EDITORIAL

Stop looking back, 'From Where to Where'.

Instead, start looking ahead, 'From Here to Where?'

Every target achieved must be replaced with target reset.

'Built Expressions' completes its first year. Striding past hurdles and a few obstacles and competitive journalisms, it has made its presence felt in the industry. Twelve months before, we aimed at being one of the best construction industry publications. But we realised later that we are actually evolving into one of the best Reference Journals-and we bow before our readers with all humility for making Built Expressions to change its course into a much more meaningful and purposeful entity.

Built Expressions with its extensive research, data collection and data segregation to provide the best to its readers across the country focuses on a current theme that is most relevant and application oriented. The question before us - From Here to Where? - Obviously finds an answer as we tread the path along with the industry experts and our readers, and shortly realise the inevitable fact that Future Civil Engineers cannot afford to be the same as what they are today. Built Expressions, shall continue to bridge the gulf between what is needed and what is available.

Civil Engineers across the globe have acknowledged the reality of dwindling resources, the desire for sustainable practices and design, and the need for social equity in the consumption of resources. The profession has led world acceptance of green design and has been at the forefront in making environmental considerations part of life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses. Civil Engineers have urged clients to use new, environmentally-friendly technologies to improve the quality of life in urban environments.

The key challenges for the construction sector remain to be non-availability of skilled man power, affordable raw materials, lack of construction mechanisation, finance and demands for clean energy, fresh water, clean air, and safe waste disposal. India produces numerous engineering graduates every year but, the need of the hour is-skill-based training to ensure alignment with industry requirements.

2012 appeared to have experienced some economic slowdown especially in construction sector while urbanization continues to be the genesis and the core issue. With all the impediments to growth and Government of India’s initiatives, India is poised to grow substantially in Infrastructure and real estate segments. By 2020, India is expected to emerge as the world’s third-largest construction market. Large infrastructure investments and growing urbanization will fuel this growth.

Today’s Civil Engineers will need to transform themselves to meet the challenges of tomorrow. They must stay abreast of changing technologies, market trends, and business developments. Civil Engineers need to develop and implement new methods and products that are sustainable and sensitive to the environment. Moreover, they must cultivate the new technologies, direct the market, and develop new business practices to lead the transformation into tomorrow. It is also necessary for the government to look at the technical education system that needs an overhaul to be able to produce the talent the industry needs. The new system of education requires an expanded set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

In this special anniversary issue, we have tried to focus more on industry responses and High Performance Buildings in addition to our regular features. The edifice of Built Expressions is strongly founded on the principles of sincerity, integrity and knowledge dissemination among the fraternity. We strongly urge and appeal to all those connected with the construction industry to explore the possibility of reaching to the leaders in the industry and be a part of our sojourn.