Crumbling schools

It seems that our Hospitals are crumbling, our Schools are crumbling, and just about everything else that was built between 1930 and 1990 is crumbling. It doesn't say much for our modern Steel-n-Concrete building methods.

I attended a 10th Century school, where nothing was crumbling other than some of the teachers. 

The buildings were of stone and some brick, and were built to last. The building where I lived was 'The oldest inhabited residential building in Europe'. The adjoining 11th Century cathedral was also built to last, and still shows no sign of crumble.

One really has to wonder if modern building techniques are worth the 'saved' time and money. The current problem in our schools stem from Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Had they been built of either brick or pukka concrete blocks, none of this would be a problem; but air is cheaper than cement, so that's what we've got.

I suppose this is a classic example of cutting corners (and expenses), and ending-up with what you deserve.

I often stop to look at building sites as huge new multi-story blocks get ever bigger. Giant metal structures rise ever higher. Huge slabs of concrete are winched into place between the steel structures. Foam filled wooden partitions make-up the insides. And goodness knows what sort of 'cladding' goes on the outside to hide the shoddy 'ease' of the work.

I wonder if we will ever see a return to real craftsmanship and quality materials in our buildings. Somehow I doubt it. Repairs will be made, and fingers crossed. 

You get what you pay for with builders, and deal with the consequences later. That seems to be the modern way.