Built to Last

Over the past year, I’ve seen several buildings constructed near my office. And a couple of them have been close enough that I’ve been able to watch the progress by simply looking out the windows on our floor.

Not only has it been interesting to see all the steps involved, but I’ve also been fascinated by how the process of building these structures (residential dorms at a well-established university) differs from some residential and commercial construction I’ve also seen during the same time period.

Although I don’t have a background in construction, it’s still apparent that the buildings going up outside my office window are of a different quality than I’ve seen elsewhere. From the number of layers of insulation, to the brick work, to the materials used for the roof (i.e. slate, copper, etc.), this kind of construction is of a higher caliber than most.

And although I’m sure they were expensive to build in this way, it also makes sense when you think about the timeframe these buildings are expected to stand. They’re not being built to simply last a few decades, they’re being built to last for centuries. And so it makes sense that the builders use the best techniques and materials in their construction.

This whole process has reminded me of a few things:

First, when making decisions, it’s important to establish the time frame that’s in view. Are we deciding what makes the most sense over the next week, or month, or year, or decade, or lifetime? The answer may affect the solution we choose.

Second, it reminds me that the longer something needs to last, the more important the materials we use. The reason we can visit buildings in some parts of the world that were built a thousand years ago is because they used materials that would endure. And this same principle isn’t just for physical buildings. It could be relationships, or a business, or any number of things. The longer something needs to last, the more important the quality of the elements it consists of.

Finally, it reminds me that the quality we choose speaks volumes about our perspective. If we choose to invest in things that will last, it demonstrates that we’re keeping our eyes on the bigger picture. It may be quicker and cheaper to go other routes, but if longevity is important, it’s critical to think and invest accordingly.