Based on what I have learned in this course I would define engineering as the process of building structures. Its obviously more complicated than that, so much goes into constructing a building or water system. Time, money, MATH and science. There is something to be said about old/ancient structures because a lot of them are still standing today. For instance: the Brooklyn Bridge, Hagia Sophia and the Aztec structures are all examples of incredibly built structures and for being built so long ago when modern technology was not around. I would also define engineering as a trial and error business. I cannot imagine, especially with the older structures, that they got it right on the first try. And it seems to me that a lot of collaboration goes on throughout the process with many disciplinary’s. Engineering, along with so many other fields is ever growing and expanding on skills and knowledge.
You make a really good point here about how back in the day they were able to make a structure so well without previous knowledge that we have today. It is amazing how the Inca’s were able to build the Machu Picchu on the mountain. We have come a long way from the very beginning learning more and more from history and engineering is right there with it. Good post really liked what you said here.