- Joined
- May 1, 2008
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- 3,563
I'm working in the Antwerp diamond district this week, and thought this might be interesting for the PS community:
A major diamond company is raising this building (images below) next to others on a popular district street.
After they went to work, however, a brouhaha ensued... Why? It seems construction machinery was causing vibrations which traveled through the ground and created problems in the adjacent building's polishing and sawing factories.
This is no small complaint. Those who know diamond production can attest to the need for extreme delicacy. Stabilization and anti-vibration technology are huge strategic advantages. Polishing station supports are thick, heavy and sunk deep into the ground to promote accuracy. Fine make relies completely on advanced tools and a stable work-environment.
So what was the result?
In the USA it might be "Expect Delays," "Exit Closed" or "Suck it up!" ~ But this is Antwerp, the world's diamond capital. Here, the construction company was forbidden to use any heavy machines and had to remove them. The result is a modern edifice which has largely been built-by-hand! It will have been a two-year delay for those waiting to move in, but hopefully they sleep better at night knowing they saved many precious diamonds being produced next door.
A major diamond company is raising this building (images below) next to others on a popular district street.
After they went to work, however, a brouhaha ensued... Why? It seems construction machinery was causing vibrations which traveled through the ground and created problems in the adjacent building's polishing and sawing factories.
This is no small complaint. Those who know diamond production can attest to the need for extreme delicacy. Stabilization and anti-vibration technology are huge strategic advantages. Polishing station supports are thick, heavy and sunk deep into the ground to promote accuracy. Fine make relies completely on advanced tools and a stable work-environment.
So what was the result?
In the USA it might be "Expect Delays," "Exit Closed" or "Suck it up!" ~ But this is Antwerp, the world's diamond capital. Here, the construction company was forbidden to use any heavy machines and had to remove them. The result is a modern edifice which has largely been built-by-hand! It will have been a two-year delay for those waiting to move in, but hopefully they sleep better at night knowing they saved many precious diamonds being produced next door.
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