Art meets engineering at colourful Birmingham event

ART meets engineering tomorrow (Saturday) when the University of Birmingham and members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) distribute free copies of a new Engineering Colouring Book to people in Birmingham.

Members of the public will be invited to add their contributions to what the two bodies believe is the world’s largest colouring page, which will be on display in the Grand Central atrium.  

Engineers will be on hand throughout the day to tell people why they chose engineering as a career.  

When Jon Wood, Byrne Outreach Officer from the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham learned about the colouring book – a collaboration between the BA (Hons) Illustration students at Leeds College of Art and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds – he was determined to bring it to the Midlands.

Jo Haskins, chair of ICE West Midlands Education and Inspiration Group worked with Mr Wood, staff at Network Rail, and the University of Leeds to make the event happen.
 
The colouring book, a collection of 17 different designs by five different illustrators showcasing the wonder of engineering roles and careers, has been designed to introduce engineering and computing careers to people of all ages in a fun way.

The partners said the importance of engineering and computing is often not known, or misunderstood, yet they are the subjects and areas that enable people to live modern lives in a safe and sustainable environment.

Children and adults can help colour the 18m² drawing, that depicts careers in engineering. Free copies of the accompanying Engineering Colouring Book will be available on the day to take home.

Mr Wood said: “Science and engineering are for everyone; no matter what age, gender or background. We want to inspire all children to see the future as something they designed and built. If we appeal to the sense of wonder of those sharing our day, we will all feel inspired.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for researchers from the College of Engineering and Physical Science at the University of Birmingham to share their stories and learn from all those experiencing the world they engineer.”
 
Molly McKenzie, ICE regional director added: “Engineers have always turned wild dreams into reality and shaped the world around us. They create bridges that connect communities, provide us with clean water to keep us healthy, generate energy to power society and build great airports which allow us to fly around the world. They make a real, positive difference to people’s everyday lives, which is why engineering is a great career to have.
 
“We will need many more minds engaged in engineering to help solve tomorrow’s problems. Today’s teenagers will work in a radically different world, one where they will have to manage the repercussions of climate change and accommodate much larger urban populations.
 
“The colouring activity at the multi award-winning Birmingham New Street station – itself a fantastic feat of engineering – will help us to connect with young people and their parents and hopefully spark their interest in the wonderful world of engineering, so that they may consider becoming the engineers of the future.”