The role of technical engineering in construction

The art of construction requires a wide range of skills, and many people are involved in the act of building.

In the first instance, the project owner, who commissions the work, often brings the project into being, or at least makes it possible. This is followed by the project manager, or rather the "maîtrise d'œuvre", a specifically French concept defined in the law on public contracting, known as the MOP law 1.4.2 :

"The purpose of project management is to provide an architectural, technical and economic response to a program defined by the client.

As soon as a project reaches a certain level of complexity, the engineering department provides partial project management for technical and economic aspects.

There are two main, essential and complementary players in project management: the architect and the engineer.

When we present a building, we usually mention the name of the architect who designed it. On the other hand, the engineer(s) involved in the design are almost never mentioned.

And yet, whether it's a museum, office tower, airport terminal, hospital, etc., not to mention a factory, the role of technical engineering is essential.

Indeed, structural, climatic, energy, safety and environmental aspects need to be addressed from the very first stroke of the pen, and developed throughout the project right up to delivery of the building, especially as the complexity of technical equipment and materials continues to increase.

The purpose of this article is to present engineering, its role, organization and contribution to the art of building construction.