This is a great topic Danielle! I got into construction and engineering management specifically because I love to build things that evoke emotion and tell stories. Some of my first projects involved work at Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks. Since then my team and I continue to work with former "imagineers" on projects we fund across the US. I've really come to embrace what they call "spatial storytelling", Particularly if your project involves the community at large or focuses on relaying an organizational "mission".
The unique thing about storytelling is that it isn't isolated to a single industry or discipline. As engineers we tend to focus on "implementation" - the how of the idea - and this naturally comes with the tendency to think in terms of constraints. Working with non-technical creatives has really forced me to appreciate the interactions between the art of the story with the how of the technical. I've had to learn to suspend disbelief in order to fulfill the vision. This is why I was so pleased to see engineers sketch for pleasure in my earlier thread.
For me, it's about creating environments where people want to be. That's means looking at more than just architecture, MEP, or Civil design. It's about the sum of the whole - digital designers, artists, audio/visual and lighting techs, architects, landscape design, etc as well as the traditional engineering disciplines. Even the operational staff and the way they interact with the public or the facility is part of the spatial story.
You might be interested in My friend's podcast "The Themed Attraction" or the folks at Falcon's Creative Group's podcast "Experience Imagination". Even though they focuses on the themed entertainment industry they often get into the art of the story in presentations and AEC projects.
Author Lou Prosperi has written a book about using storytelling in presentations called "The Imagineering Pyramid".
The Imagineering Pyramid - An Overview
The Imagineering Toolbox |
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The Imagineering Pyramid - An Overview |
So, what is The Imagineering Pyramid? The Imagineering Pyramid is an arrangement of fifteen important Imagineering principles, techniques, and practices used by Walt Disney Imagineering in the design and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions. The principles in the Imagineering Pyramid each fall into one of five categories or groupings, each of which forms a tier within the... |
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Apple Podcasts |
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The Themed Attraction Podcast on Apple Podcasts |
Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts. Mel McGowan, Freddy Martin & friends discuss theme park design with themed entertainment industry experts. This is a great podcast that interviews some heavy hitters in the themed entertainment world. |
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The Themed Attraction Podcast on Apple Podcasts------------------------------
Jesse Kamm PhD, PMP, A.M.ASCE
Senior Vice President of Construction Management
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2019 19:54
From: Danielle Schroeder
Subject: Storytelling and civil engineering
In preparing for an upcoming presentation, I came across the following article about utilizing storytelling to engage your audience: How to Use Storytelling Techniques for Effective Presentations | GovLoop
Mentioned in this article is cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner who suggests that we are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it has been wrapped in a story. The marriage of data with your story can help your clients visualize your designs and get your point across!
How do you use storytelling in your civil engineering projects and presentations? How about in your work in general?
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Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
Associate Engineer
Pennoni Associates
Philadelphia PA
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