Lessons in Architectural Disaster: The Narrative of Structural Failures
Amidst the vast landscape of architectural education, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse stands as a haunting reminder of the intricate relationship between structure and design. Lectures reverberate with the echoes of "cumulative effects of undampened rhythmic forces" and "intense resonant oscillation," cautioning against the pitfalls of disregarding structural integrity.
The Millennium Bridge in London, too, bears witness to the repercussions of overlooking structural dynamics, as the rhythmic footsteps of pedestrians induced unsettling vibrations, prompting its temporary closure for remediation. Even the historic Albert Bridge, adorned with a sign prohibiting marching soldiers from Chelsea Barracks due to resonant frequencies, serves as a stark testament to the delicate balance between form and function.
Yet, as the annals of architectural history unfold, today's lesson arrives with a sombre tone—the fall of Baltimore's Key Bridge after a devastating collision with the vessel Dali. The narrative echoes the timeless tale of the Ancient Mariner, where the misfortunes of one reverberate through the fate of many.
In the wake of this tragedy, architects are confronted with a poignant reminder—the conceptual notion of disaster as a design element. It is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality, intent on imparting its lesson to students of architecture.
As the Key Bridge crumbles into the depths below, it serves as a stark symbol of the consequences of overlooking structural integrity and the profound impact of design decisions on the built environment. The incident underscores the imperative for architects to not only master the principles of form and aesthetics but also to embrace a holistic understanding of structure and engineering.
Amidst the chaos and devastation, there lies an opportunity for reflection and growth—a call for architects to imbue their designs with a deep reverence for the forces of nature and the imperative of resilience. For it is in confronting the challenges of disaster that architects find the true essence of their craft—a synthesis of artistry, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of society.
As the Key Bridge stands as a solemn reminder of the fragility of human endeavour, architects are tasked with the solemn duty of weaving disaster into the very fabric of their designs, transforming tragedy into resilience, and imbuing the built environment with the wisdom gained from the lessons of the past.
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Saturday, February 10, 2024
Last night, I still couldn't get over our conversation with my 5-year-old niece.
I went to 7/11 with my two nieces. I treated my high school niece to some food because she rarely visits us.
While we were looking for food, one of my nieces was also busy looking for what she wanted. She suddenly approached me and showed me what she had, saying, "Uncle, I want this!"
Me: I immediately responded that I don't have any money. (She had taken two lipstick-shaped candies worth 40 pesos. Tapos dalawa pa kinuha niya.) Ibalik mo yan.
Niece: No. I want this!😄
Me: Return them. Wala akong pera. Ikaw ipambabayad ko niyan.
Niece: No. I want this!😄
Me: I really don't have enough money with me right now. Kuha ka nalang ng iba.
Then she suddenly left the store with what she took.
Me: Hoy, bawal yan! 😂 Don't leave if you haven't paid for it.
Niece: But I want this!🥹
Me: sabe ko, I don't have any money!
I was surprised when she suddenly got angry and said to me,
Niece: You're working and yet you don't have money?!🤨
Then I thought aba di ako ready non ah 😅 hahahhahah
Me: kuha ka ng isa.
But she even insisted saying,
Niece: What about Breanna? Don't you love her?🥹 (Referring to her sister who was at home).
Ending, ang bata ay tuwang-tuwa because I bought what she wanted. 🫠🫠🫠
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⭐LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES⭐
Oscar Wilde famously said that experience is just another name for the mistakes we make. This rings true, as long as we learn from those mistakes. In today's increasingly unpredictable world of constant change, information overload, multiculturalism, and technological disruption, mistakes are inevitable.
Most people dislike making errors, but management expert Tom Peters argues in his book Thriving on Chaos that we can't afford perfectionism. The quickest way to find solutions is through rapid testing, making mistakes, learning, and adjusting. He advocates that we embrace and even celebrate mistakes as opportunities for growth. He thinks we should become "mistake maniacs".
⭐Happy accidents⭐
It's worth remembering that many discoveries and inventions have happened by accident. In the early 1970s, Arthur Fry wanted a bookmark for his church hymnal that wouldn't fall out or damage the pages. His colleague at 3M, Spencer Silver, had developed an adhesive that wasn't strong enough to stick two surfaces together (as planned) but left no residue after removal and allowed items to be repositioned. Fry put some of Silver's adhesive along the edge of a piece of paper. His church hymnal problem was solved, and the Post-it note was invented.
Viagra was originally developed to treat cardio-vascular problems. In testing, it must have become (very) clear that it wasn't just the heart that was affected.
And the famous inventor Thomas Edison made thousands of failed prototypes of his electric light bulb before finally succeeding. When asked why he hadn't given up, he explained that each failure had taught him something he needed to know for the next attempt. Edison was clearly a mistake maniac.
⭐Turn mistakes into experience⭐
1. Accept the mistake
When you make a mistake, admit it as soon as you can first to yourself and then to others. The sooner you accept that a mistake has happened, and take responsibility for it, the sooner you can start learning from it.
2. Analyse and get feedback
Study where you went wrong, so you'll know what to do differently next time. It can help you in identifying solutions to future problems, too. It's helpful to get feedback from trusted colleagues. A mentor can give you advice on how they've managed similar situations.
3. Find the lesson to be learned
Keep a diary. Record your mistake along with your analysis and the feedback you received. Then, make a plan with specific steps to prevent the same mistake from happening again.
Some organizations have online mistake diaries that everyone can contribute to, in which mistakes and their solutions are posted.
4. Check your learning progress
Use a simple learning checklist at regular intervals to help you learn from these experiences.
5. Always be a learner
Develop a learning mindset and be prepared to take some risks. Prioritize where you want to develop, concentrating on one thing at a time. Put time aside for your learning. Share your goals with someone you trust, so they can encourage and support you. A mistake maniac is ultimately a lifelong learner.
⭐Essential phrases⭐
1. Accept the mistake
I'm afraid that was my fault.
My approach to the problem was wrong.
I'm sorry but I messed up there.
2. Analyse and get feedback
Let's see what went wrong in the process.
I think I understand where I made an error.
Where do you think the mistake was made?
3. Find the lesson to be learned
I can see where I need to improve.
I've made an action plan to make sure this doesn't happen again.
I don't intend to make the same mistake twice.
4. Check your learning progress
Have I reached my learning goals?
I carry out a self-check on my progress at regular intervals.
I need to check whether my approach is working.
5. Always be a learner
One step at a time.
Have a look and tell me if
you think these goals are practical.
I've allocated time each week for learning.
⭐My learning checklist⭐
Answer YES or NO:
Have I...
reached the learning goals I wanted to reach by this time?
clarified my learning targets for the next six months?
taken steps to improve how I manage my time for learning?
thought about things I haven't enjoyed doing and/or have not done well and considered how?
I might handle such things in the future?
thought about things I have enjoyed doing and/or have done well?
done anything specific to keep up to date?
concentrated on how to improve in the future?
learned something new about myself?
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Source: Business Spotlight
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