How High?

Here in Connecticut, we were on the edge of hurricane Sandy. Nevertheless, several million people were left without power.  Fallen trees and power lines were the the bulk of the problem; but substations were also at risk from rising tidal surge waters.

During one briefing, a representative of one of the two electrical utilities explained the company's policy for construction standards. Substations were protected against flood waters that were 1 foot above the "100 year flood" level. What does that mean actually? A 100 year flood has a 1% chance of happening in any year, and they were one full foot above that.

Some of the press asked if this policy was open to review. The representative demurred. But much added safety is enough? One foot, two feet, ten feet? I have no answers, other than a suspicion that this may be a search for added cost. How much more is justified? Great question.

Safety margins, redundant systems, backup devices. Some experts say their cost should be weighed against the potential for savings by avoiding possible damages or other expenses. Others say convenience or public safety are valid considerations.

Oh well, all of this speculation is easy for someone who sits here with power and no fallen trees.

Fear of Falling

For some mysterious reason, a common affliction amongst Architects is a fear of heights. Have you ever seen the guy with the shaky knees on the staging around a tall facade repair? Well, that's likely to be your Architect. Me? No such fear!

I appear, though, to have a variation - fear of falling. I can stand at the edge of a precipice unperturbed; but if the guardrail is loose or the walk across the open joists is unprotected, you may find me holding on for dear life.

So, there I was yesterday, along with over 7 million others watching the live video of Felix Baumgartner as he stepped off from his balloon capsule more than 24 miles above the desert floor of New Mexico. As a youngster, I fell from my just-finished tree house, breaking my wrist. Maybe that's when my fear was implanted. Baumgartner, on the other hand, clearly has no hesitation. Or, does he?

Maybe, when the downside consequence is instant death, the trepidation is different than fearing broken body parts. One thing I do know is that I have no intention of finding out.

Roof inspection? Have you finished the parapet yet? Yes? OK fine, I'm on my way. No? Please call Felix.