Engineering Marvels of Our Time: The Burj Khalifa, the Chunnel, and the International Space Station




Humans continue to be impressed by the Gothic cathedrals, even though they were constructed 1,000 years ago.

1,000 years from now (in the year 3019 AD!), which modern architectural or engineering accomplishment will be most admired?

the International Space Station, 

the Burj Khalifa, 

or the English Channel Tunnel

Courtney, Sammy, Marin, and Liam B.: The Burj Khalifa is a fantastic building, that uses new architectural ideas and new technology, and it will be imitated and admired for many, many years.

The Space Station can always be replaced by new, better space technology. In a thousand years, it will not be impressive at all.

Griffin, Eden, Rowen and Travis: No! There is definitely a structure humans are going to replace quickly, with new and improved technology: the Burj Khalifa. Humans will quickly build a taller building, and people will forget all about the Burj Khalifa.

The Space Station is much more innovative and impressive, and it is an important first step in helping humans to live in space.

Carson, Dylan, Caroline and Sean: Space travel is going to become a huge part of our lives, and the space station is an important starting point for our adventures in space. This is what really matters. It doesn't matter that we may not be using it in the future. It will already have served a very important purpose.

Landon, Caden, Isabel and Austin: At first, we were leaning towards the Space Station. But will it even be around for people to admire, after 1,000 years? Won't it have been completely replaced (or destroyed)? We think the Burj Khalifa is the more logical choice.
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All four groups did a fantastic job considering the advantages and disadvantages of each structure. Here's a short excerpt from an intriguing discussion during Core 3:



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