Infrastructure means the framework and facilities that serve towns and cities, including buildings, transportation, and power. The decisions of what to put where and how to ensure infrastructure is good enough can’t be taken lightly, and these decisions need to consider things like the substructure of the land, the right to daylight above, and the stability of the structure. Planning and zoning means dividing land into zones like industrial, commercial or residential where certain uses are permitted or forbidden. Regulations are applied to make sure structures are stable and protected from fire and flood.

To protect communities from flooding, we must think about all the impacts we have on the water table, and the sources of nearby water like rivers or lakes. Some buildings, particularly temporary structures in war zones, also need to be built in ways that protect them from the impact of earthquakes or avalanches. Even in areas where these natural disasters rarely occur, we still need to consider the strength and flexibility of materials and the rights of all residents to have daylight. Infrastructure clients can include local and national government, communities and housing developers. Roles in infrastructure include Land Surveying and Methods Engineering and you’ll find out more about these during your work experience.

In this virtual work experience you’ll be looking at Central Business Districts, Flood Protection and Earthquake-proof Buildings.