A Study of the Cambridge Faculty of History Building

A Study of the Cambridge Faculty of History Building The Faculty of History edifice at Cambridge was the 2nd of legion university edifices designed by James Stirling. Working in partnership with James Gowen, Stirling’s foremost University undertaking, the Department of Engineering at the University of Leicester encompassed four interesting design brief judicial admissions, two of which appear to hold exerted some influence on the external visual aspect and design composing of the Faculty of History edifice at Cambridge. For the University of Leicester undertaking, laboratory work infinite was required to be flexible with respect to constellation in order to run into the altering demands of experimentation and research lab work, a construction was required capable of lodging a H2O armored combat vehicle for hydraulic intents at a tallness of 100 pess above land degree, direct sunshine was to be avoided due to instrumentation sensitiveness, and eventually, exposed concrete could be used as a seeable exterior coating. Harmonizing to John Jacobus, the result is a â€Å"form that is rich in coloring material and surface, but its forms are ne'er gratuitous, and, what’s more, none of them looks notional, in malice of their freshness. It is a functional edifice that looks functional, a factory-like research lab and schoolroom edifice which gives every visual aspect of being merely that ; a mill for survey ( but non, decidedly, an instruction mill ) ( footer: 1964 April: Technology Building, Leiceste r university by James Stirling ( Leicester, UK ) by John Jacobus, Architectural Review, 28 March 2011 ) . The design brief judicial admissions with regard to exterior finish and the restriction on direct sunshine resulted in extended usage of north confronting glassy facets surrounded by and juxtaposed against visually dominant ruddy brickwork consisting full lifts, a bold horizontal facade organizing exterior facing for the high degree country suiting the H2O armored combat vehicle, and, multiple narrow perpendicular columns. Although strikingly different in result, one can non assist pulling analogues between the Leicester and Cambridge edifices and reasoning that some inspiration for the Cambridge edifice was drawn from Stirling’s first University design authorization. Both edifices portion huge sweeps of glass interrupted by ruddy brickwork that creates a powerful yet heavy statement. Stirling and Gowen parted company station completion of the Leicester undertaking, go forthing Stirling to finish the design and compete for the Cambridge authorization without any design burden associated with partnership for his concluding competition entry. The design of the Cambridge edifice was completed in 1963 with Stirling emerging as victor of the design competition. Following a re-orientation of the proposed edifice from a Southwest to a Southeast facing way, building commenced in 1964 and was concluded in 1968. The edifice is situated on the Sidgwick site and houses the Seeley Historical library. In supplying a on the job infinite for up to 300 people, every bit good as a little figure of computing machines, it is one of the largest libraries belonging to the University of Cambridge web of libraries. Once in usage, assorted defects both in footings of design and building item came to visible radiation. Practical defects included thermic public presentation associated with individual tegument glazing and roof escape. Argument environing the edifice centred on map versus signifier and for many regular users, the library was regarded as a infinite non suited to work within. In 1984, about 16 old ages after gap, the History Faculty was at hazard of destruction before a determination was made to modify the bing edifice in order to continue the successful elements of the edifice whilst rectifying those facets regarded as flawed. In this survey I will be concentrating on the exterior design of the History module, and how some of Stirling’s design picks impact the experiential quality of the library. The Faculty of History edifice can be regarded as the Centre of the Sidgwick site as it is situated at an intersection point, with multiple tracts meeting on it. Consequently, the edifice has four chief entrywaies, with one at each corner. Since the edifice is approached and discernible from assorted waies as a consequence of being sited at an intersection, the overall ocular facet, presence and exterior quality of the edifice are of great importance. One drawback of being sited at an intersection is the presence of other edifices. With the History edifice surrounded on all sides by other edifices, it is unable to maximize its standalone individuality every bit good as its ability to come to life during two of the most inspiring light facet periods of the twenty-four hours. While environing edifices are all within close propinquity to the History Faculty, none of them are of great tallness, which does travel some manner towards cut downing their intervention with sunshine and their ability to supply distraction versus the centerpiece. Nevertheless, the History building’s inability to bask uninterrupted exposure to direct sunshine at dawn and sundown oes non let the edifice to bring forth the maximal impact of direct utmost ague angle sunshine on the edifice. Full exposure to near horizontal sunshine would bring forth all possible results associating to the contemplation and refraction of sunshine. For the bulk of perceivers, this hindrance will non be given great consideration as the library clears at 9a m, by which clip the Sun is high plenty in the sky for the edifices South of the History Faculty non to move as a barrier. Additionally, the lowest of the surrounding edifices is positioned on the west side of the library therefore understating the sum of clip lost to sunset light effects generated by the edifice. At its most basic degree, the edifice is composed of two primary signifiers ; a huge, individual storey country, triangular in program which is set within an L-shaped multi-storey construction. The Seeley library occupies the individual floor infinite, which is unfastened to all members of the university, while the multi-storey construction provides offices infinite, meeting suites and talk suites for staff and pupils of the History section. The overall signifier is successful as it allows the library to be placed at the bosom of edifice supplying both ocular and physical benefits. The edifice has a strengthened concrete frame with a steel roof supplying structural unity while the outside is clad in stretcher bonded ruddy brick and exhibits non-structural patent glazing. This method of adhering provides a ocular uniformity and repeat that emphasises the separate elements of the edifice together. The huge bulk of the edifice is in fact glazed, which provides superior degrees of natural light interior and creates an interesting visual aspect on the exterior through the contemplations that vary harmonizing to both the clip of twenty-four hours and conditions conditions. Similar to the masonry, the glazing is unvarying in its clear divisions of panels, giving the glass a presence while staying visually lightweight. The primary stuffs seeable on the inside are pigment and tile. Harmonizing to Stirling this combination produced an aesthetic that could be likened to a Television Studio ( commendation needed ) . The most impressive characteristic of the edifice is it’s tiered, pitched, glazed roof that covers the cardinal reading country of the library. The design is symmetrical along its short axis, as can be seen when sing the edifice from the sou'-east. From this peculiar point of view it could be argued that glazing is overused and that the inclusion of more ruddy brick, peculiarly towards the base of the edifice, would hold created a more grounded aesthetic with better balance. While the roof successfully manages natural visible radiation in the library country, there is a ocular struggle between the masonry and the library roof. Puting the visually heavy and baronial ruddy brick cladding against the weightless glazing seems to propose a cardinal desire to make a strong contrast between different parts of the edifice. However, the roof is really heavy in its angular and over defined signifier. It is likely that the edifice would hold benefitted from more nuance in this country. Another of import external characteristic is the buttress-like signifier of the multi-storey, L-shape portion of the edifice. Not merely is it visually attention-getting, it besides creates a sense structural surety and foundation that is absent from other countries of the external design. This signifier determines and articulates the plan for the edifice ; the smallest suites, situated on the top floor can merely be occupied by offices, while the larger suites on the lower floors can be used as meeting suites and for talks as the infinite permits. One facet of the outside that detracts from the ocular impact of the edifice is the big raised platform adjoined to the north frontage. The platform is by no agencies redundant as it provides an entryway to the edifice and entree to the roof leting for care. However, its inordinate size means that most of the infinite is presently disused. One possible betterment, capable to structural capacity, would be to make a insouciant outdoor siting country. This is something that the Sidgwick site presently lacks and by virtuousness of being on a raised platform would help in making a clear differentiation between the formal working infinite and an informal community infinite. In the initial designs the glassy library roof faced southwest. However, due to limitations sing the land ownership, the full edifice had to be rotated 90 grades towards the E. As a consequence, the multi-storey construction covers portion of the library roof in shadow during the afternoon. Clearly this has a negative impact on the lighting of the library in the afternoon and resulted in inordinate thermic addition during the forenoon. Interestingly, no changes were made to the building’s design to counterbalance for the alteration in orientation. Had there been no ownership limitations the library would hold enjoyed natural visible radiation until well later in the twenty-four hours, which would hold been a discriminatory result topic to satisfactory thermic provisioning. Upon come ining the edifice it becomes evident that the library is set below land degree, this design pick has both its advantages and disadvantages. Students working in the library can profit from both high degrees of privateness and an absence of oculus degree distraction ; the below land degree facet eliminates all mode of communicating with those outside the edifice. One possible negative result of the below land agreement is the deficiency of outward ocular facet for those passing drawn-out periods of clip in the library. Without the copiousness of natural light deluging in from the glassy roof, this infinite could hold been at hazard of being a cheerless environment. The working country of the library is arranged as a radial in forepart of a raised response country. This provides those working at response with an unobstructed position of the library, hence leting easy monitoring of library users and discouraging any actions that are non suited within the library. This determination to put the library below land degree, combined with the floor to ceiling glazed facade gives this portion of the edifice an uneasy natation quality, as the burden bearing wall back uping the glass and the construction above is non seeable from the exterior. Possibly Stirling was seeking to make the feeling that the glass provides the structural support, when this is clearly non possible. Additionally, positioning the library below land seems to dispute the extended execution of glazing, the intent of which is to convey natural visible radiation into the library. This is a minor ailment as there is no existent deficiency of visible radiation in the library. An facet of the edifice that I peculiarly appreciate is the contemplation of the exterior signifier on the inside layout. This is most prevailing in the library, where the L-shaped construction forms the boundary of the cardinal reading country and the tabular arraies and bookshelves follow the signifier of the glassy roof construction that sits straight supra. This gives the edifice a great sense of coherency and makes the passage between interior and exterior infinites really natural. The cardinal reading country of the library can trust on natural visible radiation depending on the clip of twelvemonth for the bulk of its 9am-7:30pm gap hours, all because of the roof. At an angle of about 40 grades the roof Lashkar-e-Taibas in far more light than standard perpendicular glazed facades with solid roofs. Such designs cut down the angle of light incursion and hence the distance that light penetrates into the edifice. Internally, the roof has a bed of clouded glass ( ? Clouded glass or blinds? ) . This helps to administer the visible radiation equally, in add-on to forestalling blaze, which can be a major distraction in some on the job environments. By cut downing the strength of the light ‘hot spots’ are less likely to happen within the library. The enormousness of the cardinal infinite in footings of ceiling tallness and floor country along with the controlled natural visible radiation and impersonal internal ornament strategy provides a really comfy working country where there is no sense of enclosure or oppression. The visible radiation from the roof and the environing glass facade besides permeates countries of the library environing the Centre. These countries provide extra infinite to read and analyze, every bit good as lodging the library’s aggregation of books. When compared to the cardinal reading infinite, these countries have low ceilings with no natural visible radiation from straight above. While natural light alone is non sufficient in these countries really small unreal lighting is required to make suited on the job conditions during the lightest hours of the twenty-four hours. However, early in the forenoon and tardily in the afternoon well higher degrees of unreal lighting are required. While this can be considered a defect from an energy ingestion position, it does supply users with a different experience and while some may prefer the copiousness of natural visible radiation in the sweep of the cardinal reading infinite, others may prefer the combination of natural and unr eal visible radiation offered elsewhere within the edifice. The Faculty of History edifice excels on a figure of degrees, yet basically fails from a ocular point of view. Its combination of ruddy brick and huge glassy frontages is unusual and therefore attending grabbing. The design contradicts itself in some instances, the most detrimental of which is the visually heavy and angular roof. Interestingly, the roof is really effectual when it comes to the proviso of natural lighting for the library and helps to make an appealing internal infinite. However, the fact that the cardinal and dominant external characteristic of the edifice fails in its external ocular entreaty dramatis personaes uncertainty over the overall success and design of the edifice.

A Reaction Paper on Personal Protection Equipments

The gloves should be worn at all times to avoid contact with fluids and other specimens or samples of interest that may pose risks to our safety and health. Proper removal and disposal of used gloves is as important as having them worn. Taking them off the right way minimizes contact with specimens, samples, or chemicals and reagents that must be present on the contaminated outer or exposed side of the gloves. Although students have been spending a lot of laboratory classes, it is still noticeable how some do not know how to dispose their gloves correctly.Hence, showing the video on how to properly remove the gloves is very helpful. It is evident that students are mindful about contamination, which makes them cautious during the experiments and observations. However, towards the end of classes, some may be too tired or lazy causing them to be careless when taking off their gloves. This happens without them knowing that they sometimes touch the part that has been exposed throughout their work. The video was a good reminder to always be concerned not only during working hours but also afterwards.Nevertheless, it would also be ideal to find and review other sources to constantly be reminded of the essential information. Important points in the video showing the proper clean-up of blood spill include wearing the PPE during the whole time, securing first aid for any injured person, use of tongs or other lab materials that are safe for picking up sharp or broken objects, use of disinfectant, and proper disposal of the spill and other materials used for the clean-up. When it comes to individual safety, the video discussed the routes by which we may get exposed to the microorganisms.Therefore, we must ensure that we wear the proper protective gear at all times. Moreover, it is not only in equipment that we may guard ourselves. It was suggested that vaccines are received and these must be done as soon as possible even before working in the laboratory. Symptoms of commonly acquired diseases were also mentioned thus giving us an idea of what we may or may not experience in the future. This could serve as a good reference for us to know if we are experiencing a condition that needs to be addressed. In addition to this, it was mentioned that there should not be any lack of judgment in the laboratory.

Have people become overly dependent on technology Research Paper

Have people become overly dependent on technology - Research Paper Example Human beings have become too dependent on technology to survive without it, considering that in the current world, all human beings rely on tools, devices and equipment or systems to make work easier for them. For example, human beings use technology to grow food, acquisition of good shelter, transport and communication, entertainment and even education. Technology can be loosely described as all that is a collection or composition of devices, skills, knowledge and the application in their application. All this makes the human work very easy to accomplish. Technology is the art or craft where human beings use their abilities through processes and knowledge to satisfy daily needs. Technology has always existed from time immemorial and what has been changing is the complexity of the relevant technical know-how. In ancient times, human beings used primitive forms of technology, for example harnessing of fire by rubbing two sticks together or the use of flints as blades. Today, technolog y has gone to higher levels for example innovations in communication technology and internet. Equally, there has been an advance in medical circles that has made human beings live a more comfortable life. This includes research in stem cell therapy, test tube babies and even vaccines. In the field of transport, human beings have become overly reliant on more efficient modes of transport that have come as a result of technology, and this includes dream liners, faster electric trains or trams and electric cars, which also includes transport modes such as cable cars and hot-air balloons. Technology has had a great impact in the daily running of the human lives. These effects exhibit themselves either positively or negatively. Human beings rely on technology to make their work simpler thus accruing the benefits that go a long way in improving lifestyles. Such technology for example internet has come with its advantage of making communication easier. Technology has made the world seem li ke what is normally known as a global village (Mooij, 2004). This is so in that it brings individuals closer to each other through constant communication and interaction. For example, social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace allow people to share a lot such as updates, photos, biographies and even share interests. The internet has also enabled faster communication in the sense that people get instant feedback on their communications. This can be accomplished through chats, emails and skyping. The creation of hot spots and wireless networks have enabled people to access the internet even in the remotest parts of a country thus enabling easier and faster communication. According to Kizza (2001), technological advances have enabled human beings to produce and secure data that is important in the day to day running of human life. Technology also allows human beings to have proper planning in their daily lives. For example, when you lose data contained in books and y ou wish to

Media- a secret ally of violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Media- a secret ally of violence - Essay Example during dinner preparation and other activities, while children are most likely to find an enjoyable program somewhere on the dial at any time of the day or night. However, the types of programming selected have often had a negative impact on those who watch it. By glamorizing violence, the media has destructive effect on the youth, adolescence and the society. Because of the powerful way in which the media has focused on violent and antisocial behavior, the media deliberately misinforms, making the viewers fearful, suspicious and cynical. Because of its bias toward bad news, the media feeds a perception that the world is a violent, dangerous place. As a result, the viewers come to overestimate the rate of violence. â€Å"The prevalence of bad news and the power of image encourage children and us to overestimate the chance of accident, risk of disease, the frequency of marital infidelity.† The writer then went on to explain that â€Å"the average policemen, for example, never fires a gun in action and most Americans are monogamous.† (240). With these images flashing in their minds every evening, the viewers become negative, mistrustful of others and withdrawn, and cease to believe in progress. In the age of information, many Americans instead feel utterly alone and depressed. Even worse than creating a world in which so many people feel alone and unable to trust their fellow man, the media causes the viewers to fail to sympathize with the victim. Viewers become accustomed to the violence scene on television with scenes that involve bloodshed, raping and other acts of extreme violence. This creates a situation in which the viewers are emotionally desensitized in real life violence. â€Å"There is near-unanimity by now among investigators that exposure to media violence contributes to lowering barriers to aggression among some viewers.† (234). Demoralized by the violence scenes, the viewer finds it easier to identify with the aggressor and the aggressor’s

Theories of National Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Theories of National Culture - Essay Example Some of the famous theories of national culture include Hofsdete’s national culture theory, Hamden-Turner and Trompenaars model, and Edward Hall’s theory. It is important here to understand the link between national culture and organisational or corporate culture. Globalisation has reduced boundaries all over the world and this has led to highly diverse organizations. Employees belonging to different cultures and nationalities are working together in pursuit of the same goals. Employees are greatly influenced by their national cultures and their behaviour is an extension of their cultural values. Managers have to handle diversity and create a corporate culture that is flexible enough to accommodate people from different backgrounds. This is the link between organisational culture and national culture.Hofstde’s national culture theory has 5 dimensions and each explains a specific characteristic of national culture (Hofstede, 1983). All the dimensions can help us b etter understand the cultural values and beliefs of people who belong to those cultures. Most of the relevant information required is given by these 5 dimensions. The factors that distinguish national cultures from each other are grouped into 5 clusters. The first dimension of the theory is power distance that explains the distribution of power in a particular culture (Hofstede, 1983). More specifically this dimension is concerned with the degree of equality or inequality that exists in a culture. The second dimension is of individualism that is related to the extent to which individual or collective interests are pursued in a culture. The third dimension is uncertainty avoidance which explains the degree to which ambiguity is tolerated in a culture or a society (1983). The fourth dimension is masculinity which refers to the degree to which traditional masculine roles are accepted in the society. Initially Hofstede came up with four dimensions but later on he added another dimension of long term orientation or Confucianism (Hofstede, 1994). This dimension refers to the long term focus on traditions and values. All these 5 dimensions help us understand a particular culture better as this theory equips us to evaluate a culture on specific dimensions. Hamden-Turner and Trompenaars also gave a model of national cultures that included 7 dimensions (Hamden-Turner &Trompenaars, 2000). Universalism and pluralism is the first dimension that refers to the degree to which law or personal relationships are considered important in a society. The second dimension is individualism vs. communitarianism which is similar to the dimension of individualism of Hofstede’s model. The third dimension is called ‘specific or diffuse’ which explains how responsibilities are assigned in a society. The other dimensions include affectivity vs. Neutrality, inner directed vs. Outer directed, achieved

Don Giovanni and Enlightenment Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Don Giovanni and Enlightenment - Term Paper Example The character of Don Giovanni gives voice to two contrasting attributes of enlightenment. On is the enlightenment notion of liberty. Don Giovanni in his acts shockingly refutes all the norms and values of society, state, decency and religion (Clive 30). In that sense, Don Giovanni stands to be an Enlightenment anti-hero who mocks at the norms set by the society and the church, to live a life of true liberty. Thus, no doubt, Don Giovanni may be said to be devilish in the sense that he brings the humanity to face the truths that hide deep down in the recesses of the dark side of human personality, and are ordinarily too difficult to be faced owing to the pressures and constraints put in place by the state, society and religion (Clive 30). Yet, at the same time while tending to be the true proponent of the idea of liberty that constituted the bedrock of Enlightenment, Don Giovanni is also a harbinger of disruption in all the spheres of life existing around him, be it moral, political or legal (Clive 44). While he aspires to live a liberated life, he puts to risk the liberty of others around him, which happened to be a side effect of Enlightenment. The sexual hunger of Don Giovanni makes him blatantly mock the vows of love and marriage, put at risk time honored bonds and relationships, and disturb the social distinctions that to some extent held the society together. No doubt, Don Giovanni qualifies to be a true Enlightenment hero who is committed to live a liberated life, thereby giving way to a creative disturbance that shakes the foundations of old norms, values and ethics on the altar of reason (Clive 45). One essential aspect of Don Giovanni’s personality that attracts the attention of audience is his commitment to live a socially and ethically liberated life while setting aside all fear, either human or heavenly (Steptoe 243). In the final part of Act 1, when the five characters those are Masetto, Zerlina, Elvira, Anna and Ottavio try to scare him to r epentance by hinting at the heavenly vengeance, his carefree reply is â€Å"My courage shall not fail me, though the powers of hell assail me (Mozart: CD)†. Not to mention the end of Act II, when Don Giovanni vows to never to be scared to repentance, even if it amounted to burning in the everlasting fires of hell. The thing to be noted is that in the plot of this opera, Don Giovanni is not left at a dead end, but the destiny allows him a chance to repent and go to heaven instead of hell. Yet, in the true spirit of Enlightenment, Don Giovanni chooses to live a life on his own terms, rather than bowing before the constraints of the society. Hence, Don Giovanni turns out to be a true Enlightenment rebel hero. In this opera, the music by Mozart also highlights Don Giovanni as a happy and confident person who is free of all superficial constraints and superstitions. The music depicts Giovanni as a person who is totally unapologetic about his love for women and bodily exploits (Moz art: CD). The music attributed by Mozart to Don Giovanni is fast paced, celebratory and energetic (Mozart: CD). It goes without saying that the music also has a tinge of sadness, perhaps because it tends to convey to the audience the distance between Don Giovanni and society and its traditions and the inevitable fate of those who decide to live life on their own terms (Mozart: CD). There is no denying the fact that it is the opening bars of the finale that most suits the

Review theory, current trends and development of the Nhs in light of Literature

Theory, current trends and development of the Nhs in light of sustainable business. Ie stakeholder engagement waiting th - Literature review Example Gleeds (2010) reported that as first phase of developing sustainable business models, NHS identified potential source of carbon emission. NHS in UK found 40% raise in carbon emission its different operational activities ranging from travel, building operations and procurement in healthcare network. In such context, UK government had taken stringent measures to control activities of healthcare organizations to reduce carbon emission in operation. The UK government also wanted the emergence of an organization or association which can set examples for other players in terms of reduction of carbon footprint in the value chain. NHS found it the ideal situation to lead the sustainable business model movement and during 2008, National Health Service launched Improving Health campaign and Saving Carbon campaign. As part of the program, NHS staff, NHS itself and partners got the opportunity to consult other healthcare organizations when it comes to reducing carbon footprint in operation (Glee ds, 2010). ... In the workplace, NHS staff is being encouraged to decrease use of fuel fed vehicles and use of papers and perform other green habits. Procurement - more than 50% of annual NHS carbon footprints (more than 10 million tonnes) are being produced through logistics and transports of goods. In such context, NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) established partnership with Department of Health (DH) and Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) in order implement low carbon solutions in the procurement process. NHS directed monthly transportation limit for fuel fed vehicles. As result of such strategic initiatives, NHS has been able to save ?40 million/year by reducing carbon emission throughout the supply chain by 10%. Waste Reduction- NHS incurred additional cost of ?71.2 million in 2007-2008 due to waste generated from its operation. In such context, NHS SDU and DH practices are being moderated simultaneously to reduce the amount of waste generated from operation by 40% (Gleeds, 2010). Significant amount of carbon based pollution (by CO2 and CO) caused from untreated waste (Begg, Van der Woerd and Levy, 2005; Boiral, 2006). Therefore, NHS took step for reducing waste in operation that can alternatively reduce overall carbon emission. Smith and Ward (2007), Sterling (2001) and Stern (2007) supported the fact that organizations can deploy sustainable business models based on carbon reduction formulae by integrating all the above mentioned activities such as Energy & Carbon Management, Procurement of sources, reducing waste and ensuring minimal carbon emission at transport. In the next section, the study will discuss two case studies regarding sustainable