Friday’s Faulty Foundations

Having recently visited the quaint city of Pisa, I couldn’t help but notice this impressive, though rather wonky tower. Now, I don’t want to make assumptions, however, I can’t help but think that the architect completed his design for the Tower of Pisa rather hastily on a Friday afternoon. After all, the tower’s original foundations were only 3 metres deep and were set in unstable soil!  Fortunately and rather ironically, it took over 170 years to build the 7 floors, which allowed sufficient time for the soil to settle and the tower of Pisa to be referred to as ‘leaning’, rather than ‘falling!’ Despite the structure being a haven for sightseers and architect enthusiasts, there is a lack of clarity over who actually designed the tower. Maybe the architect’s ancestors do not want their name to be attributed to the design! But, you’ve got to give the architect credit – the ‘leaning’ Tower of Pisa (Torre Pendente) is one of the most recognised architectural landmarks around the world. Standing proudly next to the impressive Cathedral and the striking, round Battistero, the Tower of Pisa adds to the allure of Piazza dei Miracoli. Question? Was the architect in fact a genius, knowing that future generations would be interested in the lessons learned from weak foundations? Or is it more likely that he was merely knocking off early to have a glass or two of Chianti? I don’t know if you’ve tried Tuscan Chianti, but it’s a lovely way to relax after a hard weeks work. ‘Friday’s Faulty Foundations’ or ‘Avant-Garde Architecture?’ Either way, the Tower of Pisa makes it onto ‘Innovation Fire’s Outstanding Building’ list. Next stop in Tuscany – Siena, as featured on 007, Quantum of Solace! Not sure if Daniel Craig will be there, but I’m sure the architecture remains.