Engineering and Sustainable Community Development

This book provides an overview of engineering as it relates to humanitarian engineering, service-learning engineering, peace engineering, or engineering for community-led development, focusing on sustainable community development (SCD). It includes topics on the history of engineers and development, the problems of using industry-based practices, how engineers can prepare to work with communities, and case studies of engineers engaging with communities. The 2nd edition emphasizes community-led practices and encourages readers to reflect on their own practices and perceptions. It is aimed at engineering students who will work with communities in the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book provides a comprehensive overview of engineering as it relates to various fields such as humanitarian engineering, service-learning engineering, peace engineering, and engineering for community-led development. By placing "community" at the center of these endeavors, the book encourages readers and practitioners to strive for sustainable community development (SCD). This 2nd edition is particularly focused on new concepts of community-led development and includes topics such as the history of engineers and development, the challenges of using industry-based practices when designing for communities, how engineers can prepare to work with communities, and the importance of listening in community development.

To illustrate the book's concepts through real-world examples, two case studies are presented. The first case study involves engineers developing a windmill for a community in India, while the second case study involves engineers mapping communities in Honduras for improved water management. These case studies provide first-hand experiences of engineers engaged with communities, showcasing the practical applications of the book's teachings.

The book concludes with student perspectives and experiences from a curriculum model centered on engineering for sustainable community development. Students from various backgrounds and disciplines share their insights and reflections on the challenges and rewards of working in community-based projects.

Overall, this text serves as a valuable resource for engineering faculty, students, and practicing engineers who are involved in current or future community collaborations. The authors aim to help readers critically reflect on their own practices and perceptions, challenging them to adopt practices that prioritize community-led development and sustainability. By placing "community" at the heart of engineering, this book contributes to the broader goal of creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 240 x 168 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031485237
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2024