Introduction

The ability to sketch and design buildings is often debated in the field of civil engineering. This skill set, while valuable for some civil engineers, is not necessary for the majority of them. In this article, we will explore the necessity of these skills, their role in the profession, and discuss why they are not a fundamental requirement for all civil engineering students.

Understanding the Role of Sketching and Building Design in Civil Engineering

1. Structural Engineers and Building Design

Structural Engineers are the primary users of detailed building designs in civil engineering. Their work involves intricate structural plans and designs that require a deep understanding of dimensions, loads, and materials. However, even for them, the need for detailed sketching is not as frequent as one might think.

2. Project Management and Conceptual Sketches

While versioning sketching skills early in the conceptual design phase, these sketches are often generated by Project Managers (PMs). These PMs use colored pencils on a plot of the survey base map provided by surveyors to illustrate their concept for the project. Once the PM has completed their design, it is handed over to the project engineer for more detailed drafting using tools like AutoCAD, ensuring all required dimensions are included.

3. Handover and Detailing

The project engineer then plots the design at full size and submits it to the PM for review. If changes are needed, this is typically done through redlining—marking corrections in red pencil on the original plot. Less experienced engineers may receive detailed guidance, while more experienced ones are expected to determine changes independently.

The Context of Civil Engineering Education

Accreditation and Curriculum Pressure

A key factor influencing the necessity of sketching and design skills in civil engineering education is the accreditation standards set by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). This organization mandates a rigorous curriculum covering a wide range of topics, including mathematics, sciences, and engineering disciplines. Schools with extensive general education requirements must balance the need to teach all required topics, including those mandated by ABET.

Curriculum Constraints

For example, at the author's school, the curriculum included ten to fifteen classes in basic educational disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, math and natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Additionally, there was a cultural immersion requirement, which could include studying topics like gender studies, African-American studies, or Jewish-American studies. These requirements, along with the existing ABET accreditation standards, made it challenging to fit all necessary courses into a traditional four-year program.

Practical Examples and Career Impact

1. Circuit Design Discontinuation

One practical example discussed is the author's school, which, due to curriculum constraints, had to temporarily drop circuit design from the civil engineering curriculum. Over time, this change was reversed, but it highlights the pressure civil engineering schools face in balancing depth and breadth in their programs.

2. Thermodynamics and its Necessity

In another case, thermodynamics was identified as the less critical topic in the curriculum. Given that the author has never used it in their career, it was determined to be a smart decision to focus on more essential skills.

Conclusion

While sketching and building design can be valuable skills for some civil engineers, they are not a universal necessity for all students studying in the field. The discipline of civil engineering is complex and multifaceted, requiring a diverse range of skills and knowledge. Schools must carefully balance these requirements to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education without overwhelming the curriculum.

As with any educational field, the specific demands and tools used in civil engineering practice will continue to evolve. Therefore, while some foundational skills like sketching may become less common, the core principles and methodologies of civil engineering will remain integral to the profession.