The article contains an evaluation of the place of technical reality and the role of engineering creativity that acts as its integral component. The place of creativity is represented in different phases of engineering activity; the factors that influence modern manifestations of creative activity in engineering are reviewed. The author proves that engineering activity in the present-day world acquired a number of peculiar features and specific characteristics. Also is substantiated the thesis statement on the involvement of human beings in designed technical systems not only as a subject of activity but as a structural element of designed system as well, i.e. as an object for manipulation. The necessity of understanding engineering practices as socially determined and socially significant is reasoned.

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   Smirnov2001, p. 145.

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   Example from practice: there are windows with self-cleaning glass Pilkington Activ. The secret of self-cleaning properties is that the exterior side of the glass has a thin transparent coating of titanium oxide. Under the influence of UV rays an oxygen chemical reaction takes place, as a result of which dust particles are detached from the surface. When raindrops fall on it, they form a uniform water film that easily slides off the glass and completely washes away dirt. After that the moisture quickly dries up without leaving streaks. The coating “works” permanently, doesn’t peel off or fade over time. Dirt washes away each time when it rains. Coating strength is achieved by a special pyrolytic manufacturing method: a microscopically thin special layer is applied to one of the sides of a glass plate while it is still hot. After cooling this layer becomes an integral part of the surface and can be damaged only if the glass itself is scratched or broken.—http://www.ivd.ru/news.xgi?id=823.

Authors and Affiliations

1. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russian Federation

   Elena Alexandrovna Gavrilina

Corresponding author

Correspondence toElena Alexandrovna Gavrilina.

Editors and Affiliations

1. Department of Physics, Lille 1 University Science and Technology, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France

   Raffaele Pisano

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