Like in every field, engineers can disagree on things. These
contentious items can lead to debate amongst engineers for what is the best
solution or outcome. While not every hot button item effects ORB, we still like
to keep up to date with what the latest controversial items are and how they
are affecting the engineering field. Here are some of the debates in the
engineering field now.
Everyone can be a designer.
With all the software, tools, and DIY articles available
online, it makes sense that people have started to assume that anyone can
design a house. Anyone can download a free trial of AutoCAD and sketch up their
dream home. So, anyone can be a designer. However, engineers have argued
against this. While anyone can sketch a though, engineers have the experience,
training and knowledge about the minutia of design. They know the building code
requirements, the stability of a material, the weak areas of design to be
avoided. This debate questions who can call themselves a designer and who is
just sketching. It is also in debate because engineers want to keep the
professionalism of their field set apart from people who say they are designers
but do not have the same education as an engineer.
How to respond to climate change.
Climate change is a divisive topic in many fields. In
engineering, there are many facets to the debate. One such element is who
should take the lead, governments, individuals, or engineers? “Some built
environment specialists say a better understanding of societal needs and
desired outcomes could be critical to rethinking infrastructure decisions and
reducing carbon.” -Newcivilengineer.com Who is to determine the path
forward? Even if that is established, there is still the issue of designing for
climate change but still providing the client with what they want. “In the
mainstream architects and engineers see low-energy solutions as risky. Even if
they believe that it will cost no more to build and much less to run (in truth,
they are rarely fully convinced) they know that it will cost more to design.
They simply can’t afford to go the ‘extra mile’ that serious low energy design
requires now that their clients have got used to paying cut price fees.” -Edgedebate.com
Until society can come up with what they want, engineers must simply follow
suit.
Engineering vs. Design Thinking
Engineering typically relies on deductive reasoning,
functionality, low-risk tolerance, and rational/predictable agents (steel
beams). Whereas Design thinking relies on inductive/abductive reasoning,
emotions, user requirements, and irrational/unpredictable agents (people). The
question is: which one should be used? The beauty of this debate is most people
have decided that both should be used to generate the best outcome. Both
processes require critical thinking, observation and research, testing, and
relying on data. However, there are still advocates for both side saying theirs
is best.
Debate, if done right, can be healthy and lead to new and
innovative design solutions. Here at ORB, we rely on the latest information and
technology to provide our clients with the best designs available. If you have
any questions about how we can help with your design, give us a call today!
More to come soon.