Sacred Spaces

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Sacred Spaces

October 27, 2024
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“We need the sense of the sacred, and the sense that things transcend our grasp.

We need to know that we are dependent on others,

and that the condition of our existence is the existence of others.”

— Sir Roger Scruton

“View of Eton College Chapel” 1834 William Ingalton

Natural Religion

The founding of many education communities is inspired by faith communities.   In many of them the place of worship was the very first building.   College and university chapels are central places of worship for students, staff and faculty, and provide a space for solitude and reflection.  A place for feeling at home in the world.

International Building Code | Section 303.4 Assembly Group A-3

There are several hundred technical standards, or parts of standards,  that govern how churches and chapels are made safe and sustainable.  Owing to innovations in construction, operation and management methods, those standards move, ever so slightly, on a near-daily basis.  They are highly interdependent; confounded by county-level adaptations; and impossible to harmonize by adoption cycle.  That movement tracked here as best we can within the limit of our resources and priorities.  That’s why it’s best to simply click into our daily colloquia if you have a question or need guidance.

Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief | Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray, Sam Harris

Taylor University | Grant County Indiana

The image criteria of our WordPress theme does not permit many images of college and university chapels 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.  CLICK HERE for the links to our Sacred Space Standards workspace.

Click on any image for author attribution, photo credit or other information*.

Orchard Lake Schools | Oakland County Michigan

Saint Leo University | Pasco County Florida

Newman University Chapel Dublin

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen:

not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

— C.S. Lewis

Vilnius University

Mount St. Joseph University | Hamilton County Ohio

Sainte-Chapelle:pic.twitter.com/B2lPLtWEVx

— Culture Critic (@Culture_Crit) February 12, 2024

Marian University Indianapolis

Wittenberg University

Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem

University of San Diego

Augustana University | Minnehaha County South Dakota

Bucknell University Pennsylvania

Carroll College All Saints Chapel Montana

 

Marquette University Wisconsin

Saint Louis University Missouri

University of St. Thomas Minnesota

Keuka College New York

جامعة الأزهر (الشريف)

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

University of Chicago

Thomas Aquinas College California

St. Albans School | District of Columbia

Princeton University

Yale University

Harvard University

Piula Theological College Samoa

Universität zu Lübeck

Wycliffe College

Universitat de Barcelona

Hillsdale College

Liberty University

Gordon College

 

Colorado University Denver

Walla Walla University / Washington

University of the Incarnate Word / San Antonio, Texas

Pepperdine University / California

University of Kentucky

Loyola Marymount University / Los Angeles, California

Lourdes University

Seton Hall University

Durlston Court Prep School Chapel

Colorado University Denver

Luther College at the University of Regina / Saskatchewan, Canada

 

계명대학교 / Keimyung University Chapel, South Korea

U.S. Coast Guard Memorial Chapel | New London, Connecticut

Saint John’s University | Photo by Paul Middlestaedt

Trinity College / Hartford, Connecticut

Georgetown University Chapel | Washington, D.C.

Kings College Chapel | Auckland, New Zealand

Brigham Young University / Idaho

Newman University Church / Dublin

Our Lady of the Lake University / San Antonio, Texas

Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Texas

Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Texas

St. John’s College Oxford

United States Naval Academy Chapel

Wellington College Chapel

Fitzwilliam College Chapel Cambridge

Sorbonne Université

West Point | US Army Cadet Chapel

Hebrew Union College

Tuskegee University Chapel

The Spring Hill College Chapel | Mobile, Alabama

Boston University

University of Tennessee at Chattangooga

Wake Forest University

Auburn University Chapel

Davis & Elkins College

University of Tulsa

Randolph College Chapel

 

Sewanee | The University of the South

King’s College Chapel | University of Cambridge

Hope College | Holland, Michigan

Duke University | Durham, North Carolina

Christ’s Chapel | Hillsdale College, Michigan

Basilica of the Sacred Heart | University of Notre Dame | South Bend, Indiana

Three Faith Chapels | Brandeis University

University of Wroclaw | Jesuit College | Wrocław, Poland

Alma College Chapel | Alma, Michigan

Stanford Memorial Church | Palo Alto, California

Universidad Adventista Templo | Buenos Aires, Argentina

St. Thomas of Villanova University Chapel | Villanova, Pennsylvania

St. Paul’s Chapel | Columbia University | New York City

Scotch College Chapel | Melbourne, Australia

Princeton University Chapel

United States Air Force Cadet Chapel | Colorado Springs

Chapelle Sainte-Ursule de la Sorbonne | Paris

Memorial Chapel | Glasgow University | Glasgow, Scotland

Alice Millar Chapel | Northwestern University

Bowdoin College Chapel | Brunswick, Maine

Loyola University Chapel | Madonna della Strada Chicago

Heinz Memorial Chapel | University of Pittsburgh

Madonna University Chapel | Livonia, Michigan

Vassar College Chapel | Poughkeepsie, New York

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Student Chapel | Cambridge, Massachusetts

St. Ignatius Church | University of San Francisco

Church of the Resurrection | Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, Indiana

Baughman Center | University of Florida

Exeter College Chapel | Oxford University

 

More coming.

*404 ERRORS and Page Not Found messages are common as webmasters move content.


More

CLICK HERE for bibliography

 

 

 

Dogs and Agriculture

October 27, 2024
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Dogs have been bred for a variety of purposes throughout history, including as working animals to support agriculture. Dogs have been bred for specific traits that make them well-suited to work on farms, such as intelligence, obedience, strength, and endurance*.

University of Oxford Estates Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Here are a few examples of how dogs were bred to support agriculture:

Herding dogs: Dogs such as the Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, and German Shepherd were bred to help farmers manage livestock by herding them from one place to another. These dogs have a natural instinct to gather and control herds of animals, and they can be trained to respond to a farmer’s commands.

Hunting dogs: Many breeds of dogs, such as the Labrador Retriever, were originally bred as hunting dogs to assist farmers with hunting game for food. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and are skilled at tracking and retrieving prey.

Guard dogs: Certain breeds of dogs, such as the Great Pyrenees, were bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears. These dogs are fiercely protective of their flock and will guard them from any perceived threat.

Draft dogs: Some large breeds of dogs, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard, were bred to pull carts and wagons on farms. These dogs are strong and muscular and can move heavy loads across long distances.

Overall, dogs have been bred for centuries to support agriculture in a variety of ways. Their intelligence, loyalty, and hardworking nature have made them invaluable assets to farmers and have helped to shape the course of human history.

Wool Throw Project

October 27, 2024
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Wyoming’s climate and geography are well-suited for sheep farming and wool production. The state has vast expanses of grasslands and mountain ranges, providing ample grazing land for sheep. Additionally, Wyoming experiences cold winters and relatively dry conditions, which are favorable for sheep and help produce high-quality wool.

Animals 300

“The Valley of Wyoming” 1865 Jasper Cropsey

 

 

Wyoming

 

Group A Model Building Codes

October 26, 2024
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CLICK IMAGE

The largest share of safety and sustainability concepts relevant to our SAFER-SIMPLER-LOWER COST-LONGER LASTING priorities appear in ICC’s Group A tranche of titles. Comments on Committee Actions taken on the April meetings in Atlanta will were received July 8th — including own proposals for performance-based building interior power chain design — and will be discussed at the Committee Action Hearings in Long Beach, October 23-31.

We will use the transcript linked below:

Complete Code Change Monograph

2024 / 2025 / 2026 Code Development: Group A (2024)

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

Click to launch LIVECAST

2024 International Building Code

2024 / 2025 / 2026 Code Development: Group A (2024)

Action on public response to the first draft of the next edition of the Group A tranche of titles of building codes will be heard in Long Beach, October 23-31.

International Building Code (Occupancy Classification and Use)

Educational Group E
Note that there is a great deal of nuance in the definitions for healthcare and research-related occupancies

International Building Code (Electrical)

Emergency and Standby Power Systems

Lightning Protection Systems

IBC Chapter 27 Proposal

International Building Code (Fire Safety)

International Existing Building Code

International Fire Code

International Mechanical Code

International Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities

International Plumbing Code

International Property Maintenance Code

International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

International Zoning Code

We will examine safety and sustainability concepts tracking in the monographs linked below:

2021 / 2022 Code Development: Group A

2021 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES (2306 Pages)

2021 GROUP A PUBLIC COMMENT AGENDA (1425 Pages)

There are over 100 concepts “in play”; a partial list appears below:

423.5.2 Location of schools used as storm shelters.

423.4.1 Required Occupant Capacity in storm shelters

917.1 Requirement for mass notification studies for colleges and universities.

403.3.6 Door locking.

1003.3.1 Fat, oil and grease receptors in kitchens.

Sections 403.1.1 and 403.2.  Minimum number of plumbing fixtures in various occupancy classifications and how many genders.

1110.3 Adult Changing Stations.

410.4.1 Performance theater actor changing room separation from stage.

1202.7 Soil Gas Control.  Radon levels in schools.

1204.1.1 Percentage of natural light in classrooms.

321.1 Artificial combustible vegetation on roofs and near buildings.

907.2.1 Manual fire alarm pull stations located at outdoor stadium bleachers

915.2.3 4 Carbon monoxide detectors in Group E occupancies.

501.1 Accessory dwelling units in residential zones

801.2.3.1 Accessory dwelling unit parking.

We will have time to sort through them, assign priorities and prepare proposals based upon colloquia over the next few weeks.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

April 30, 2023 Update of the New ICC Code, Standard and Guideline Process

Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures



Updated: September 13

(Original Post: April 12, 2021)

 

During today’s colloquium we will review all of the concepts tracking in the Group A tranche relevant to student housing facilities owned by the college, university or school district; soon to be discussed during the Committee Action Hearings starting September 22nd.   There are quite a few so we will likely not have time to cover best practice titles for off-campus housing; a sensitive area.  We will set a separate colloquium for this topic in early 2022.

Group A Committee Action Hearings begin September 22nd and we will provide a link to the ICC livestream every day.


Updated: August 17, 2021

(Original Post: April 12, 2021)

During today’s colloquium on fire safety we will review all of the concepts tracking in the Group A tranche; soon to be discussed during the Committee Action Hearings starting September 22nd.

 


July 12th

For today’s colloquium on elevators and lifts we will review the following concepts tracking in the Group A tranche:

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | The intent of this proposal(s) is to allow for ramps to serve as an accessible route off an occupied roof instead of requiring standby power on the elevator for that occupied roof.

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | Related to the above.  Parking garages and self-service storage facilities have extremely low occupancy loads. Increasing the 4-story limit to 6-
stories for when standby power for elevators is required takes this practical difference in uses into account.

IBC § 1109.2.2| E34-21, et. al | Providing the fire department the option for using the elevator for assisted evacuation in any elevator building using fire department recall; with the additional
improvements of standby power (1009.4.1) at five stories and the fire service access elevator protections at 120 feet.

IBC § 1010.2.15 | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 1010.2. | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 3006.3 |  G184-21 | Elevator hoistway pressure

IBC § 3001.2 |  G175-21 | Elevator communication systems

IBC § 1020.2.1 |  G182-21 | Elevator hoistway fire protection

IBC § 3007.6 |  G187-21 | Elevator corridors and access

Keep in mind that most of these failed as stand-alone proposals but will likely inform decisions on related proposals; at least administratively.

Continuation of the Group A Code Development may be tracked below:

2021/2022 Code Development Cycle

You may key in your own responses starting HERE.

The ICC catalog informs a large part of our own agenda so we deal with titles within it nearly every day on nearly every issue.  For example, we will track interaction of Article 620 of the National Electrical Code, Chapter 7 of the Life Safety Code, and Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems in the International Building Code


June 14

For today’s colloquium — a review of the construction spend rate — today note the following:

Table of Contents identifying administration of the Group A revision cycle

For the Nurse & Dentist colloquium today we note the following:

We find most of the discussion centered on nursing home safety concepts; a focus area given the circumstances of the pandemic.   Public comment closes the end of this week.

For the Lively Arts colloquium today we note the following:

  • Fire hazard associated with theatrical lighting and assembly construction materials.
  • Gender sensitive water closet count in theaters and assembly areas
  • Schools as storm shelters

For the Housing colloquium earlier this month we examined the report linked below for concepts related to student housing facilities in these three groups:

  • University-owned dormitories
  • Student residences owned by the private sector; a very large market now
  • Privately-owned off-campus housing in close proximity to educational campuses

2021 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ACTION HEARINGS ON THE 2021 EDITIONS OF THE GROUP A INTERNATIONAL CODES

Consultation closes July 2nd.

We will also examine related concepts tracking through the NFPA and ASHRAE catalog.


June 9

What got through?  The complete monograph is linked below.  We will be picking through these one-by-one, topic-by-topic, according to the topics of our daily colloquia ahead of the July 2nd deadline:

2021 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ACTION HEARINGS ON THE 2021 EDITIONS OF THE GROUP A INTERNATIONAL CODES

– G97-21: Exception expansion for occupant capacity when schools are used as storm shelters

– G35-21 Table 307 Hazardous materials in higher education laboratories

– F105-21 Risk assessments for mass notification system scope expansion for younger children

– Others regarding healthcare settings too nuanced and complex to describe briefly here….

Generally speaking, most of the proposals briefly identified below were rejected.

CLICK HERE to comment directly.   Join us any day at 15:00 UTC


May 24

CLICK HERE for the Results of Committee Action Hearings on the 2021 proposed changes to the international codes.  You may key in your own comments on these results into ICC’s cdpACCESS Code Development System until July 2nd.  Public Comment Hearings run from September 22 through September 29th according to the ICC 2021/2022 Group A Code Development schedule.


April 12

The International Code Council will host public hearings on its Group A Codes, many of which will affect education community safety and sustainability.  The proposals on the docket of the various committee meetings are relevant to every topic on our daily colloquia (See CALENDAR).  We will be attending these meetings and discussing proposals and decisions in this first part of ICC’s code development process.  The transcript of the complete monograph is linked below:

2021 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES (2306 Pages)

We will be referring to this transcript every day for the next month.  CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO START LIVECAST STREAM.

VIEW ONLY WEBCAST

Proposals to watch:

IPC § 403.1.1 | P26-21 | Calculation method revision for plumbing fixtures for sporting arenas

IFC § 304 et. al | F9-21 | Waste container concepts

IFC § 304.1 | F8-21 | Valet waste concepts in R-2 occupancies

ICCPC § 1205 | PC15-21 | Non-potable and grey-water recycling

IFC § 805.2 | G3-21 | Wastebaskets and linen containers in Group I-1, I-2, etc

IBC § 713.13.4 | FS57-21 | Chute discharge rooms in recycling or laundry areas

IBC § 503.1 | G104-21 | Rooftop photovoltaic systems.

IBC § 1105.1.1 | E116-21 | Power-operated doors at public entrances.  (Electrification of building openings gathers pace.  Remember the good old days when you simply reached for the doorknob?)

IBC § 716.2.6.1, et al | FS85-21 | Fire doors in storm shelters

IBC § 202, et. al | G94-21 | Expansion of storm shelter concepts to “severe windstorms”

IFC § 304.3, et al | F9-21 | 304.3.7 Waste containers with a capacity of 20 gallons or more in Group R-2 college and university dormitories.

IBC § 1213, et al | G172-21 | Stanchions and grab bars (student dormitories and healthcare facilities)

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | The intent of this proposal(s) is to allow for ramps to serve as an accessible route off an occupied roof instead of requiring standby power on the elevator for that occupied roof.

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | Related to the above.  Parking garages and self-service storage facilities have extremely low occupancy loads. Increasing the 4-story limit to 6-
stories for when standby power for elevators is required takes this practical difference in uses into account.

IBC § 1109.2.2| E34-21, et. al | Providing the fire department the option for using the elevator for assisted evacuation in any elevator building using fire department recall; with the additional
improvements of standby power (1009.4.1) at five stories and the fire service access elevator protections at 120 feet.

IBC § 1010.2.7| E47-21 | Exceptions for stairway door operability with failure of power supply

IBC § 3301, et. al| G199-21 Part 1 | Fire safety during construction concepts; removal of waste, Site Safety Plan

IBC Section 202, et. al | G110-21 |  Live Fire Training Building(s)

IMC Table 403.3.3 | M21-21 |  Minimum Ventilation Rates for Animal Facilities

IBC § 1004.8, et al| E10-21 |  Concentrated business use areas (such as computer rooms and data processing centers).  See the G99-21 series of proposals for computer rooms.

IFC, et. al| F18-21 |  Closer correlation with NFPA 96 (large administrative changes for O&M of ICT fire protection systems)

IFC § 308.4.1, et al| G44-21 |  Groups R-2 dormitories

IBC § 202 (NEW) | G66-21 |  Electrical mobility definitions

IBC § 1107.2, et al | E124-21 & E125-21 & E126-21 |  Electrical vehicle charging stations for R-2 occupancies.

IBC § 1104 | E11-21 |  Posting of occupant load

IBC § 1009.8| E35-21 |  Two-way emergency communication

IFC § 202 et. al | F69-21| Animal Housing Facility

IPC § 609.3. al | P102-21| Hot handwashing water

IFC § 202 et. al | F175-21| Healthcare Laboratory Definition

IFC § 911-21 | F119-21| Crosswalk and correlation with NFPA 99 and NFPA 70

IPC § 1003.1 et. al | P131-21| Fat, oil and grease interceptors (for kitchens)

IFC § 903.2 et. al | F65-21| Ambulatory Care facilities

IFC § 917.1, et. al | F105-21| More risk analysis for Group E occupancies

IFC Chapter 9 Fire & Life Safety Systems | F102-21 | State-by-state analysis supporting hottened fire safety requirements

IFC § 202 et. al | F5-21| Occupancy classifications

ICCPC Chapter 3 Design Performance Levels | PC1-21 | Risk Categories for schools and other occupancy types

IBC § 503.2, et. al | G190-21 | Replacement buildings on the same lot

IBC § 1204.1, et. al | G166-21 |  Classrooms Group E natural light

IBC § 423.4.1 | G96-21, et. al | Critical emergency operations; schools as storm shelters; required occupancy capacity

IBC § 1202.7 | G162-21 | Soil gas control systems in new educational buildings

IFC § 1103.9 | F116-21 | Carbon Monoxide detection

IPC § 403.3 | P33-21 | Location of toilet facilities

IPMC Chapter 3 General Requirements | PM10-21 | Accessibility and maintenance

IBC § 1008.1, et. al | E24-21 | Means of egress illumination

IBC § 202 | E26-21 | New definition for energy storage system

IFC § 1203.1.1| E26-21 | New definition for energy storage system

IBC § 1204.1.1 | G165-21 | Classroom natural light criteria

IBC § 1013.5 | E71-21 | Photoluminescent exit signs installation where they can actually be charged

IBC § 1010.2.10 | E49-21| Access control door locking system

IBC § 1010.2.11 | E51-21 and E52-21, et. al | Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors & delayed egress concepts

IBC § 1010.2.15 | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 1010.2. | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 1010.12 | E42-21 | Locks and latches

IBC NEW § 202 | 43-21 | New definitions for Automatic Flush Bolt, et. al

IBC § 1010.2.3 | E44-21 | (Door) Hardware height

IBC NEW § 202 | E55-21 | Control vestibules (hospitals)

IBC § 1110.3 NEW | E142-21 | Adult Changing Stations

IBC § 3301| G199-21 Part I | Fire safety during constructionDenver Public Schools

IFC § NEW SECTIONS 203 Occupancy Classification and Use | F5-21 | See Page 1086

IFC § Chapters 1 – 3 | F14-21| Significant changes to administrative chapters

IBC § 410.1 | G73-21| Stage v.  Platform nomenclature with respect to fire load

IBC § 410.2.1| G77-21| Stage fire hazards

IBC § 410.2.1| G79-21| Stage fire hazards

IBC § 423.4 | G96-21| Critical emergency operations; occupant load for storm shelters

IBC § 423.5.1 | G97-21| Occupant load for storm shelters

G99-21 Part II et. al | Definitions of Information & Communications Technology; revisions to Section 429 Information Technology Equipment Facilities

G112-21, et. al| Sleeping lofts (common in student residence halls)

IBC § 505.2.2 | G115-21 Mixed occupancy buildings

IBC § 506.3.2 | G116-21 Minimum building frontage distance

IBC § 302.1 | G121-21 Occupancy classification

IBC § 1210.4 | G174-21 Use of radiant energy to inactivate bacteria

ICCPC § 1401.3.8 | PC16-21 Protection of secondary power services and equipment

IBC § 2701.1.1 | Group I-2 Electrical systems

IBC & IFC G175-21 | Lightning Protection Systems

IBC § 3006.3 |  G184-21 | Elevator hoistway pressure

IBC § 3001.2 |  G175-21 | Elevator communication systems

IBC § 1020.2.1 |  G182-21 | Elevator hoistway fire protection

IBC § 3007.6 |  G187-21 | Elevator corridors and access

IBC APPENDIX Q (NEW) |  G201-21  | Temporary Structures and Used to Serve Emergencies

IFC § 705.5.1 |  FS17-21 | Buildings in a public right-of-way

Much has changed in the ICC code development process–not the least of which is the absence of the Livecast. Today we will examine our own proposals regarding, a) a performance-based electrical design of building interior feeder power chains; b) market-making by incumbents enlivened by the protected class of money that flows into student accommodations on and off campus.

Notes on Group A Codes 2021

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code

October 26, 2024
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water

“The Bathing Pool” / Hubert Robert (French, 1733–1808) / Gift of J.P. Morgan

2024 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code

READ-ONLY ACCESS

The IAPMO code development process is one of the best in the land.  Its Read-Only Access — needed for light research — is also the best in the land; unlike other ANSI accredited standards developers (who shall be un-named).   The current edition is dated 2024, with the 2027 revision accepted public input until March 3, 2025 according the schedule linked below:

2027 USPSHTC Code Development Calendar

Related:

What are Plumbing Codes?

Uniform Plumbing Code

Coronavirus in Plumbing Systems

King County Seattle

“The Boys in the Boat”

October 26, 2024
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The Boys in the Boat is a true story based on the struggles and sacrifices made by the University of Washington rowing team to compete at rowing at the 1936 Summer Olympics – Men’s eight.

Joseph Sutton-Holcomb from The Seattle Times writes that author Daniel James Brown got the idea to write this book when his neighbor Judy Willman said that her father, Joe Rantz, was a fan of his works and wanted to have a conversation with the author. That conversation with Joe Rantz about life during the Great Depression led to an in-depth chat about his time as a rower at the University of Washington.

All Season Outdoor Swim & Dive

October 26, 2024
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Masters University Facilities

Standards California

Social networks and culture in birds

October 25, 2024
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Birds are social creatures and many species have complex social networks. Social networks are defined as the patterns of social interactions between individuals within a population. Here are some things that are known about the social networks of birds:

  1. Flocking behavior: Many bird species form flocks, which are large groups of individuals that fly together and exhibit coordinated behavior. Flocking behavior is thought to help birds reduce the risk of predation, share information about food sources and mating opportunities, and maintain social connections with other birds.  §1202 of the International Building Code prohibits building envelope openings that encourage flocking behavior in attics, 
  2. Communication: Birds use a variety of vocal and visual cues to communicate with one another, such as calls, songs, displays, and body language. Communication plays an important role in establishing and maintaining social connections between individuals.
  3. Social hierarchies: Within bird flocks, there may be social hierarchies, where some individuals have more dominant positions than others. Dominant individuals may have access to better food sources, mating opportunities, and nesting sites.
  4. Mate choice: Many bird species choose mates based on social signals, such as displays, vocalizations, and courtship behavior. Mate choice can influence the structure of social networks within a population.
  5. Information sharing: Birds may share information about food sources and predator threats with one another. For example, some bird species engage in “public information use,” where they use the behavior of other individuals as a signal about the quality of a food source or the presence of predators.
  6. Family bonds: Some bird species form long-lasting family bonds, where parents and offspring remain together for extended periods of time. Family bonds can influence the social structure of bird populations and may contribute to the formation of social networks.

Overall, the social networks of birds are complex and dynamic, and play important roles in many aspects of bird behavior, including mating, foraging, and avoiding predators. Studying bird social networks can provide insights into the evolution of social behavior and the ecological factors that shape animal populations.  We examine the risks (and reward) of bird behavior on education community campuses.


Birds present several hazards to overhead electric and telecommunication circuits:

  • Electrocution: Birds that perch or nest on power lines or other electrical equipment can come into contact with live electrical wires and be electrocuted if their body presents a path to ground potential. 
  • Nesting: Birds may build nests on or near power lines or other electrical equipment, which can create a fire hazard if the nest materials come into contact with electrical components. Nests can also cause power outages if they interfere with the electrical flow or if birds build nests in inconvenient locations, such as on transformers or other important components.
  • Collisions: Birds may collide with power lines while in flight, which can cause injury or death to the birds and also damage power lines or equipment. In some cases, these collisions can also cause power outages or fires.
  • Droppings: Bird droppings can build up on power lines and electrical equipment, which can create a safety hazard if the droppings come into contact with electrical components. Droppings can also cause corrosion or damage to equipment over time.

Accordingly, the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code specifies minimum clearances between power lines and surrounding trees and vegetation to help prevent birds from coming into contact with the lines; requires the use of bird guards or other protective devices on power lines in areas where birds are likely to perch or nest and, where possible; removal of nests from power lines and equipment to prevent fire hazards and equipment damage.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed guidelines for the protection of birds and other wildlife from power line hazards.  These guidelines provide recommendations for utilities on how to identify and manage potential bird hazards on power lines and equipment.  The International Electrotechnical Commission has developed similar standards

Flight is the most complex form of movement in the animal kingdom. Bird research has informed how humans design airplanes.  For example:

  • Wing design: Bird wings have evolved over millions of years to provide efficient lift and maneuverability. Researchers have studied the shape, size, and structure of bird wings to design airplane wings that are more efficient and fuel-efficient. For example, the shape of the wings of the Albatross inspired the design of the wings of the Boeing 777, which has one of the highest fuel efficiencies of any commercial aircraft.
  • Flight control: Researchers have studied how birds control their flight, particularly during takeoff and landing. This research has led to the development of technologies such as wing flaps, slats, and spoilers, which help airplanes achieve better control during takeoff and landing.
  • Aerodynamics: The study of bird flight has also helped researchers understand the complex physics of aerodynamics, such as airflow patterns, lift, drag, and turbulence. This understanding has led to the development of more advanced computer simulations and wind tunnel testing, which are used to design airplanes that are more aerodynamically efficient.
  • Materials: Birds have lightweight but strong bones and feathers, which have inspired researchers to develop new lightweight materials for use in airplane construction. For example, carbon fiber composites, which are used extensively in modern airplanes, were inspired by the lightweight but strong structure of bird bones.

There are standards and regulations for bird control in various industries and settings. These standards and regulations aim to prevent bird strikes, which can be dangerous for aircraft, and to manage bird populations that can cause damage or spread disease.  For example:

  • The Federal Aviation Administration in the United States requires airports to have a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan that includes bird control measures. This plan must address the potential for bird strikes and detail strategies for reducing the risk, such as habitat modification, bird scaring techniques, and lethal control methods in extreme cases.
  • In the agriculture industry, there are guidelines and regulations for bird control to prevent crop damage and protect public health. The US Environmental Protection Agency regulates the use of bird repellents and bird poisons to ensure that they are used safely and do not harm non-target species or the environment.  
  • There are also international standards for bird control in certain industries, such as the oil and gas industry, which has guidelines for managing bird populations that could be impacted by oil spills.

“A Girl Writing; The Pet Goldfinch” 1870 Henriette Browne

Bird control on college and university campuses should prioritize humane and non-lethal methods to manage bird populations and prevent bird-related hazards. Here are some best practices for bird control on college and university campuses:

  • Habitat modification: Modify the campus environment to make it less attractive to birds. This may involve removing or trimming trees and vegetation that provide food and shelter for birds, reducing open water sources, and using bird netting or barriers to block access to areas where birds may nest.
  • Education: Educate students, faculty, and staff about the importance of bird control and the negative impacts of feeding birds on campus. Encourage the campus community to report bird-related hazards, such as bird nests in building ventilation systems or bird droppings on walkways.
  • Non-lethal deterrents: Use non-lethal bird deterrents, such as visual scare devices, noise makers, and bird repellents, to discourage birds from congregating on campus. These methods are often effective in the short term but may need to be rotated or changed periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
  • Integrated pest management: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that includes bird control measures. IPM is a holistic approach that combines multiple strategies to manage pests, including birds, in an environmentally responsible and effective manner.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Monitor the effectiveness of bird control measures on campus and evaluate their impact on bird populations and hazards. Adjust strategies as needed to ensure that they are effective and humane.

Overall, a comprehensive and humane approach to bird control on college and university campuses should prioritize prevention and management of bird hazards while minimizing negative impacts on bird populations and the environment.

Related Research

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Bird-caused Damage Risk Assessment System for Power Grid Based on Intelligent Data Platform

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August 14, 2003

October 25, 2024
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“The world is changed by examples, not by opinions.”

Marc Andreesen (Founder of Netscape, the first dominant web browser)

 

August 14, 2003 Power Outage at the University of Michigan

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