EDITORIAL

Since time immemorial the quest for God, Light, Freedom, Knowledge and Bliss has been the Man's highest preoccupation. One of the effects of this cause is the saga of analytical engineering minds creating some of the best Architectural marvels on planet earth, which seem to defy the very fundamental forces that govern the universe. In pursuit of excellence, engineering has evolved and the spirit of experimentation not diminished.

Civil Engineering being one of the oldest engineering disciplines in the world dates back with a history of over 4,000 years. It all begins with the story of the royal engineers of various kingdoms creating structures which have marvelled the world from the Great Wall of China to the Colosseum in Italy, to the Taj Majal in India to the pyramids of Egypt.

In the modern era we live, technological advancements have not only revolutionised the engineering possibilities all around but also have provided appropriate tools, mechanisms and new generation materials. The modern marvel adapts itself to the dynamic challenges of time, new generation materials, construction methodology, cost effectiveness, resistance to natural calamities, globalisation of skills etc. without losing its character, functionality and the intelligence. Modern Architecture takes a leap forward while trying to establish harmony with the nature.

To these Architectural and Engineering Marvels we dedicate our issue. 'Built Expressions' salutes those engineers and architects and innumerable workers who have made us to gasp in awe. We have tried to compile a list of modern architectural cornerstones including some of the spectacular small bridges other than the recent and well documented wonders. These architectural masterpieces induce a sense of awe that inspires the human spirit through incredible feats of design and engineering.

This is just one facet of the story!

By 2020, India's population is estimated to reach a staggering 1.38 billion, which calls for an unprecedented demand for real estate and infrastructure. Given this potential growth, the industry is believed to be facing major challenges - a considerable shortage in the core professions especially, in respect of civil engineers, architects and consultants.

While we are extremely proud of our extreme engineering skill and creative ability, government projects a probable demand-supply gap of about 40 million core professionals comprising civil engineers, architects and consultants, by 2020- the truth that is difficult to assimilate. Shortage of trained men then becomes a prime issue to be immediately addressed. If not, in the near future this may lead to the entry of Non-Core Professionals into these fields to compensate the dearth affecting the quality and standard of construction. We are already witnessing this trend in the construction industry. This then calls for further innovation in construction methodologies and techniques. Mechanisation, reduction in time consuming activities, ready to use building materials, are the answers we need to take shelter under.

As per The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) report "This will only pose a threat to the high growth of the real estate, construction and infrastructure sectors in India. Even though the expected impact on the Indian economy is hard to quantify, it is sure to result in recruitment issues, increase in cost of human resource, inability to complete quality tasks on time, skill gap in domestic manpower. This will lead to import of talent at higher costs and low standard of construction quality."

With all this and as we all know-Sustainability is the buzz word now. Architects and Civil Engineers will have to burn their night lamps to gain extra knowledge to create a green tomorrow. The apparent good and the apparent bad in nature's wisdom may conspire together towards a common goal of establishing a new and happy society.

Ajit Sabnis