Human Capacity Estimation Skills

Posted 9 Dec 2011

Daily Life, Design, Signs | 8 Comments 

*** UPDATED WITH ANSWER : SEE BELOW ****

Today we’re taking a little aptitude test to determine whether, as a group, we have any ability to estimate the correct number of persons who might simultaneously occupy* a large space (according to the fire safety inspector).

Pictured here is a very large hall. It’s in Chicago’s Union Station, if you feel the desire to go check the little frame on the wall to find the answer.

How many people do you think the fire safety inspector believes could safely be in this space at one time?**

* Not in the “Occupy Wall Street” sense of the term.

** The answer will be added to this post over the weekend, so hazard a guess today and check back!

——————–

The weekend has come to a close, so here is the answer, as promised.

It turns out that we are much more concerned about over-crowding than we needed to be!  Apparently up to 3887 persons can occupy this space before it becomes dangerous and unlawful.

I am curious if it becomes dangerous well before that, but only becomes illegal at that point?

Skip to my Lou

Posted 8 Dec 2011

Commuting, Daily Life, Design, People | Leave a Comment 

Woe is me! I thought a pile of leaves was tempting, but I know hopscotch built into the sidewalk is inhumane.

The Steve Jobs Nobody Knew

Posted 7 Nov 2011

Design, Language, People | 1 Comment 

Below is a photo of the cover of the October 27, 2011 issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

It’s a short article. Neither the author nor anyone else had much to say on the matter. They really didn’t know that side of Steve Jobs.

That’s just darling!

Posted 28 Oct 2011

Commuting, Daily Life, Design | 2 Comments 

And while we’re on the subject of interesting valves, how about this one:

What a cutie!

Did you know that a valve could be an American darling?

Can I get a few more restrictions please?

Posted 24 Oct 2011

Design, Signs | 7 Comments 

I recently saw this sign … and I thought ‘What else was missing from this sign?’ It was a very random restriction list. I particularly liked the ‘no trumpeting’ picture …but what about the other musical instruments, like a piano or drums?

What else is missing?