By Vignarajh Kanesathurai Kurukkal, MIES
I wish I’d known sooner in my career what a profound impact civil engineering can have on society. As I grew up in a family of seven, my parents encouraged me to pursue whatever path I chose. However, I sensed my mother’s unspoken hope for me to become an engineer, and my father’s spirit of innovation and his determination to tackle seemingly impossible challenges inspired me to seek new horizons.
Ultimately, I earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, and I later relocated to Singapore, where I found opportunities to bring my dreams to life.
This included something I’d never imagined: appearing in ASCE’s film Cities of the Future. The experience enabled me to showcase the groundbreaking work we civil engineers are doing in Singapore, particularly with Marina Bay Sands and the iconic Supertrees.
At Marina Bay Sands, the structure’s intricate design — especially the design of the gravity-defying SkyPark — exemplifies a blend of creativity and precision. It demonstrates the advanced technologies and novel construction methods we employed, pushing the boundaries of possibility.
Sustainability is a core focus in land-scarce Singapore, where integrating green building practices is essential. The Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay is a prime example.
These vertical gardens, beyond their visual appeal, harness solar energy and collect rainwater, symbolizing the harmony between civil engineering and nature.
Our field isn’t just about constructing buildings and roads. It’s about improving infrastructure and addressing environmental challenges to enhance life and respect the planet. For students and young professionals, recognizing this potential can be incredibly motivating.
I encourage future engineers to explore different specializations in the field, seek hands-on experiences, and engage with the global engineering community. The projects in Singapore exemplify what we can achieve when passion, innovation, and sustainability converge.
Appearing in Cities of the Future was more than just a career highlight: It was a reminder of the endless possibilities in civil engineering. To those considering this path, know that your work can leave a lasting legacy, shaping not just buildings but the future of our cities and our world.
Vignarajh Kanesathurai Kurukkal, MIES, is an engineer at RAJA.
This article first appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Civil Engineering as “Wish I’d Known.”
