Most structures rest on the ground, and therefore need foundations. Vehicles rely on pavements, runways or rails as their foundations, which are strongly influenced by environmental conditions such as groundwater. Engineers working with architects need to rise to the challenge of sustainable design using novel materials in striking configurations, and providing congenial internal environments with high energy-efficiency. Those devising major schemes need to understand the issues of brown field development, flood risk, infrastructure management, and the creation and utilisation of underground space for transport, for example. And those engineers working in resource management may need to understand aquifers and oil reservoirs, or the offshore winds, waves and currents that determine the design of offshore power facilities including windfarms.