For nearly two centuries ASCE has worked to spotlight important civil engineering and infrastructure work.
The goal for 2027 – ASCE’s 175th year – is to do more of the same; this time with a more literal approach to the spotlight.
The Built to Shine: Illuminating Iconic Infrastructure campaign will light up iconic structures around the world in ASCE blue on Nov. 5, 2027 – ASCE’s 175th anniversary. It’s the perfect birthday present to ASCE, creating a shared, visible tribute to the infrastructure that allows our communities to thrive.
“Generally, the civil engineering industry and the individuals who work in it stay out of the spotlight,” said Andrew Kline, E.I.T., M.ASCE, a transportation engineer for TPD in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. “This celebration presents a positive opportunity for our industry to take the spotlight. Without civil engineers, our way of life would be drastically different, and we have a lot to celebrate about the accomplishments of our profession.”
Built to Shine isn’t only for the Empire State Building, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, or the Eiffel Tower (although those obviously will be great to shower in ASCE blue too). The campaign is intended for local infrastructure icons of all kinds in communities of every size. The town hall, the local waterworks building, and even the civil engineering building on your state university’s campus have earned a place of engineering achievement.
As various ASCE members and groups around the country begin pursuing Built to Shine opportunities in their local communities, Kline has his eye the Reading Pagoda in Reading, Pennsylvania, an authentic Japanese structure on Mount Penn, the eastern border of the city.
“It just reopened after a multiyear, multi-million-dollar restoration that included a complete redo of the exterior lighting into a fully customizable LED system,” Kline said.
There are four main ways to support Built to Shine:
- Light your local landmarks
Work with your local municipality, school, organization, or infrastructure owner to light up your town in ASCE blue next November. ASCE has built a working index of landmarks and draft letters requesting permissions and cooperation. Adopt one of these landmarks or add your own using these resources.
- Logo projection
Sometimes illumination isn’t an option. ASCE members can project 175th anniversary logos on infrastructure too. Learn more.
- Support a marquee illumination
The most famous infrastructure may require more resources to secure ASCE blue lighting. Signing up on the Built to Shine spreadsheet helps build a collective effort to add these to our lists. Learn more.
- Organize a watch party
On Nov. 5, 2027, gather ASCE members, friends, and family for a party to watch a livestream connecting sites around the globe while celebrating ASCE’s 175th birthday. To help, ASCE has created a planning toolkit and will offer $500 grants to participating ASCE groups.
“ASCE is a critical piece of our civil engineering history,” Kline said. ”Recognizing the milestone of 175 years for the organization is worthy of a great celebration.”
Explore the Built to Shine toolkit.
