The 7 wonders of the engineering world

We’ve all heard of the Seven Wonders of the World, but what about the seven wonders of engineering? 

These amazing landmarks – old and new – are sure to leave you inspired.

1. The International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is an engineering feat like no other.

It's roughly as large as an American football pitch and weighs around 925,000lbs (419,573kg).

This colossal project has helped us learn more about living and working in space than we could have ever imagined.

It was also a truly global effort: countries ranging from the US to Russia provided parts for and assembled the ISS. The assembly alone took more than 30 missions.

The ISS aims to provide more information about space, facilitating further exploration, including NASA’s Journey to Mars.

It also benefits life on earth in several ways, from developing better vaccines to making inoperable tumours operable.

Travelling at 17,500 mph and orbiting the earth every 90 minutes, the ISS is an engineering achievement that is truly out of this world.

2. The Golden Gate Bridge

As one of the US’ most famous landmarks, the film-lovers among you might recognise the Golden Gate suspension bridge as a backdrop to the film A View to a Kill (1985).

Joseph Baermann Strauss originally designed it for less glamorous reasons: to connect San Francisco to Marin Country in California, which previously involved ferrying across San Francisco Bay.

At 1.7 miles (2.7km) long and painted in its signature burnt red, the Golden Gate Bridge was considered an incredible engineering feat when it opened in 1937.

It’s not just Hollywood that has an eye for it – it’s also the most photographed bridge in the world!

3. The Channel Tunnel

It’s been 32 years since the Channel Tunnel opened to the public.

Queen Elizabeth II and the then-French President, François Mitterrand, opened the tunnel – a physical representation of Britain and France’s unity.

As the longest undersea tunnel in the world, the Channel Tunnel is made up of three tunnels that run parallel to each other – two are rail tunnels, while the third is a service tunnel.

Although it’s considered a modern wonder, plans to create an interconnecting passage between England and France date back to 1802, with French engineer Albert Mathieu-Favier first proposing the idea.

Hundreds of years later, the British and French governments agreed that creating a link across the Channel was needed.

Its inauguration would stimulate the economy and increase commerce and tourism – cutting the travel time between England and France by up to four-and-a-half hours.

4. Burj Khalifa

At 828m (2,717ft) high and with 163 stories, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world.

Designed by Adrian Smith, Burj Khalifa is in the 2km² area known as 'Downtown Dubai'.

Following its opening in 2010, it's become the headquarters of numerous businesses, restaurants, corporate offices, and is home to over 900 residents. In total, Burj Khalifa can hold up to 10,000 people at a time.

Its reputation has made it a major tourist attraction, with its observation decks and Sky Lounge allowing enviable views of Dubai by day or night.

5. The Great Wall of China

Celebrated as one of the most outstanding achievements of engineering and construction ever completed, the Great Wall of China was over 2,000 years in the making.

The wall only started to resemble today’s wonder when the Ming Dynasty came to power in the 14^th century.

To protect China from Mongolian tribes, the Ming Dynasty ensured the wall was more robust by constructing it using bricks and stone instead of tamped earth and wood. 

They also installed watchtowers, pagodas, and bridges, ultimately creating a formidable refuge.

At over 13,171 miles (21,197km) long and spanning 15 provinces, principalities, and regions, over 10 million people visit the Great Wall of China each year.

The structure is a testament to the phenomenal talents of Chinese engineers, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to explore Chinese history, enjoy the spectacular natural scenery, and snap some stunning pictures.

6. Hoover Dam

One of the most significant undertakings civil engineering has ever seen, over 21,000 men worked on Hoover Dam throughout the Great Depression, with an entire city – known as Boulder City – erected to house the workers.

Today, Hoover Dam is considered an incredible legacy.

It plays a vital role in flood prevention of the Colorado River, and its 17 turbines generate electricity that power 8 million homes.

Its role in US history, and its part in industrial evolution, make it a true wonder of the modern world.

7. The Panama Canal

Before the construction of the Panama Canal, vessels sailing from Europe and Africa to the west of the Americas had to travel around Cape Horn.

This cape marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage, a body of water notorious for being one of the most treacherous voyages for ships to make.

As early as 1534, Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, requested a survey to see if a shorter route might be possible.

But construction on the 50mi (82km) waterway we know today didn't start until the late 19th century.

By cutting across the Isthmus of Panama, the canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, shortening crossings by 15,000 km.

Since its inauguration, the Panama Canal has played a significant role in helping increase international trade.

Today it handles an estimated 5% of the world’s trade, with around 14,000 ships transiting it each year.

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Article originally published 11 August 2021.