The triple layered planes in the center of the logo represent the three primary concentrations of our Master of Engineering (MEng) program that support improvements in the built environment: structures, construction, and environmental fluids. The overlapped configuration of the layered planes symbolizes the interdependencies amongst these areas of practice.
The stem of the shamrock is curving upward from left to right in order to represent the recovery phase of resilient infrastructure performance. Furthermore, the leafed portion of the shamrock at the end of the stem reminds us that truly resilient systems flourish after recovery. The six total lobes of the shamrock represent the six traditional practice areas within the built environment industry: structural, construction, environmental, water resources, geotechnical, and transportation. Of course, the shamrock also represents the Catholic and Irish heritage of the University of Notre Dame.
The hexagonal frame represents the six components of community capital – built, economic, human/social, cultural, natural, and political – to remind us of the important “big picture” factors that encompass our work to improve the built environment. The colors represent the elements of nature with which we seek to build in concert. Blue represents the water and the sky, and green represents the vegetative elements of the earth. Of course, blue and green are also colors associated formally with the University of Notre Dame.
Engineering was first taught at Notre Dame in 1873, making Notre Dame the first Catholic university in the United States to establish a formal course of study in engineering.