PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Power of Cross Discipline T hroughout history there have been cross disciplinary champions that have changed how we think, how we view the world and what we do and learn forever more. Of course, the obvious and great ones quickly come to mind: Leonardo da Vinci, the architect, painter, sculptor and inventor; Michelangelo Bonaparte, the architect, sculptor and poet; and Galileo Galilei, the astronomer, physicist, math- ematician and father of the telescope, modern science and beam theory (thank you). Albert Einstein was a unique physicist, but was also a gifted mathe- matician, violinist and accomplished writer, who very nearly became the first president of Israel. Alfred Wegener, the father of the geological theory of plate tectonics, was an astronomer, artist and meteorologist. Today, such greats as Santiago Calatrava, the genius of sculpture, architecture and structural engineering, creates beautiful ‘living’ bridges, buildings and stadiums. Calatrava continues to prove that diversity of education, experience and background creates new opportunity and expands humanity’s world view. At our office, we combine structural and geotechnical knowledge to bridge the infor- mation, knowledge and exper- ience gap that exists between the disciplines. Great risk is perceived within this gap. But, cross disciplinary knowledge fills the gap, making the risk shallow and palatable. Hiring from all disciplines of engineering, including environmental, mechanical, geological and chemical — even civil and geotechnical engineers! — helps fill the gap, as does looking for candidates with an interest and passion beyond engineering. An engineering degree Matthew Janes, M.B.A., P.Eng. President [email protected] By bringing together all industry proves one can think and solve problems, but a stu- dent with an A in engineer- ing doesn’t seem to think or solve problems better than a student with a C. Diversity of interests, background and talents leads to a more dynamic workplace, more interesting interactions and a flow of ideas that nourishes innovation. In our office, this is further fertilised by a $10,000 espresso machine. By encour- aging our staff and clients to gather around a really good cup of coffee and to take the time to make it, we encourage interaction, discussion about the day or interests and, invariably, the current problem being wrestled. This gets juniors talking to seniors, clients, contractors and project managers to learn, share and bridge gaps. Everywhere, and in everything, there are learning opportunities. organisations from owners to academics to manufacturers, contractors and consultants, we invite discourse and oppositional views. DFI’s mandate, at first glance, may not appear to be diverse or cross disciplinary. In fact, we are quite defined and perhaps narrow in our scope: it must be deep. But the people and organi- sations that make up DFI are wildly diverse. The more diverse, the better. By bring- ing together all industry organisations from owners to academics to manufac- turers, contractors and con- sultants we invite discourse and oppositional views. Furthermore, we introduce cul tural and nat ional diversity. Does this bring discord o r imp ro v e d u n d e r - standing? Does this limit us or force us to grow? Enrico Fermi, while in the process of sorting out elemental decay, declared, “We have reached a paradox; we are finally, really getting somewhere.” So, it is that we at DFI invite cross disciplinary thought, diversity and, indeed, conflict. Yet, in the end, we search for and arrive at Common Ground. I’m proud of that. May I leave you with a quote from a favoured Dartmouth man: “There’s no limit to how much you’ll know, depending how far beyond zebra you go.” Dr. Seuss DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2019 • 7
