Author: J. Roach (structural engineer at CannonDesign)
In a thought provoking article published on May 24th, queenseyes (Newell Nussbaumer) opined that, “We should ask ourselves one question – should engineers be designing our streets?” In Mr. Nussbaumer’s view, the answer to this question appears to be a resounding “no.” As a licensed professional engineer in the State of New York, I have a slightly different perspective. Nevertheless, Mr. Nussbaumer’s piece raises many valid concerns, and perhaps the question we should be asking is this – what is and what should be the role of engineers in our community?
The stereotypical image of an engineer – geeky, disengaged, socially awkward, and rational to a fault – has persisted for decades. The engineering community, while not directly embracing this representation, struggles to change public perception. Consequently, when someone like Mr. Nussbaumer asserts that “engineers don’t care about parks and neighborhoods and people,” it seems to fit a preconceived idea that many of us have. In reality, this notion couldn’t be further from the truth, and the evidence is abundant across Western New York.
As Buffalo continues its recent renaissance, we should recognize that engineers have played a key role in its remarkable transformation. Environmental engineers have helped transform the many brownfield sites that detract from our rich urban fabric into a wide range of new developments. Civil engineers are working tirelessly to reduce sewage overflows that threaten our waterways and wildlife. Together with interdisciplinary teams of other designers, they have created much-loved landmarks like Canalside and the restored Richardson-Olmsted Complex grounds.
Structural engineers have enabled the design of new landmarks downtown and on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and they have ensured that our historical landmarks can be saved, adapted, and reused. Transportation engineers find innovative ways to transform roads planned exclusively for automobile traffic into complete streets for all modes of transit. Most importantly, engineers are deeply connected to their communities; they serve as youth sports coaches, sit on community boards, and volunteer at countless local institutions.
Like all other Buffalonians, engineers take pride in their community, and they strive each day to enhance the place they call home. What distinguishes engineers are the means that they employ to make these improvements. Design is a powerful tool, but it is only a tool; it can be used well, or it can be abused. The work that engineers create may last for generations, and the interaction between people and the built environment can shape a society for decades. While there is long legacy of good design practice in our community, there are also many scars left across the landscape by short-sighted and misguided projects and policies.
Good design requires many distinct voices; it can never happen in a vacuum. Many of the large-scale projects that are now widely regarded to have damaged or destroyed our urban fabric were the manifestation of policies that never considered the importance of neighborhoods, pedestrians, or individuals. As Mr. Nussbaumer indicated, the power of design belongs to the wider community, and so it is critically important that all individuals – including engineers – work to mold the policies that ultimately shape our physical landscape. At the same time, engineers and policymakers have a special obligation to ensure that the views and opinions of all stakeholders are given due consideration.
By virtue of their education, engineers have unique skills that help ensure safe, reliable, and economical design solutions. But no one engineer can possibly master all of the skills needed to produce the design most beneficial to the community. Should engineers be designing our streets? Yes, but so should all of us.
Lead image: Elmwood bridge crossing Scajaquada