Role 1: Engineer

Question 1

What is the mindset of engineers?

Answer 1

The physical environment and nature can and should be constructed.

Technical expertness: rank alternatives on the basis of scientifically validated and fully routinised procedures. Technical knowledge to make standardised procedures.

Engineers are rationalised decision makers. Unambiguous understanding of the nature of a decision problem based on reliable calculations.

Rooted in modernism:

• Enlightenment truth through scientific methods and reasoning
• Positivistic mindset: understanding through objective mechanisms and models
• Producing certainty and working with certainties
• Direct link from knowledge to the (correct/best) action.

Rationality through technical expertise. Science and technology guide efficient planning and implementing.

Question 2

What are the tools and products of the engineer?

Answer 2

Rational proces: comprehensive approach to integrate wicked problems and many stakeholders into decision-making models.

• quantitative methods
• technical analyses
• systems analysis

Question 3

What is the behavioural pattern of the engineer?

Answer 3

Reaching a goal by optimising means. Planners have means available and use them to reach spatial goals.

Van Dijk: Use models to:

• predict risks
• modeling
• comparing
• calculating

Question 4

In what context does the engineer work?

Answer 4

Until 1940s: early rational choice models based on neo-classic economies lead to deterministic decision situations in which the outcomes are known (full information, decisions seeks to maximise utility)

Now: more complex, engineers have to work together with other roles

Question 5

What are the natural conditions in The Netherlands that are relevant for the engineer?

Answer 5

• clay and peat: so extensive foundation techniques are needed
• sub-terrestrial building is complicated (ex. subway, underground parking)
• water flows everywhere

Question 6

What does the proces of an engineer look like?

Answer 6

1. selecting and processing input data, modelling
2. calculating probabilities
3. engineering (technical) protective measures
4. building the needed structures
5. monitoring
6. (potentially) strengthening, rebuilding