Is that a piece of modern art? No, it is the Engineering Cairn. Mention the Engineering Cairn to any student or graduate of UBC and memories flood back. This isn’t just a pile of concrete. It is a monument with a past.
Let’s dive into the story of this iconic landmark. It embodies the spirit and sometimes, the antics of UBC’s engineering students. The Engineering Cairn technically a truncated obelisk stands proudly as a testament to their presence.
The first attempt to build an Engineering Cairn occurred January 26, 1966. More than 300 engineering students gathered. They declared their intention to beautify the campus. They built a small cairn of rocks and cement. It symbolized their commitment. Two days later it vanished.
Undeterred, they tried again in September 1968. They dug a hole near Koerner Library. It was filled with scrap metal and concrete. This monument also disappeared quickly.
February 1969 marked the third attempt. A three-sided monument was erected during Engineering Week. Each side had a large red E. Rumor had it that a car was buried underneath. It was also reinforced with steel. This Engineering Cairn seemed permanent.
However, the new Sedgewick Undergraduate Library was planned. The cairn was in the way. The Engineering Undergraduate Society arranged its move. It was relocated to the south end of Main Mall.
For almost two decades, the Engineering Cairn stood firm. It became a canvas for campus graffiti artists. Clubs and societies would paint it in their colors. Bonfires burned around it. Some even tried to tip it over with a forklift. Yet, it remained.
On March 4, 1988, forestry students attacked it. They used a backhoe and pneumatic drill. They destroyed the cairn. This was partly a stunt. It was also revenge for past transgressions against their mascot.
The Engineering Undergraduate Society responded. They decided to rebuild it bigger and better. Alumni support poured in. They dug a deep hole. They poured a strong foundation with rebar. During the concrete pour, trucks braced the form to prevent collapse.
The new Engineering Cairn was dedicated on February 11, 1989. The cairn was christened with a bottle of beer. This tradition continues to this day.
The Engineering Cairn is more than concrete. It is a symbol of engineering spirit. It is a canvas for expression. It is a testament to resilience. So, next time you pass by, remember its colorful and eventful history. The Engineering Cairn stands tall. It represents the enduring spirit of UBC engineers.