They saw public works and modern engineering as a statement of intent about where we where going in the future and they took pleasure in making things beautiful even when it was hidden (indeed it was common for ladies and gentlemen to go on tours of civic works including sewage treatment plants).
I think we could do with a little bit more of that attitude sometimes.
The Victorians put so much soul in to public utilities it seems a real shame to not recognise them for more than gas tanks.