The Times on Deconstruction
Teardowns are as much a problem in non-landmarked Brooklyn areas as they are in other parts of the country (even a couple of “green” condo projects stand in lots once occupied by humble, wood-framed homes). So perhaps we can learn a lesson from Brad Guy, a deconstructionist — and we don’t mean that in an…
Teardowns are as much a problem in non-landmarked Brooklyn areas as they are in other parts of the country (even a couple of “green” condo projects stand in lots once occupied by humble, wood-framed homes). So perhaps we can learn a lesson from Brad Guy, a deconstructionist — and we don’t mean that in an academic way — who is trained in the fine art of advanced salvage, and profiled in the NY Times Magazine this weekend. Deconstruction, dismantling and reusing building materials rather than just junking them, is becoming more popular. “The demolition industry has identified 14 recyclable building materials, but it only recycles three in any real volume: concrete, metal and wood,” they write. But it has some drawbacks: Deconstruction can be cheaper than demolition, but it can never be faster. “It takes two weeks and a dozen wage earners to do what a piece of hydraulic machinery accomplishes before lunch,” they write, but it does provide jobs, not to mention lightening the carbon footprint of the building industry, which produces more pollution and consumes more energy than any other business sector, according to Architecture 2030. We know a couple of demo projects that might be a good fit (see above).
This Old Recyclable House [NY Times]
Decon2. Photo by horseycraze.
East New York:
Actually, the conditions of slaves varied markedly in history. Some certainly were treated like beasts of burden, but you’d be surprised how many in history were given stipends as a means of motivation. The carrot and the stick approach has almost always been used, and rarely has it been just the stick – especially considering slaves historically were not exactly cheap.
Most slave-based societies also allowed for slaves to purchase their freedom. This was even possible to varying degrees in the United States until the importation of slaves was banned and their individual value increased commensurately.
Anyway, the issue of motivating people to work is a complex one. We may have outlawed slavery well over a century ago, but we are all slaves to a degree – especially when you consider almost everyone who is not rich works a substantial portion of their lives (about 2 months a year) to pay interest, whether personal or governmental. In these days of $700,000,000,000 bailouts, it is important to highlight the degrees of slavery.
“slave-like wages”
SLAVES don’t earn wages. That’s why they’re slaves.
I know for a fact that many of these demolition businesses use illegal immigrants. I know someone who worked for them and he told me how many of the crew were illegal. Oftentimes its one of the first types of jobs they get until they make connections to get something better. The conditions are extremely hazerdous and all they usually get are those cheap paper masks.
actually benson- I didn’t miss a thing. You communicated your point poorly. I would also point out I am hardly the only one zealous to engage you on your comments. Although your complaining is quite funny since in the past you have done this many times to me and without provocation, so don’t whine now.
I certainly agree no one wants to stay at the bottom of the ladder but in your book jobs should only go to engineers, hydraulic lift operators, etc. You entirely miss the point of the salvage industry. It isn’t to replace the construction industry. It has a different market and fills a different niche. And yes, the construction industry does have all these lovely programs but no. 1- they aren’t good with outreach; no. 2 in those industries there is a more than fair amount of nepotism; no.3- there are a limited number of jobs, no.4- not every lower income person can afford to go through the process, no.5- not every business can afford to hire them once they have gone through the apprenticeship system, no. 6- I don’t see them reaching out to immigrants to help them get green cards or a leg up. And isn’t that shortsighted? these guys would be legal and pay taxes and social security. If they want to do the work, why not give them a chance? There’s room for all approaches here- but slash and burn construction serves no real purpose in the long run, doesn’t help the environment, and has limited positions available.
The other issue with construction- how much of it can we do? We’ve more new construction in this country than we have buyers for it. NYC may be an exception, but especially now, the construction industry is going to feel a big big pinch. Everyone will feel it. And like back in the 70’s and 80’s, there will be a lot of skilled construction people out of work.
Yes- the article did say it takes 2 weeks as opposed to half a day. But at the end of that half day all you have is one or two guys working, and a big pile of trash. At the end of 2 weeks, you have a bunch of people working, recyclable materials and salvage for other businesses to also make money on. It’s broader and covers more ground. And as MM points out, much of that salvage is better quality than what’s produced today.
Bxgrl;
Once again, in your zeal to argue with me, you mis-stated my position.
I am not demeaning entry-level jobs. For your information, my father and his brothers started in the construction industry, at the bottom, and worked their way up. This latter statement is the point you are missing. NO ONE wants to stay at the bottom in a dead-end low-paying position, even if they start out there. Everyone wants to move up in this life, and my point was that the construction industry provides this path, whereas the scrap industry does not. As to the funding of the workers, you again missed my point: the construction industry has an extensive worker education and certification program, that is funded by the industry itself. Go to the Mercantile library on 44th Street in Manhattan and look at the courses offered to the trades, paid for by a consortium of the industry and its unions. Show me an equivalent for the salvage industry.
If you think that tybur6′ analysis was spot-on, then you apparently have little experience with the industry. He completely misses the time value of money. Again returning to the statement I referenced, this advocate states that it takes 2 weeks to accomplish what can be done in 1/2 day with machinery. Putting aside the issue of labor costs that I’ve already discussed, is there any consideration of the cost of stalling a project for two weeks. The construction industry lives off of borrowed money. Is there any accounting for the interst costs.
“As opposed to deconstruction, there is also alot of higher-value-added positons in construction: operators of hydraulic machines, welders, riggers, carpenters, electricians, etc.” and
“What future is there in a scrap operation? Foreman of the scrap workers?
I think we have lost a sense of balance with this extreme environmentalism and worship of old things. ”
So let me get this straight- only so-called higher value-added positions are worthy? I think the only one who has lost a sense of balance is you- since when does anyone have the right to look down on someone who does an honest day’s work? I think you’ve invented a new concept- work snobbery. but I did enjoy how you attempted to make it sound as though you did care about the poor, uneducated, illegal junkyard workers. No one disagrees education and training gives people access to better jobs. The reality is many can’t afford it and not every job needs an engineer.
So unless you’re willing to fund a worker education program (and I see no evidence that you do), all your blather about high value-added jobs is just that. In the meantime, there are people who need a roof overhead, food and clothing. And they want to work for it. If you’re that worried about the wages they get paid, put your industry behind it and demand they get better pay. then maybe they can even afford the education they need to get better jobs.
But until then, get a grip.
tyburg6- thanks for the great detailed breakdown of how recycling salvage really works and why it works. Perhaps that’s benson’s real fear.
Montrose Morris — You said, “I don’t see what’s not to like here, unless the bottom line of cost efficiency is all that matters.”
The fact is (and I’m agreeing with your here, but clarifying)… recycling and reusing can actually HELP the bottom line. All of these materials can be SOLD. You PAY to have materials put in a landfill.
Of course, it depends on the project. But as with everything, the bigger the project the more cost-effective recycling and reusing activities can be.
And guess what… When you rent dumpsters and PAY for the demolition materials to be carted away, the refuse company uses manual laborers to sort through your trash to find treasure. Do you think they are stupid enough to simply toss the valuable materials into the ground?!
If the builder did this up front… much more material could be salvaged and sold. Throwing materials into a dumpster causes damage so the refuse company may not be able to salvage and sell many items (wood, stone, etc.)
benson- if you don’t get it, you just don’t get it. Perhaps if we weren’t so ready to trash everything and go for new, the environment would be healthier, and economy would be more diverse (you may not believe this but even “junkyard workers” can hold jobs and be productive, contributing members of society).
“To apply an exclamation point to the Times’ pious sermons on the absolute importance of being green, to the exclusion of any other economic and societal considerations?” Where do you get this stuff from? If the environment goes, economic and social considerations will be moot. Your ilk has reiterated this point over and over again and the result is still the same- the environment is getting worse. You really just don’t get it.
And you really need to get off of Lisa’s back. she’s just doing her job. This is brownstoner’s blog- not yours. You don’t get to tell them what they can and can’t post.and you’re free not to read or post here. The rest of us aren’t having that problem.
Tyburg;
So far, you’ve been the only one to make a realistic point here, and so it deserves a serious response.
Yes, there is still manual labor involved in construction, no doubt about it. However, there is a key difference between the two industries.
As opposed to deconstruction, there is also alot of higher-value-added positons in construction: operators of hydraulic machines, welders, riggers, carpenters, electricians, etc. Those who start at the bottom can have a future. These bottom positions serve as a stepping stone. The construction industry has a well-developed apprenticeship and certification process for human resource development.
What future is there in a scrap operation? Foreman of the scrap workers?
I think we have lost a sense of balance with this extreme environmentalism and worship of old things.