According to the founder of my outfit, one is supposed to build one's abode on rock, rather than on sand, if one has wisdom. That admonition might extend to other buildings as well, we might assume.
But the manual says nothing about what we're supposed to make them out of, so apparently there won't be anything wrong with the temporary replacement for the Christchurch Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand, being made from some really big cardboard tubes.
The original cathedral was badly damaged in two separate earthquakes this year. Because of its historical significance, officials in Christchurch are taking their time in figuring out exactly how they will rebuild. But in the meantime there are some folks in town who want to be able to go to their church, so the officials contacted a Japanese architect who has made quite a bit of use of cardboard in making large buildings. Properly treated, it's waterproof, and it's apparently quite strong when it's layered the right way. It's pretty strong when it's still thin, too, as anyone who's ever tried to open one of those boxes of canned sodas can tell you.
The idea is that this structure can last until repairs are fully planned and finished, and then when it's taken down the material can be recycled.
So your next Christmas gift might come packed up in a church. Probably better not skip that thank-you card.
No comments:
Post a Comment