ID5200: Assignment-2

1. I identified some similar building techniques after carefully examining my hostel room, the
classroom, the Building Sciences Block (BSB), and the Structural Engineering Block (STR).
The primary material used is reinforced concrete, with wood used for furniture such as desks,
tables, and doors. Reinforced Concrete has shown to stand Millenniums and wood being
cheap, light and easy to carve furniture out makes this the right decision made by the Civil
Engineers and Architects of that time.
As showcased by the institute's more than 65 years of existence, civil engineers and architects
carefully considered their options to create long-lasting structures. The building method dates
back to the Roman era, when it was discovered how strong concrete and steel combined
might be. Imagine it as a system of concrete-covered steel wires, like the branches of a tree,
demonstrating its tenacity and strength.
These ancient concepts blend traditional wisdom with novel ideas, drawing inspiration from
nature. The buildings' success highlights how important it is to plan carefully and combine
heritage and functionality in an effortless manner.

2.
a) How long a thing lasts at my place, in my town, or on the IITM campus depends on a few
factors. Structures, like those made of steel and concrete, can withstand time for years if
kept up well. Appliance and furniture lifetimes fluctuate because they can wear out. City
structures like roads and bridges have different lifetimes. These depend on how well
they're made and looked after. The lifespan of these items in my home or community
changes based on material strength, design aims, and upkeep habits.

b) Throughout my time at IIT Madras and in my hometown, I couldn't help but notice the
timeless fixtures that have been present for years. The desks in our classrooms, which
have been used for countless lessons, display their age with scratches and scuffs. The
long-standing libraries, filled with books that have yellowed with time, seem as though
they will crumble at any moment. The once lively playgrounds are now silent, with
swings swaying lazily. The labs, once hubs of innovation, now sit unused. Even the town
squares have seen better days, with benches that have peeling paint. It's a stark reminder
that nothing is permanent, and the passage of time inevitably transforms everything.

c) Mostly these items will eventually be replaced, either through renovation or

reconstruction. This will require a variety of building materials, such as fresh stocks of
wood, concrete, and other construction materials, to be gathered from different sources.
The process of renovation may involve both recycling existing materials and introducing
new ones. For instance, in the case of a bench being replaced in a town square, the old
wood could be repurposed while new materials are used in the reconstruction. The
ultimate objective is to find a perfect balance between sustainability and practicality,
ensuring that the replacement process takes into account its environmental impact while
effectively serving the needs of the community.