Structural Engineering Heroes and Their Inspirational Journey

In the nineteenth century, civil and structural engineers received much public acclaim for their built works (e.g. Brooklyn Bridge, Eiffel Tower). One hundred years later, engineer was perceived by many as “out” or not requiring skill. This paper examines how this erroneous perception of engineering can change presenting heroes. Using parallels to monomythical hero, examples engineers, authors present journey characteristics hero. The journey, which has paths, begins with leaving comfortable “Ordinary World” design into a “Special World”, where new forms, materials, and/or scale projects is needed. For underrepresented groups people such women minorities, heroic could be simply becoming an developing career in conditions equality equity. As heroes enter Special World, they may face trials nature criticism, constraints economy, time knowledge. final Act return Ordinary World wiser, disseminating knowledge inspiring others. define four “P”s: are prepared, planners, have (super) powers persona grata. education should train inspire future using lessons learned from diversity. By doing so, what seems exceptional today become common future.