Designs that weather the ages

Several years ago the BBC produced a truly excellent historical documentary series called 'Seven Wonders of the Industrial World'.

It was a treat to watch any one of the docos that made up the series. The historical accuracy of 'Seven Wonders' was owed to serious reliance on documents (especially journals) of the time. I highly recommend the series to anyone. It's history-telling at its best.

Probably the one I enjoyed the most featured the Bell Rock Lighthouse, located 18 kilometres off the east coast of Scotland. The challenges of building a sea-washed lighthouse 200 years ago were not insignificant.

Robert Stevenson (grandfather to Robert Louis Stevenson) and John Rennie (no known connection with this manufacturer of antacid tablets) were given the task of overseeing its design and construction.

There were, shall we say, a few creative differences between the two men (especially concerning the curve at the base of the lighthouse, inspired by Stevenson's appreciation of an oak tree holding up in a storm).

Nevertheless, the seasonally-based work commenced in 1807, and three years and 2500 interlocking granite blocks later, it was completed.

The lighthouse's masonry was of such high calibre that in 200 years it has never needed repair. The documentary captures well the frustrations and struggles, but also the vision and tenacity of Stevenson. I don't think the word 'noble' would be inappropriate to describe how he saw his work.

When I see workmanship like this, I wonder if the house we live in now will still be around in 20 years' time.