Week 9

Sometimes, by making a product accessible, easier to maintain, and faster to produce, some

crucial aspects are sacrificed, which can end up in an awful way.

In the 20th century, a new patent for building houses was approved and brought to life in most of

the USSR countries. That’s how “panel houses” emerged, filling cities and towns. They are

easier, faster, and cheaper to build, and they have just perfect stability for climate with no

natural disasters. However, such houses have one issue, which was underrated until these

times - it falls down just like a house of cards. I remember an accident on June 21, 2021, when

after an explosion in one of such houses, 5 people died, and dozens were left without a place to

live. But gas explosions are rare in houses, and they were always considered more like an

exception, not a tendency. However, after February 24th, the issue became crucial. Basements

in these houses are opposite to safe in cases of selling, as they often become burial for those

seeking shelter. A lot of photos of Borodyanka can be seen on screens all over the globe - a

half-ruined house of hundreds of flats, with walls hanging above the ruins - that is what was left

of such a common building.

I think, due to the fact that Ukraine has always had conflicts with Russia, it would have been

convenient to be ready for emergencies and to develop a housing reform. A few weeks ago,

Zelenskyy made an announcement about new buildings, constructed after the war - they are

promised to be built with the Israeli scheme. And Israeli building is the second case of

ergonomics - when design helps to avoid catastrophes. As Israel is a constant battlefield, its

citizens still have a fulfilling life, just with some nuances. Every single residential building,

constructed no earlier than 30 years ago, is strengthened, and, what is more, has “mamad” -

shelter of reinforced concrete, built-in every single apartment. Switzerland actually has a similar

approach - every single building there has a bomb shelter, therefore, its citizens are completely

safe in case of full-scale war.

In conclusion, the easier way sometimes has a price of lives, unfortunately, and the proverb

“better safe than sorry” works just perfectly in this situation.