Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Why did you become a civil engineer?

    Posted 10-27-2021 07:58 AM
    In a recent visit to Florence, home of the Renaissance, I suddenly realized how this small town can produce great designs and artists. It's a constant cycle of,
    - attracting the talents
    - building the environment for these people
    - raising awareness and acuity

    Considering my upbringing, I realized what I have taken for granted, and how that has shaped my character and personality, and spilling over into my design and work philosophies. 

    What are some child hood experiences that helped shaped and snowball your career and passion today??


    This article speaks about innovation in the school facilities, and I can't help but wonder the impact that it may have on these children...
    School design promotes readin', writin', and sustainability

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    Charles Ou-Yang S.M.ASCE
    Yorba Linda CA
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  • 2.  RE: Why did you become a civil engineer?

    Posted 10-28-2021 10:29 AM
    Interesting question, and a cool article as well. I noticed that the building life-span is only up to 50 years. I wonder if that will be cost-effective compared with any alternatives? Unless the schools WANT to get rid of buildings every generation or so.

    This may be a different answer to your question, but when I was growing up, my dad liked to make things with me. Usually small projects, like model cars, or a science project. One thing I noticed was that my dad was (and still is) very good at using existing items around his workbench to complete whatever he is working on. To me, it seemed that he rarely had to go out and buy a new item in order to complete a project. Granted, he has been hoarding various odds and ends for a long time, and he inherited even more stuff from his own father. But the end result is that I am often primed in my own life to "work with what I have" before I think about "finding something else" to complete a project. I think this is beneficial because it inspires adaptation, but that the cost of pushing innovation.  Oftentimes I can do something with existing tools at work that, while effective, are not the most elegant in the long run.

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    Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
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  • 3.  RE: Why did you become a civil engineer?

    Posted 10-31-2021 01:30 PM

    I love what you said philosophy, it suggests to focus in present, and embraced what you can control. 

    While for me it's started with a big dream, because you can only access for what is available. But, I want it extreme, and nice. And also in reality, we cannot change something if we don't have power to control it. Because inferiority complex exist sometimes, even were competent enough. And I just hope those people who are privileged to have connections (especially in the government) will help and take a look, to care about to solve the problems in the environment, sustainability, and not just a small actions but a pushy and grand one.  

    I hope every engineer today's generation will speak up, encourage others, and do something in their reach. And it will start in ourselves by taking care our physical and mental health (a segway).




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    Llala Chrishaye Ocampo S.M.ASCE
    Student
    City of General Trias Cavite
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