In this op-ed published in the French-speaking Swiss newspapers Le Nouvelliste and La Côte, Marie Violay and Federica Sandrone share their vision of civil engineering.This text was originally published in French in the Swiss newspapers Le Nouvelliste and La Côte. The present English version was generated through automated translation and has not been reviewed by the original publishers.Today, when civil engineering is mentioned, reactions are often polarized. For some, it brings back childhood memories of Lego bridges, miniature trains, and the simple pleasure of building sandcastles on the beach. For others, it conjures up the opposite image: highways altering landscapes, noisy construction sites, and orange safety vests. A profession perceived as tough, male-dominated, and restrictive. Two opposing, almost caricatured visions. Yet the reality is far more nuanced—and, above all, far more essential.Indeed, civil engineering is neither limited to what fascinates nor to what disturbs. It is an omnipresent discipline, often invisible when it functions well. Behind a train running on time, a safe Alpine tunnel, a reliable drinking water network, or a functional energy system, there is civil engineering. But its impact goes much further: flood protection, stabilization of rocky mountain slopes, management of flows in a railway station or a stadium. Sometimes visible only through its structures, it is above all crucial in what it makes possible.A Modern DisciplineWith the world population expected to approach 10 billion by 2050, the challenges facing civil engineering in the 21st century are considerable, particularly in the context of increasing urbanization. Nearly 70% of the population will live in cities, yet cities occupy less than 2% of the Earth's surface and already concentrate most economic activity, energy demand, and carbon emissions. In this context, civil engineering plays a central role and is undergoing profound transformation.Although it is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, it is now at the forefront of the most modern approaches. Whether through sensors embedded in infrastructure, artificial intelligence, big data, or simulation tools, civil engineering is becoming a data-driven science capable of forecasting, optimizing, and managing complex systems. These transformations further reinforce the need for engineers capable of designing and building in the real world. It is no longer simply about constructing structures, but about designing and orchestrating complex systems, thereby shaping the future: intelligent transport infrastructure, resilient energy networks, sustainable hydraulic systems, and cities that are more efficient, accessible, sustainable, and pleasant to live in.From Studies to PracticeOne of the defining characteristics of this discipline is the acquisition of cutting-edge academic knowledge while remaining closely connected to practice. Very quickly, students move from theory to application through educational approaches rooted in real-world challenges, ensuring that training meets the actual needs of the profession.Let us now address one final misconception about civil engineering, which is still too often perceived as a field “for men.” The reality is quite different: student cohorts today include between 30% and 50% women, with excellent success rates.A Growing Need for EngineersThe conclusion is clear: civil engineering education is essential, highly regarded both in Switzerland and internationally, and graduates are in high demand. In Switzerland, around 93% of students find employment quickly, often even before completing their studies, with a satisfaction rate for this first job close to 97%.Ultimately, civil engineering is much more than a collection of technical methods. It is a way of organizing our territories, structuring our societies, and meeting fundamental needs. Ancient in its origins yet firmly focused on the future, it continuously evolves to integrate new tools and address increasingly complex challenges.And what if, in the end, the challenge were not only to build—but to intelligently design what makes our lives possible?Marie Violay, Director of the Civil Engineering Section (SGC) and Head of Laboratory of Experimental Rock MechanicsFederica Sandrone, scientist at the Laboratory of Experimental Rock MechanicsReferencesThis article appeared in May 2026 in tow local dailies; La Côte (Vaud Canton) and Le Nouvelliste (Valais Canton), under a joint initiative between EPFL and ESH Médias to showcase the R&D being carried out at EPFL on advanced construction techniques.