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Today marks the beginning of National Engineer’s Week, a week that celebrates the positive contributions engineers make to our society. We thought it appropriate to pay tribute to some of the things that forever changed the world and the way we live with a list of five of the best engineering inventions of all time.

Airplanes

Technically, Sir George Cayley built the first true airplane in 1799. Most of us credit the Wright Brothers for their aviation breakthrough when they launched the first controlled powered flight a century later near Kitty Hawk, N.C., in 1903. Not to knock the automobile, but the airplane undoubtedly revolutionized travel as we know it. The burdens of traveling across the country became more tolerable — what once took days or weeks is now possible in mere hours. Transcontinental travel, something that was once only possible by sea, became a luxury that more people could afford.

Highways

In a 1922 interview, as automobiles were gaining in popularity, General Motors founder William Durant said, “Most of us will live to see this whole country covered with a network of motor highways built from point to point as the bird flies, the hills cut down, the dales bridged over, the obstacles removed.” It wasn’t long after this that his vision started to take shape, and now the United States has the largest network of highways in the world. As much as we like to complain about traffic, try imagining your morning rush hour without a reliable network of roads, bridges and tunnels.

Electricity

Electricity has existed all along in some form — rubbing two stones together to create a spark, lightning, etc. — but it was merely scientific theory until innovators like Thomas Edison effectively turned it into something essential to our modern life: the light bulb. And today, electricity literally powers our world, thanks in part to Nikola Tesla’s invention of alternating current (AC) technology that made transmitting electricity over long distances possible. It’s what allows us to heat our homes, see in the dark and enjoy many modern conveniences.

Clean Water

Of the roughly 70 percent of the Earth’s surface that is covered in water, less than 1 percent is suitable for human consumption, yet it is one of the most essential elements to our survival. Today’s water purification and treatment technologies provide access to clean, safe drinking water, while also preserving and restoring this natural resource. Unfortunately, nearly 1 billion people around the world still don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water, but there are amazing organizations like Water for People that are doing their part to change that.

Telephone

The telephone has come a long way since Alexander Graham Bell introduced it in 1876. He probably didn’t envision that more than 135 years later, it would be as indispensable to our society as it is. Nor did he imagine that it would fit in our pocket and connect us to a world of information through our fingertips. (Undoubtedly the computer deserves props here, too — also one of the greatest inventions of all time, albeit not on this list.)

So there you have it: five of our favorite inventions of all time. We can think of a thousand others to add to this list. What’s your favorite? Share it in the comments section. Maybe it will inspire another blog post.

And be sure to check out the week of engineering-related programs, including one we’re most excited about: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day on Thursday, February 23.

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NOAA staff members test the projection on the Science on a Sphere globe.

Big changes are on the way for Union Station’s Science City, and if you’ve been there recently, you’ve probably noticed a new exhibit taking shape.

Science on a Sphere— an exhibit that will bring a world of information to Science City — will debut on March 12 after four months of construction.Science on a Sphere (SOS) is a giant 68-inch globe suspended from the ceiling that uses computers and video projectors to illustrate various elements of Earth science. Visitors can watch environmental changes — thunderstorms, hurricanes, energy use, climate change, etc. — on a global scale to see how these changes affect the Earth.

Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed Science on a Sphere more than 10 years ago to increase public understanding of the environment. There are more than 75 Science on a Sphere exhibits around the world, but the Science City exhibit is the only one within a 350-mile radius of Kansas City.

A team of our own architects and engineers designed the exhibit space, a truncated sphere that mimics the appearance of the Earth. Watch the video below for a brief update from the project architect, Kent Yaros, and construction site manager, Eric Gouldsmith.

Construction includes an aluminum structure of 30 ribs that provides the framework for the outer fiberglass panels and inner metal panels. Inside the room is enough space for 48 visitors to view the interactive 3-D exhibit. Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the exhibit, and a team of developers from NOAA are configuring the computers and video projectors.

Construction crews are finishing the framework that will house the Science on a Sphere exhibit.

Science City has remained open during construction. Gouldsmith said while the exhibit is under construction, it has almost become a real-life exhibit in itself. It’s not uncommon to see an audience perched on the tree house overlooking the worksite, following the day’s progress as the exhibit comes to life.

Other big changes under way include renovations to the Burns & McDonnell Engineerium, which will be unveiled at the ribbon-cutting for Science on a Sphere in March. Students from Olathe North High School toured Science City last week to look at space for their new exhibit, Unplugged, which won our Battle of the Brains competition last fall. Groundbreaking for Unplugged is scheduled for later this year, with a fall opening planned.

The new exhibits and upgrades are all part of a $1 million-plus grant from the Burns & McDonnell Foundation, awarded to Union Station to help reinvigorate Science City. One of the key aspects of this investment is to bring real science experiences to Science City and its visitors. In the words of our CEO Greg Graves, “We don’t have to make them scientific experts, we just want them to realize that science and math can be cool.”

The countdown to March 12 is on. Are you ready for the new Science City?

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I-35 SW Johnson County Interchange at Homestead Lane, Edgerton, Kan.

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI) is a relatively new — and undoubtedly unique — highway interchange concept starting to take shape around the country. While its design may seem complex at first glance, it essentially shifts traffic to the opposite side of the road. It’s been shown to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic at highly traveled intersections.

Also known as the double crossover diamond, a DDI shifts the flow of traffic on a non-interstate roadway to the opposite side of the road at each ramp intersection. Drivers approaching the first ramp intersection can either turn right or proceed through by shifting to the opposite side of the road. At the next intersection, drivers are free to make an unopposed left turn or continue through the intersection and cross back to the right side of the road. Sound confusing? Watch this animation to see how the DDI works.

The DDI originated in France, and the first one emerged in the States just a few years ago. Now there are at least a dozen others planned throughout the country, including one at the intersection of I-35 and Homestead Lane in Edgerton, Kan. Construction is scheduled to begin in March on the new I-35 SW Johnson County Interchange — the first DDI in Kansas — which will accommodate heavier traffic to and from the new BNSF intermodal facility that is scheduled to open next year.

The Kansas Department of Transportation anticipates that in the next 30 years, as many as 32,000 daily vehicle trips could pass through this intersection as a result of the industrial and commercial expansion in the area. A 2008 traffic study conducted by Burns & McDonnell determined that a DDI would be the best solution to manage the increased traffic in terms of both volume and vehicle size.

Among the biggest benefits is safety. A DDI eliminates the risk of left turns crossing opposing traffic, and all movements are controlled by traffic signals. Drivers also benefit from convenience: The I-35 SW Johnson County Interchange has the potential to cut driver delay by at least half. Other considerations would have resulted in over 130 seconds of delay versus a projected 40- to 60-second delay with a DDI. Even better, KDOT will save $10 million to $15 million versus other interchange configurations that could accommodate similar traffic volumes.

That’s not to say a DDI isn’t without challenges. Drivers in the U.S. are accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, so naturally when traffic shifts in the opposite direction, it can create apprehension. “It is different and will take some adjustments from drivers, but it is actually a much easier traffic flow,” said project manager Steve Schmidt.

So what do you think? Is the diverging diamond interchange the next transportation breakthrough? We’d love to hear from you.

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QR codes are undoubtedly one of the hottest new marketing tools, and when presented in conjunction with traditional swag and promotional materials at trade shows, can help you leave a lasting impression — and make it easy for prospective clients, customers and connections to find you again.

Let’s look at some creative ways you can use QR codes at trade shows, conferences and other professional events. First? A crash course in all things QR.

What Are QR Codes?

A QR, or quick response, code is typically a square-shaped, high-contrast barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone. Once a QR code is scanned, the user is taken to a website — typically a mobile version of a website, a landing page, contact information or purchase details — depending on the goal of the campaign. For example, if you’re selling a product, it makes sense that your QR code would direct users to a web page from which they can buy your product, or at least learn more. Specific goals may differ depending on the company, brand or individual that’s using the QR code, but in the vast majority of cases, the general purpose of the code is to inspire further action.

If you stay up-to-date with marketing news, you might have read that QR codes have gotten a bad rap — or few users, anyway. This is usually attributed to poor use and implementation of the tools. For example, some companies opt to have elaborate QR codes designed that may include an image and/or a logo. Yet if the design is too complicated, the code won’t scan, which defeats its purpose. They may also be too small (a common problem) or placed in an inconvenient location, such as on a billboard or a vehicle. Keep in mind, too, that older smartphones may not be as adept at scanning and/or reading QR codes, so consider them to be one tool in your marketing strategy rather than the end-all, be-all of your promotional efforts.

When used correctly, QR codes can help boost traffic to your website, raise brand awareness and act as a networking facilitator — perfect if you have a trade show or conference in your near future.

Creative Ways to Use QR Codes at a Trade Show

Before you start slapping a QR code on your business card or promotional items you’ll have at the trade show, stop and consider your strategy. Your primary question: What do you want to accomplish? Some other things to consider include who you’re representing — are you promoting yourself or your company? What types of materials are you taking with you? And once you’ve established your goal, you can decide where the QR code will lead. Do you want to point users to a mobile version of your website? A specific landing page designed just for QR code users? Or elsewhere?

Now that you’ve covered the basics, try some of these ideas to put your QR code to work at your next event.

*Skip the brochures. Instead of sending booth visitors away with a bunch of paper, set up a large sign with a QR code that they can scan to receive electronic copies of your information via email. As Sarah Baker of MarketingProfs writes, “QR codes are a great solution for marketers because your materials will escape the clutter of the trade show bag and make their way into your prospects’ email inboxes, all the while helping you cut down on the cost of printing and transporting sales sheets.”

*Promote your event. If you’re speaking at a trade show or sponsoring an event, ask the show organizers if you can include a QR code in event signage or in the show’s program. That way, you can give attendees an additional way to access more information about you and your company without necessarily connecting in person.

*Tap your inner creativity. Sure, QR codes are business tools, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. Have a T-shirt designed with a large QR code on the back — consider yourself a walking billboard, not to mention an instant conversation starter! The only caveat? Thoroughly test your code before you go. You’ll want to make sure that it can be scanned on fabric.

Or tie your QR code into a promotion. On the materials that contain your code, state that you’re giving away a prize to someone who scans the QR code. You can set up a promotion-specific landing page to act as the code’s gateway, and by incentivizing the experience, you’ll likely have more people who choose to scan the code. After all, who doesn’t love winning?

As you prepare for your next event, take some time to consider incorporating QR codes into your networking and promotion strategies. These handy little tools can have a big impact when it comes to brand visibility and enlarging your reach.

If you’ve spied QR codes while you’re at tradeshows or conferences, we’d love to hear your thoughts on how they’re used and what’s been effective — or not. Feel free to share your experience in the comments!

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Just last week Burns & McDonnell dedicated its new Smart Grid Lab, an event that marked a milestone in our continued work to embrace the functionalities available on the Smart Grid—and help our clients do the same.

Need a refresher on the Smart Grid? In short, it’s the evolution of our nation’s electric grid from a centralized, controlled network to one that is more automated and consumer-interactive. Driven by the need for increased energy efficiency and reliability, the Smart Grid provides a way to monitor energy usage and find sustainable solutions for a more secure power grid.

Our Smart Grid lab will better enable us to help clients prepare for an electrical system that is cleaner, more efficient and more reliable. The lab is intended to demonstrate how advanced information technologies can be integrated with power delivery equipment as the industry moves toward this highly automated, self-healing distribution system. It allows clients the opportunity to explore new concepts in a safe testing environment, and gives our engineers direct, hands-on experience with the technology used for grid modernization. We can test configurations and demonstrate solutions, allowing us to more accurately answer the “what if” questions we often get from clients. You can learn more about our approach to the Smart Grid here.

Burns & McDonnell’s original Smart Grid lab was built in 2007. The expansion and upgrade includes 600 square feet of dedicated space equipped with more than $1 million in state-of-the-art diagnostics and testing equipment. The lab is capable of simulating two complete substations and varying power conditions, and also enables interoperability testing between multiple vendors.

One of the things we like most about the Smart Grid lab is the ability to track renewable energy production at our World Headquarters, and how it compares to total energy consumption via real-time graphs, as seen in the pictures below. This is just one example of the lab’s capabilities; the facility offers a number of other features and data-collection methods that allow us to explore solutions that are as cutting-edge, efficient and sustainable as the Smart Grid itself.

Keeping up with constantly evolving technology is never easy, but our new Smart Grid Lab makes it much easier to not only understand but also maximize opportunities presented by the Smart Grid. The future holds exciting possibilities when it comes to energy management, usage and consumption, some of which may just originate from within our Smart Grid lab.

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If you’re an architecture buff, you may want to think about picking up a few Lego sets. The iconic toy manufacturer began creating architecture sets in 2006, and since then, the line has grown to encompass such architectural marvels as the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Seattle’s Space Needle and the Empire State Building, as well as the White House and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater home.

Adam Reed Tucker lives in Chicago suburb Arlington Heights and is the force behind Lego’s architectural sets. Formerly a designer of high-end homes, Tucker now designs the Lego renditions of renowned buildings and structures. He’s created 11 sets so far, including a 546-piece replica of Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House and a 208-piece version of the Guggenheim Museum. One of his latest works, according to a Chicago Tribune story, is “an extraordinary Lego replica” of Wright’s instantly recognizable Robie House — Tucker’s “biggest, most ambitious set yet,” as Christopher Borelli writes.

Lego’s architectural series is more than a way to preserve some of the world’s most impressive structural works. The sets have brought new life — and a larger audience — to the famed brand.

“The pieces are pricey, serious, intensely complex and sold to teenagers and tourists — though, as a Lego executive told me, ‘many are bought by 45-year-old architects who put them on their office shelves,’” writes Borelli.

Lego bricks may encourage the seemingly limitless potential of imagination, but when it comes to recreating some of the world’s great architectural works, even Lego bricks have their limits. For example, don’t expect to see the St. Louis Arch as part of the series.

“The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, though, was deemed unbrickable,” Borelli writes. “No compromise could be found. The trouble with his arch was that, to capture its bend, he put stress on the bricks. It would deform the bricks, and a Lego rule stipulates that all bricks should lock effortlessly with other bricks.”

Still, despite obstacles, there’s no denying that Tucker has reinvented his architectural career, not to mention redefining iconic architecture in ways that make these structural marvels accessible to a wider audience and brings a new appreciation to the industry.

And that’s the sort of innovative thinking that can be celebrated in any industry — although, we admit we have a special interest in anything relating to architecture, not to mention the engineering marvel that is the small yet sturdy Lego brick.

Are you a Lego fan? And if so, have you added any of the architecture sets to your collection? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!

Image via Lego

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Interstate electric transmission lines are increasingly being used to deliver wind power, one of the cleanest and most cost-effective sources of energy. Because wind is in abundant supply in our country, it can play a huge part in meeting our increased energy demands. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), wind power has the potential to produce 37 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year — that’s nearly 10 times the amount our nation’s current power needs. But most of the nation’s best wind resources are far from the densely populated areas that have the greatest energy demands. Interstate electric transmission lines can help transfer the resource to the people who need it and can help achieve the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission of 20% Wind Energy by 2030. It sounds like a reasonable solution, but does it make economic sense?

One of the biggest challenges lies in securing funding for interstate transmission lines. Projects like this can be a multibillion-dollar investment that requires a significant amount of upfront capital. With little to no government funding, it’s preventing many states from reaching their potential for wind energy generation.

Take South Dakota, for example. It ranks fourth in the country in terms of wind energy potential, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Its current 784 MW of installed capacity represents 26 percent of the state’s total load. South Dakota is quickly approaching the ceiling in terms of how much wind energy can be used within the state, but there is potential for much more wind to be captured and converted to energy.

The South Dakota Wind Energy Association (SDWEA) is an organization that supports and promotes wind energy in the state. Part of its goal is to find economic solutions to help South Dakota maximize its wind energy potential. SDWEA commissioned Burns & McDonnell to assess the economic viability of transporting wind energy from wind-rich areas in South Dakota to eastern load centers, such as Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee.

The approach was unique in that rather than calculating the cost to build at a predetermined location, it calculated a breakeven cost per kilowatt of incremental transfer capability and considered variables such as the source and the sink location (where the wind energy would be delivered). Although the study was developed specifically for South Dakota, the concept can be adapted for any project in any location and can be used as a screening tool for identifying potential development opportunities.

SDWEA now has the data it needs to help secure interest from developers and can present a variety of options that make building an interstate electric transmission line in South Dakota an appealing and economically viable solution.

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FORTUNE magazine announced its “100 Best Companies to Work For” yesterday, and Burns & McDonnell made the cut! We are honored — not to mention thrilled — to be recognized on such a prestigious list, among the likes of Google, Whole Foods, Zappos and Microsoft.

We debuted on the list at number 50 in 2009, and have jumped in the rankings this year, re-entering the list at number 26. There are many things that make this a great place to work, but we attribute this honor specifically to our employees, our culture and our leadership.

“As an employee-owned firm, everyone shares in the rewards that come from success,” says our CEO Greg Graves. “That is a tremendous motivating factor that we believe is the key reason for our success. Everyone understands that everyone is responsible for satisfying clients because they have a personal stake in our clients’ success.”

Each year, FORTUNE magazine partners with the Great Place to Work Institute Inc. to select the most desirable workplaces in the country. The selection process includes two parts. The results from an extensive employee survey that measures levels of trust, pride and camaraderie within the workplace counts for two-thirds of the score. More than 246,000 employees from 280 companies responded to the survey. The other one-third of the scoring is based on the company’s responses to a culture audit, which includes detailed questions about the company’s business environment, hiring and onboarding methodologies, communication practices, development and motivation of employees, and community involvement.

We’ve been recognized as a best place to work locally and regionally many times, but this one takes the cake. Once again, we owe a great deal of gratitude to our employees. So thanks to all 3,000+ of you, and congratulations!

And congratulations to all the other 99 companies on the list. We are honored to be in such good company!

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A number of nifty, useful and downright cool tech gadgets were unveiled during this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, but none of them captured our attention like Samsung’s Smart Window.

At first glance, the Smart Window is, well, a window. Yet look deeper, and you’ll find the device is actually a 22-inch LCD flat screen with a 1680 x 1050 resolution and 500:1 contrast ratio that lets you look outside while also accessing a variety of widgets including daily weather updates, Twitter, videos and more. Think of it as a window merged with a tablet to create a powerful hybrid that’s as sleek as it is functional.

The window’s digital blinds are one of our favorite features. If you need a reprieve from the bright sunlight, or simply a bit of privacy, touch the blinds widget on the main screen and adjust them with a quick swipe of your finger. Watch the video below for a demonstration of the window, led by Mobile Nation’s Ashley Esqueda.

Many have been calling the window a device you’d see in a movie like Minority Report. There’s no doubt that Samsung has elevated the future of technology, incorporating computer-like functionality into a common household feature (windows) that results in a cutting-edge device.

Oh, and a quick note? In case you’re worried about security and/or privacy, rest assured that the Smart Window is one-sided, so someone outside can’t see what you’re looking at on the window.

The Smart Window is expected to go into production later this year, so look for it soon in a home near you. The window’s capabilities also make it an ideal addition to an office, allowing you to access Microsoft Office tools, stay up with your social networks and even check the status of your upcoming flight.

No information is available regarding the window’s price, although we bet it’s not cheap. Still, if you’re an early adopter who can’t get enough of the latest technology, it may be worth the investment.

Will you be adding Samsung’s Smart Window to your list of must-have gadgets? Or is the technology a little too advanced for your liking?

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As the aging population increases nationally (and globally), age-related research topics are becoming more important in residential and commercial projects. A new suit created by MIT’s AgeLab, known as AGNES (Age Gain Now Empathy System), allows the wearer to feel what it’s like to be 70 years old.

For example, the suit dims your sight, stiffens your neck and shortens your gait, according to Fast Company Design. “Instead of enhancing physical performance to super-human levels, AGNES is an empathy enhancer,” writes Tim Maly.

A video demonstration of the suit produced by MIT (as shown below) details further limitations created by the suit, including increased fatigue, spinal compression and difficulty with vision and balance. According to the video, the suit was carefully designed by a team of engineers, designers and exercise physiologists.

The AGNES suit is a critical tool to help young engineers, architects and planners understand the true limitations imposed by aging, even through actions as simple as grocery shopping or riding a bus. By gaining a better grasp of aging-related difficulties, industry professionals can create more accessible, intuitive structures and objects that are specially designed for an older population and promote engagement and activity, rather than confinement and isolation.

Consider the rise in universal design-compliant housing, for example. Features such as zero-entry showers, raised toilets and lower kitchen cabinets are becoming more common in residential construction. Universal design homes are typically targeted to aging residents, but a stark reality is that a person of any age may unexpectedly need this functionality as a result of a disability or other health-related condition.

Residential construction is certainly a prime market for aging-related enhancements, but other industries will likely find themselves making key shifts in order to better serve this increasing demographic. Having a tool like AGNES is a critical step forward for those involved in planning and creating these projects, as they gain valuable first-hand knowledge of aging-imposed changes—and can use that experience to make a lasting impact for a population in need.

Image and video via MIT’s Agelab