Final answer:
The selection of the top 10 public works of the 20th century typically considers the significance of the project's effect on the quality of life, innovation, and environmental protection, but not necessarily cost-effectiveness, as these large-scale works often prioritize societal impact over immediate financial considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criteria used to select the top 10 public works of the 20th century include several key considerations. However, one of these is not typically a primary factor in the selection process. Among the usual criteria are the significance of the project's effect on the quality of life, innovation, and awareness and protection of the natural and social environment. Cost-effectiveness, while important, is often not the primary factor, especially when considering the scale and impact of large public works. These projects required not only excellent engineering but also vast commitments of funds, indicating that cost-effectiveness may sometimes be secondary to the project's overall importance and impact on society.
Major engineering accomplishments like highways, spacecraft, and the Internet have become integral parts of our daily lives, yet they often came about thanks to significant government investment, prioritizing long-term societal benefits over immediate cost savings. They also required engineers to possess skills that went beyond technical prowess, demanding an understanding of government processes, resource acquisition, and labor capabilities.
When evaluating the impact of these works, it's crucial to address their unintended consequences on our lives and environment, ensuring that future projects consider the long-term implications on both natural resources and human communities.