Engineers significantly impact the architectural and infrastructural landscapes of London's youthful districts, a finding unveiled by local youths.
A New Perspective on Engineering: Hidden Engineering Project Empowers London's Youth
The Hidden Engineering project, a collaborative initiative between the Royal Academy of Engineering and various engineers from London's regeneration areas, aims to inspire and educate under-represented secondary school pupils about the role of engineering in their daily lives [1].
The project, funded through the Royal Academy of Engineering's Ingenious scheme, brings together engineers from consultancies, development corporations, and local councils to work directly with pupils in schools located in regeneration areas [1]. The goal is to make engineering accessible and relevant to young people, fostering a deeper understanding of how engineering shapes the spaces they use every day [1].
One of the key aspects of the project is its focus on hands-on learning experiences. Students have had the opportunity to participate in interactive walking tours and workshops at real-world sites designed by the engineers, such as Fiddler's Green in Barking and Wilton Villas in Islington [1]. These activities have included testing sustainable drainage systems and navigating public spaces in wheelchairs [1].
The project has proven successful in engaging students, with 75% reporting a significant improvement in their understanding of "hidden engineering" [1]. Students with additional needs were among the most engaged, demonstrating the project's inclusivity [1]. Moreover, female and non-binary students showed a strong interest in engineering careers, often leading the design workshops [1].
The Hidden Engineering project also provides a platform for under-served people in communities to have their voices amplified [1]. It invites interested parties to start a conversation about creating positive change through meaningful youth engagement and inclusive engineering projects [1].
The project has involved delivering training to 20 engineers in the form of two full-day workshops [1]. The pupils participating in the project were from the City of London Academy Islington, Greatfields School, and the Phoenix Academy [1].
The Hidden Engineering project is making a significant impact in bridging the gap between the people who create public spaces and the people who live in them [1]. By breaking down barriers and making engineering more accessible, the project is fostering a new generation of engineers who are passionate about creating healthier, more inclusive communities.
References: [1] The Hidden Engineering Project. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work-in-london/hidden-engineering
The Hidden Engineering project, through hands-on learning experiences and fostering personal growth, aims to empower under-represented youth in London's regeneration areas with a deeper understanding of engineering's role in their daily lives and its impact on their communities for the purpose of cultivating a new generation interested in engineering and impact-driven careers. By making engineering accessible and relevant, the project encourages self-development, inclusivity, and social change in the realm of education and self-development, ultimately promoting personal growth through real-world learning opportunities.
