ASCE Built to Shine Toolkit

Built to Shine Toolkit

Help illuminate iconic infrastructure worldwide!

As civil engineers, we know better than anyone that infrastructure is far more than the silent partner in our daily lives. It’s the bridges that connect us to each other, the buildings that bring us together, and the roads that lead us to loved ones. These systems don’t simply function; they shape the character of the places we call home. ASCE’s 175th anniversary is an opportunity to bring influential infrastructure into the light—literally.

The Built to Shine: Illuminating Iconic Infrastructure campaign will illuminate iconic structures around the world in ASCE blue on Nov. 5, 2027, creating a shared, visible tribute to the infrastructure that allows our communities to thrive.

This is our chance to showcase the critical role infrastructure plays in public safety, economic vitality, and community resilience—while honoring the engineers, owners, and operators who design, maintain, and steward the systems that sustain daily life.

But this moment can only happen with your support. We need your help to create a powerful, unified celebration of infrastructure and the professionals behind it.

Here are 3 ways you can take part: 

1.  Light your local landmarks

2.  Logo projection

3.  Support a marquee illumination

    Local illuminations

    From buildings to bridges, bring your community’s critical infrastructure into the spotlight by lighting it blue on Nov. 5, 2027!

    While ASCE has cemented many iconic infrastructure sites in civil engineering history by officially designating them as Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks, they’re not the only ones that will look good in blue. Whether the landmark is known around the globe or just around the block, help us spotlight the structures and systems that have come to represent the strength and spirit of our communities.

    Ideally, these illumination events will coincide with 175th celebration parties hosted by member groups at the section/branch/chapter level. These illuminations will be facilitated entirely by local member groups; at the same time, resources are available here to assist in planning and execution of your event.

    To get started, browse the Illumination Index spreadsheet, then add your name and information next to the site(s) you’re interested in pursuing for an illumination event. If you’re interested in pursuing an illumination site that’s not already listed on the index, feel free to add it—but don’t forget to add your name and information. After you’ve added your name anywhere on the index, ASCE staff will contact you with further guidance.

    175th Illuminations Index

    Resource Link

    175th Logo Projection Guidance.pdf

    Resource Link

    Draft Outreach Letter - 175th Illumination.pdf

    Resource Link

    175th Boilerplates.pdf

    Resource Link

    Logo projection

    No local landmarks capable of glowing blue? No problem!

    Member groups who would like to participate but don’t have a nearby structure capable of color illumination are invited to project the special 175th logo at celebration events, on campus, or within presentations.

    Download projection guide

    Library Entries

    Marquee illuminations

    Consider these to be the headliners of this endeavor. The most renowned, widely recognized landmarks around the world—think Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, etc.

    Due to their stature, securing these landmarks will require the most time and attention and may require leveraging our networks to increase our chances of success. Closely supported by ASCE Headquarters, member groups in select locations will spearhead efforts to illuminate infrastructure icons across the U.S. and beyond. If your entry on the Illumination Index spreadsheet meets the criteria for a marquee illumination site, you will be contacted by ASCE staff for further guidance.

    Content capture & submission

    We’re sure that celebrating ASCE’s 175th anniversary on Nov. 5, 2027, will be unforgettable. We still want to document every moment, just in case. More details on day-of content capture and social media participation opportunities will be shared with illumination event points of contact at a later date.

    Illuminated suspension bridge at night glowing in blue with radiating light beams reflecting across calm water.