The Ikigai Creative Arts Festival highlighted the importance of integrating creativity into civil engineering. The event, hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, drew attention to how creativity can drive positive change in the industry. Esteemed leaders and influencers from the field shared insights at the festival. It explored the intersection of creative arts and engineering, aiming to inspire future civil engineers. Innovative solutions to complex challenges like climate change were a prominent focus.
The Ikigai Creative Arts Festival, an initiative by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), served as a platform to underscore the critical role of creativity in civil engineering. Held in central London, the festival featured various artistic performances and award presentations, aiming to inspire innovative thinking within the profession. ICE president Anusha Shah, who conceptualised the event twelve years ago, spearheaded the occasion alongside notable figures such as Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden and Peter Hogg from Arcadis.
Anusha Shah expressed the necessity of nurturing creativity within the engineering field, arguing that art and music are powerful tools for innovation and problem-solving. By moving beyond the technical aspects of their work, civil engineers can explore different realms of thought and unlock creative solutions to pressing issues, as emphasized by Shah.
The festival also showcased the importance of sustainability, drawing connections between creative thinking and tackling environmental challenges. Shah highlighted the imperative of overcoming traditional silos through ‘systems thinking’, a concept that demands collaboration across diverse sectors and generations. The arts were portrayed as essential in fostering these connections, providing an inclusive and unifying platform.
Janet Young, ICE director general, further elaborated on the essential nature of creativity in engineering, pointing out the origin of the word ‘engineer’ from ‘ingenuity’ and its inherent association with innovation. The festival underscored the bigger picture of civil engineering as a field ripe with opportunities for creative expression, aiming to appeal to new entrants with a creative inclination.
Representing Arcadis, Peter Hogg accentuated the synergy between art and science, discouraging the dichotomy often drawn between artistic and scientific pursuits. Hogg placed emphasis on the need for creative solutions in addressing intricate challenges like climate change, advocating for a swift, innovative approach rather than a methodical, slow-paced one.
The event resonated with the National Infrastructure Commission’s Project Level Design Principles, encouraging the integration of creativity at the forefront of infrastructural projects. A ‘design champion’ was recommended to ensure adherence to design principles, aiming to expose and mitigate creative blind spots in project execution.
The festival recognised young talents in its awards section, with winning entries across various artistic categories all exploring the theme of making connections for a positive world. The artwork, photographs, films, poems, and songs celebrated at the event exemplified the potential of creative thought to influence and enrich civil engineering practices.
The Ikigai festival reaffirmed the transformative potential of creativity in engineering, promoting imaginative solutions for industry advancements.
