The ComRes survey of 2000 people, commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), also showed that over half of the public (53%) no longer just think about bridges when they think of civil engineering. 45% say they would consider civil engineering to be a ‘respected’ profession, alongside jobs such as lawyers and teachers. And over a third (38%) would encourage their children to pursue a career in civil engineering.
Civil engineers, working for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) alongside other built environment professionals, have played a vital role in bringing the Olympic Park to life – including designing and building the venues and facilities, building 30 new bridges, restoring 8.35km of waterways, and building 1.8km of sewer tunnels underneath the site. They also oversaw the demolition of over 200 buildings, the removal of 52 electricity pylons, the cleaning of more than two million tonnes of soil and the protection of wildlife and plant species.
ICE President Richard Coackley said: “Our day-to-day lives depend on the infrastructure around us that is designed, built and maintained by civil engineers – from roads, railways and bridges to energy, water and waste networks. It forms the backbone of society and the economy. But unfortunately it is often only when things go wrong that the work of civil engineers is thrust into the media spotlight.
“The London 2012 Games have changed this - showcasing and celebrating the work of these often ‘unsung heroes’ while at the same time helping the public understand more about what civil engineers do and what a diverse and exciting career it is. If anything could excite and inspire young people to pursue civil engineering as a career it’s the Olympic and Paralympic Games - a true feat of engineering in every sense.”
Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority and civil engineer of 45 years, added: “The London 2012 construction project has provided an excellent platform for civil engineers to showcase their talent and expertise to the world. The point that the venues and infrastructure have been delivered on time, within budget and to the highest possible standard is a significant tribute to the profession and one which has deservedly caught the imagination of the public.”
Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, added: “Civil Engineers were pivotal in successfully delivering the iconic structures on the Olympic Park so I am pleased that the Games have helped to raise the wider profile and appreciation of the profession.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Constructing a landmark venue like the Olympic Park has provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to show the world the level of skill and ingenuity that our civil engineers possess. I am delighted that staging the Games has helped to raise the public profile of a profession that has so much to be proud of."
Mark Champkins, the Science Museum's Inventor in Residence, said: "It is of great importance that young people get to experience and be inspired by some of the amazing civil engineering projects that have been undertaken for the Olympics. It's no understatement to say that the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and main Stadium are awe-inspiring. I think as many young people as possible should get to see them up close to appreciate the impact that a career in design and engineering can have."
Top 10 Engineering the Olympics super facts
· UK’s largest new urban park for more than 100 years - equivalent size to Hyde Park.
· 46,000 people have worked on the London 2012 construction project.
· 75p in the £1 has been spent on legacy
· 10,000 pages in outline planning applications for Olympic Park
· Ten rail lines serving the Olympic Park
· 5 new permanent venues for London.
· 30 new bridges connecting the site
· 10,000 – the amount of tonnes of steel used on the Olympic stadium
· 11 residential blocks will make up the Olympic Village
· 2 million tonnes of soil cleaned, with 80 per cent reused on site.
London 2012 Olympic Park map
ICE has worked with Ordnance Survey and the ODA to create a map of the Olympic Park. The map plots the main venues, utilities, road and rail links but also explains how engineers overcame the challenges of managing waste, transport, energy and water resources on the site. The map is now interactive:http://www.ice.org.uk/topics/Learning-Legacy/london-2012-Olympic-Park-map
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a leading source of professional expertise in transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy. Established in 1818, it has over 80,000 members throughout the world including over 60,000 in the UK. ICE’s vision is to place civil engineering the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy.
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Media contact:
Kate Ison, ICE Media Relations Manager, t: 020 7665 2104, e: kate.ison@ice.org.uk
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