Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time for structural engineers to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in engineering and architecture. From iconic structures to innovative design approaches, there’s a lot of inspiration to be found. Here are some fun and engaging ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month as a structural engineer!
1. Explore Iconic Hispanic-Designed Structures
Take some time to appreciate iconic structures designed by Hispanic architects and engineers. Famous landmarks like Mexico City’s Torre Latinoamericana or Santiago Calatrava’s innovative bridges showcase remarkable design and engineering prowess. Dive into the history of these structures and learn about the engineers behind them. You can even incorporate this knowledge into your own projects by drawing inspiration from their unique styles and techniques.
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Fun Idea: Host a virtual or in-person discussion with colleagues to explore how these structures influenced modern engineering.
2. Take Part in a Hispanic-Inspired Design Challenge
Organize or participate in a design challenge that highlights Hispanic architecture and structural design. Challenge yourself and your peers to design a building or structure influenced by Latin American cultures. Whether it’s inspired by Aztec temples or colonial Spanish architecture, this is a creative way to blend cultural appreciation with engineering skills.
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Fun Idea: Use RISA-3D to model your design and present your project at a team meeting or share it on social media.
3. Study and Share Contributions of Hispanic Engineers
There are many Hispanic engineers who have made significant contributions to the field of structural engineering. Take some time to research figures like Dr. Luis E. Frasinetti, a pioneer in earthquake-resistant design, or David Camacho, known for his work on sustainable construction practices. You can even share these insights with your team or on your company’s blog to spread awareness of these influential engineers.
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Fun Idea: Write a blog or LinkedIn post highlighting a different Hispanic engineer each week during Hispanic Heritage Month.
4. Host a Lunch-and-Learn on Latin American Building Codes
Learning about building codes from other countries is a great way to expand your understanding of structural design. Host a lunch-and-learn session focused on Latin American building codes. Compare them with U.S. or international standards, and discuss the unique challenges of designing structures in diverse environments, from earthquake-prone areas to tropical climates.
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Fun Idea: Invite a guest speaker with experience in Latin American projects to share their insights.
5. Plan a Company Event Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Bring your engineering team together by planning an event that celebrates Hispanic heritage. Whether it’s a team lunch featuring Hispanic cuisine or a presentation on famous Hispanic engineers, this is a great way to build team camaraderie while honoring the contributions of the Hispanic community.
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Fun Idea: End the event with a fun quiz on Hispanic architecture, with small prizes for the winners!
7. Visit Local Hispanic Architectural Landmarks
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate outside of the office, consider visiting local Hispanic landmarks in your area. Whether it’s a historical mission, a modern skyscraper designed by a Hispanic architect, or a bridge constructed by a Hispanic engineer, seeing these structures in person can provide a new perspective on engineering innovation.
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Fun Idea: Organize a team outing to visit a Hispanic landmark and discuss the structural challenges and design elements involved.
Conclusion
Hispanic Heritage Month offers a meaningful opportunity for structural engineers to connect with the rich heritage of Hispanic culture in architecture and engineering. Whether it’s through design challenges, research, or company events, there are many fun ways to celebrate while learning and growing as an engineer. Incorporating the creativity, diversity, and ingenuity of Hispanic influences can enhance your perspective and even inspire your next great project.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!