering breakthroughs, and visionary collaborations that defined his work and shaped skylines across the globe.
Long before the world watched them fall, the Twin Towers stood as one of the greatest engineering achievements in history. The film tells the story of the engineer behind them, and of a profession that builds what others only imagine.
Following the 60-minute film, attendees are invited to stay for a live 30-minute Q&A with structural engineers who bring first-hand accounts of the events of 9/11 — a direct perspective on that day from those who lived it, and on the legacy Robertson leaves to the engineers carrying his work forward.
The event is free and open to all. Donations to the NCSEA Foundation are encouraged and support the next generation of structural engineers through scholarships, student outreach, and workforce development programs.
Registration is available here.
About the NCSEA Foundation
The NCSEA Foundation exists to advance the science and practice of structural engineering. Founded to support the work of NCSEA (National Council of Structural Engineers Associations), state SEAs, and practicing structural engineers, the Foundation fuels innovation, advocacy, and the next generation of leaders. Through scholarships, code modernization, and profession-wide initiatives, we are shaping a resilient, sustainable future for the built environment.