The image from the lecture that I chose was the illustration of the fire at the Albion Mills in London in 1791. This fire among others prompted the redesign of these factories that grind grain into flour. When Cast iron was introduced it was a new way to solve old problems throughout design. Bridges began to be built with cast iron due to its positive properties. It was a smart upgrade due to the material’s toughness, ductility, elasticity and malleability. So, when the mills were redesigned at the end of the 18th century, they were built using cast iron and brick to prevent fires and strengthen the buildings. Cast iron and steel replaced wood as the framework for the buildings. It is so interesting to understand how building design has evolved over time through trial and error. However, it is also interesting to me that some people haven’t learned from these past mistakes. A horseback riding barn I took lessons at for years when I was younger burnt down a few years ago. The building was made completely out of wood and a similar event happened with dry harvested materials catching fire and spreading very quickly. I would think that after all these years people would know how to avoid events like these that have been happening since around 1791. However, history repeats itself and some people are not as educated as they perhaps should be on certain topics. This reminds me why it is so important for me to learn everything I can over the next three years and for the rest of my life. To be the best designer you can be it is important to learn from the past and innovate for the future based on this knowledge.
