The construction industry is like the story of King Midas. But instead of everything turning to gold it turns into a circus. At least for a while before some buildings shine like gold for years to come.
The circus was back in town! Or rather; the circus has been here all along, but I’m back in the circus ring! When I entered and smelled the musty saws, I realized that there was something about this industry that I have missed. Perhaps it was the ringmaster who tells the most amazing stories of what this is going to be. The trick riding from the contractors? Or the constant line dancing where everybody is trying to juggle cost and benefit to meet the purpose of the project. It could also be all the beautiful horses and unicorns the architects throw in for excitement, since he sees himself as an artist and therefore responsible for the whole experience. I’ve heard some people say that architects are just failed artists with a long ruler, but I wouldn´t want to spread any rumours here. There are lots of things to miss, but it quickly became clear to me that it was not the funny men with baggy pants and large shoes I have missed. Maybe it’s in fact the elephant in the room. To handle the elephant throughout a project can be both challenging and entertaining. The vast majority of projects have obvious challenges or risks that sometimes is easy to overlook in the euphoria of finally being up and running. That may be why most budgets do not last the whole race until the finishing line.
But I´ll admit that the circus is a wonderful place to work, where people and ideas fly through the air, everybody perform wonderful tricks, and dazzle the audience day in and day out! Think of that the next time you look at a beautiful building some place in the world; this is the product of a circus!
Billy Bronco is telling you 