Macro-engineering

In engineering, macro engineering (alternatively known as mega engineering) is the implementation of large scale design projects. It can be seen as a branch of civil engineering or structural engineering applied on a large landmass. In particular, macro engineering is the process of marshaling and managing of resources and technology on a large scale to carry out complex tasks that last over a long period. In contrast to conventional engineering projects, macro engineering projects (called macro projects or mega projects) are multidisciplinary, involving collaboration from all fields of study. Because of the size of macro projects they are usually international. Macro engineering is an evolving field that has only recently started to receive attention. Because we routinely deal with challenges that are multinational in scope, such as global warming and pollution, macro engineering is emerging as a transcendent solution to worldwide problems. Macro engineering is distinct from Megascale engineering due to the scales where they are applied. Where macro engineering is currently practical, mega scale engineering is still within the domain of speculative fiction because it deals with projects on a planetary or stellar scale.

Macro engineering examples include the construction of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal.

Examples of projects include the Channel Tunnel and the planned Gibraltar Tunnel. Two intellectual centers focused on macro engineering theory and practice are the Candida Oancea Institute in Bucharest, and The Center for Macro Projects and Diplomacy at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.