Evensong “A Boy and A Girl”

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Evensong “A Boy and A Girl”

February 18, 2024
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The University Academic Choir was founded in 1948 and has a wide-ranging repertoire that includes classical, folk, and sacred music.  The choir is also involved in promoting the cultural heritage of Poland and building cultural connections with other countries around the world.

Eric Whitacre: Original poem Octavio Paz

History of Western Civilization Told Through the Acoustics of its Worship Spaces

Polska

ΒΙΒΛΙΟΘΗΚΕΣ

February 18, 2024
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Artist Unknown / Image Source: Bilkent Üniversitesi Türkiye

 

“The health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings  of our culture

and our concern for the future can all be tested by how well we support our libraries.”

—Carl Sagan

 

The founding of many educational institutions throughout the world was marked with the building of a place of worship (LEARN MORE: See College & University Chapels).   After the church the library was the second building.  It seems likely that after the library the “Media Center” will emerge as the replacement facility category (occupancy classification) in building codes and standards.   It will be difficult letting go of the memories and the ambiance of these places and spaces.  Who does not have a favorite place in a favorite library?

The original University of Michigan advocacy enterprise presented structural engineering technical committees of the American Society of Civil Engineers with proposals to roll back the live loading criteria for “occupancies formerly known as libraries” — because stacks of books and paper filing cabinets were being replaced with laptop computers.  Not only that, stacks of actual physical books in legacy libraries were being relocated off-site to slab-on-grade book warehouses leaving the space to be renovated as study areas or administrative offices.

Those proposals for Table 1607 of the International Building were rejected for lack of technical substantiation.  Fair enough.  Structural engineering is a fearsome art and you do not want to push too hard on the instincts of structural design professionals even though their risk-aversion instinct is raising cost for new media centers that are mis-characterized as “libraries”.  Most standards developing committees are permitted to set their own criteria for technical substantiation.  After the desire and obligation to design for public safety it is naive to discount their concern for the cost of professional liability insurance, however.  There are times when you are willing to pay for another power of ten safety factor.

The International Building Code Code is deep into its 2021 revision and it appears that some correlation action with ASCE structural engineering codes might have occurred.  Rather than risk inaccuracy, we will archive the technical details to the post linked at the bottom of this page.  It is often necessary to do this when codes and standards relevant to a given education facility develop out of step with one another.

We will continue following other library-related concepts are listed (very) briefly below:

  • Book shelf depth specifications
  • Lighting power densities, more occupancy sensors and daylight responsive controls
  • Inclusion of libraries in the conditions under which education facilities are used as community storm shelters.
  • Metadata (CLICK HERE)

Operating experience, use pattern anecdotes, war stories and such are always gratefully received any day during our colloquia however direct participation in the ICC Code Development Process should always be a first choice.  CLICK HERE to get started.

The image criteria of our WordPress theme does not permit many images of college and university libraries to be shown fully dimensioned on sliders or widget galleries.  We reproduce a few of the outsized images here and leave the complexities of financing, designing, building and maintaining of them in a safe and sustainable manner for another day.   If you need specific information please refer to the links at the bottom on this, very long, page.

 Click on any image for image credit and other information

“Bibliotheque_Sainte-Genevieve” | University of Paris, et al

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster

Johns Hopkins University

Library at Thorildsplans Gymnasium (Thorildsplan upper secondary school) | Stockholm, Sweden

Iowa State University

Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem

University of Oxford

George H.W. Bush Library | Texas A&M University

Bilkent Üniversitesi Kütüphanesi / Türkiye

St. John’s College | University of Cambridge

Tama Art University Library | 多摩美術大学

University of San Diego

Delft University of Technology Library

University of Notre Dame

University of Utrecht

University of Ottawa

University of Derby


Akita International University | Nakajima Library


Dominican University

Erasmus University

The Masters University

The Ohio State University

University of Washington

Vilnius University Library

Biblioteca Centrală a Universității Politehnica Timișoara | Romania

University of Southern California

Københavns Universitet

Roskilde Universitet

Bowling Green State University

Universität Wien

新加坡管理大学 | Singapore Management University

上海大学 | Shanghai University Library

Universidade de Coimbra

University of Michigan Law School

More coming.


Archive / Library Structural Engineering

Codes, Standards, Guidelines, Recommended Practice and Standards of Care for Libraries & Media Centers

Tea

February 18, 2024
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“Monday morning” as a concept since the modern idea of weekdays, including Monday as the start of the workweek, is a relatively recent development. In ancient times, different cultures had their own systems for organizing time, often based on astronomical or religious cycles rather than the structured workweek we’re familiar with today.

From ancient writings, however, we learn about the start of the week in various contexts. For instance, in Greco-Roman literature, there are numerous references to the beginning of the day and the importance of starting tasks early. Additionally, certain religious texts, such as the Bible, may contain references to the first day of the week, which could be interpreted in a similar context to Monday.

 

“No matter where you are in the world,

you are at home when tea is served.”

– Earlene Grey

 

There is an American way for drinking tea, a British way of drinking tea, a Japanese way of drinking tea and so forth and so on. However, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) section ISO 3103 concludes upon an “international way” of drinking tea. The ISO even created a standard on how to run a standard organization. Their goal for this standard, no matter where you are in the world, is to have one way to play it safe in terms of making tea. To maintain consistent results, the following are recommendations given by the standard:

  • The pot should be white porcelain or glazed earthenware and have a partly serrated edge. It should have a lid that fits loosely inside the pot.
  • If a large pot is used, it should hold a maximum of 310 ml (±8 ml) and must weigh 200 g (±10 g).
  • If a small pot is used, it should hold a maximum of 150 ml (±4 ml) and must weigh 118 g (±10 g).
  • 2 grams of tea (measured to ±2% accuracy) per 100 ml boiling water is placed into the pot.
  • Freshly boiling water is poured into the pot to within 4-6 mm of the brim.
  • The water should be similar to the drinking water where the tea will be consumed
  • Brewing time is six minutes.
  • The brewed tea is then poured into a white porcelain or glazed earthenware bowl.
  • If a large bowl is used, it must have a capacity of 380 ml and weigh 200 g (±20 g)
  • If a small bowl is used, it must have a capacity of 200 ml and weigh 105 g (±20 g)
  • If the test involves milk, then it can be added before or after pouring the infused tea.
  • Milk added after the pouring of tea is best tasted when the liquid is between 65 – 80 °C.
  • 5 ml of milk for the large bowl, or 2.5 ml for the small bowl, is used.

If you travel out of the country and are not informed on the countries traditions and practices for drinking tea, according to the ISO, you can’t go wrong by using the above standards. Their standards does not make your way of making tea wrong. It just sets a default and reproducible cup for everyone to make.

More

The International Standard Cup of Tea

BS 6008:1980 ISO 3103:1980

ISO 1839 Tea Sampling

NSF International: Drinking Water Quality

A Closer Look at Water for Tea

There are several universities around the world that specialize in tea research. Some of the most well-known include:

University of North Carolina at Greensboro (USA): The UNCG has a Center for Applied Research in Tea and is dedicated to tea research in the areas of health, culture, and sustainability.

Huazhong Agricultural University (China): Huazhong Agricultural University has a Tea Science Institute that conducts research in the areas of tea breeding, tea processing, tea quality, and tea culture.

University of Shizuoka (Japan): The University of Shizuoka has a Faculty of Agriculture that includes a Department of Tea Science, which conducts research in the areas of tea production, processing, and quality.

University of Darjeeling (India): The University of Darjeeling has a Department of Tea Science and Technology that offers courses in tea science and conducts research in the areas of tea cultivation, processing, and marketing.

University of Colombo (Sri Lanka): The University of Colombo has a Department of Plant Sciences that conducts research in the areas of tea breeding, cultivation, and processing.

Anhui Agricultural University (China): Anhui Agricultural University has a Tea Research Institute that conducts research in the areas of tea breeding, cultivation, processing, and marketing.

 

Hindbærsnitter

February 18, 2024
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Aarhus University was founded in 1928 and is the second oldest university in Denmark.  It has a  total enrollment of approximately 39,000 students and employed around 9,000 faculty members and staff.  During the summer its doors are open to everyone on earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hygge

“At the Breakfast Table” | Laurits Andersen Ring:


Danmark

The link between a college education and a lasting marriage

February 18, 2024
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“You shall above all things be glad and young…”

Opening page of “The Prologue of the Wife of Bath’s Tale,” from the Ellesmere manuscript of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, c. 1400.

Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics estimate that 78% of college-educated women who married for the first time between 2006 and 2010 could expect their marriages to last at least 20 years. But among women who have a high school education or less, the share is only 40%.

The link between a college education and a lasting marriage

Weddings

Outdoor Deicing & Snow Melting

February 17, 2024
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“Snow at Argenteuil” | Claude Monet (1875)

Today our focus turns to outdoor electric deicing and snow melting wiring systems identified as suitable for the environment and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  They work silently to keep snow load from caving in roofs and icicles falling from gutters onto pedestrian pathways.

While the voltage and ampere requirement of the product itself is a known characteristic, the characteristic 0f the wiring pathway — voltage, ampere, grounding, short circuit, disconnect and control — is relatively more complicated and worthy of our attention.   Articles 426-427 of the National Electrical Code is the relevant part of the NEC

Free Access 2023 National Electrical Code

Insight into the ideas running through technical committee deliberations is provided by a review of Panel 17 transcripts:

2023 NEC Panel 17 Public Input Report (633 pages)

2023 NEC Panel 17 Public Comment Report (190 pages)

We hold Articles 427 in the middle of our priority ranking for the 2023 NEC.   We find that the more difficult issues for this technology is the determination of which trade specifies these systems — architectural, electrical, or mechanical; covered in previous posts.   Instead, most of our time will be spent getting IEEE consensus products in step with it, specifically ANSI/IEEE 515 and IEEE 844/CSA 293.

Comments on the First Draft of the 2026 NEC will be received until August 28th.

454c656374726f746563686e6f6c6f6779

We collaborate with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facility Committee which meets online 4 times per month in European and American time zones.  Since a great deal of the technical basis for the NEC originates with the IEEE we will also collaborate with IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 18 whose members are charged by the IEEE Standards Association to coordinate NFPA and IEEE consensus products.

Issue: [19-151]

Category: Electrical, Energy

Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Kane Howard, Jose Meijer


LEARN MORE:

IEEE Standard for the Testing, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Resistance Heat Tracing for Commercial Applications

844.2/CSA C293.2-2017 – IEEE/CSA Standard for Skin Effect Trace Heating of Pipelines, Vessels, Equipment, and Structures–Application Guide for Design, Installation, Testing, Commissioning, and Maintenance

 

Notre Dame in Ireland: Chef David’s Scones

February 16, 2024
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The history of scones is believed to have originated in Scotland. The name “scone” is said to come from the Dutch word “schoonbrot,” which means “beautiful bread.” Scones have a long and interesting history that dates back several centuries.

Originally, scones were not the sweet, buttery treats we know today. Instead, they were simple unleavened oatcakes or griddle cakes made from barley, oats, or wheat. These early scones were baked on griddles or stovetops rather than being oven-baked.

As time went on, the recipe for scones evolved, and they became more commonly associated with Scotland and England. The Scottish version of scones was typically round and made with oats. They were cooked on a griddle or in a pan and then cut into triangular sections, which were known as “bannocks.” These bannocks were the ancestors of the modern scone.

In the 19th century, with the advent of baking powder and modern ovens, scones began to be baked instead of griddle-cooked. The addition of baking powder allowed scones to rise and become lighter and fluffier. The ingredients were refined to include flour, butter, milk or cream, and a leavening agent like baking powder. This marked the shift from the traditional oat-based scone to the more recognizable wheat-based scone we know today.

Scones’ popularity spread beyond Scotland and England, and they became a common teatime treat across the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. The addition of raisins, currants, or other dried fruits, as well as sugar, transformed scones into the sweet delicacies that are commonly enjoyed today, often served with clotted cream and jam in the classic English afternoon tea.

In the United States, scones have also become popular, with various regional and cultural variations. American scones may be larger, sweeter, and have a wider variety of flavor options, such as blueberry, cranberry-orange, or chocolate chip.  Today, scones continue to be beloved treats enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Their history reflects centuries of evolution and cultural influence, making them a delightful and enduring part of baking traditions worldwide.

Ireland

National Standards Authority of Ireland

Standard Scone Recipe

The standard scone is a simple and versatile preparation that can be customized with various additions, such as dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, to suit different tastes.

Here is a basic recipe for making standard scones:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup milk (plus more for brushing on top)
  • 1 large egg
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavorings (e.g., almond extract, lemon zest)
  • Optional: Additions such as dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well distributed but still in small pieces.
  4. If you’re adding any optional flavorings or additions, mix them into the dry ingredients at this stage.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and optional vanilla extract (or other flavorings) until well combined.
  6. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Gently stir the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together.
  7. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round disk, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
  8. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. Traditionally, scones are cut into triangular shapes.
  9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  10. Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to give them a nice golden color when baked.
  11. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly golden on top.
  12. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Scones are best enjoyed fresh and can be served with butter, clotted cream, jam, or any other toppings of your choice.

This standard scone recipe provides a classic and delicious base that you can experiment with by adding various flavors and mix-ins to create your own unique variations. 


Morning Tea

Winter Sport

February 16, 2024
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ANSI Standards Action: February 9, 2024

“Indians Playing Lacrosse on the Ice” 1934 Yale University Art Gallery

The literature for designing, building and maintaining sport and recreation related spaces in education settlements cuts across so many safety and sustainability risk aggregations that, starting 2024, we begin breaking up the topic according to four seasons; mindful that not all seasons are present in all settlements at all times of the year.

Join us today when we sort through live public consultations on proposed changes to the most frequently referenced titles.


Hockey

Ice Hockey Arena Lighting


Figure Skating


Rifle


Recreation

Darts

Ice Fishing

Curling

Billiards


Swimming

Coetzenburg Swimming Pool


Related:

Readings / Sport, Culture & Society

Maths and Sport

National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security

Virtual reality technology in evacuation simulation of sport stadiums

 

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