Have you ever said to someone, “You have to try this place, they have the best coffee!” Or “the best Caesar salad,” or “the best atmosphere.” As an engineer, have you ever said, “Wow, this is one of the most impressive structures I’ve ever seen?”
Recently, we spied a special report article on Engineering-News Record.com, an online resource for construction, building and engineering news that shared some of the best projects in 2013 ranked by a panel of independent industry leaders, including three safety experts. The projects were selected after months of meticulous judging as the best examples of design and construction excellence among completed projects in the United States between July 2012 and June 2013. The process began with independent panels of judges selecting winners in 20 categories for each of ENR’s 10 regional editions. Then, these top regional projects were selected for the national competition, with the winners of these categories chosen based on their teamwork, safety, innovation, quality and success in overcoming challenges. 
As an extra honor, ENR’s editorial staff selected one standout project, a Seattle office building called the Bullitt Center selected as the winner for the Green Project, as Editor’s Choice. This ultra-sustainable green building is built to satisfy its own energy, water and waste needs in a revenue-producing environment. The center also serves as Bullitt’s living laboratory to further the Bullitt Foundation’s mission of elevating environmental awareness.
Engineering Search Partner‘s personal favorite of all the projects on ENR’s best of list was the Phyllis J. Tilley Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, located in Fort Worth, Texas. This bridge is America’s first steel-arch and stress-ribbon bridge, and serves as a connection from the city’s central business area with the arts district and its largest and oldest park. The bridge measures at 366 feet and is 12 feet, 9 inches wide, and was built to withstand more than 12 feet of flood waters, as the area is sensitive to flooding.
Amazing projects like these remind us of the creative problem-solving skills that make an engineer great. Which of these engineering marvels is your favorite, and why? Share with us by leaving a comment below!
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