The Oxford Beams

Oxford University is architecturally a miraculous piece of work. In some of its halls the rafters and supporting beams are carved into crisp and intricate lines. Teaching began around 1096, making it one of the oldest educational establishments in existence. But as with anything, time began to wear down the structure. Years later Oxford University began to see some deteriorations to the supporting beams. While it being a very difficult Oak to work with, the University decided it would spend the time to replicate the old craftsmanship and replace them.

To much surprise the architects and builders set off with the task of replacing the structures tintures found that the type of Oak originally used was endangered and would cause the University much trouble to replace. The next task was finding a replacement material. After searching through metals, stone and other types of wood the University felt much despair about changing its standings.

In the the heart of the process a professor doing usual cleaning discovered a deed that stood out. This deed declared that Oxford owned property far off from campus. This piqued the professors interest as he searched for clues on what this property held.

It was discovered a short time later that this property was actually a forest, which housed many types of trees that were planted and cared for some number of years ago.

The original architects hundreds of years prior to the current Oxford structural conundrum had planted the exact type of trees that would be needed to replace the rafters and support beams. A beautiful projection of intellect, futuristic thinking and design.

We've [for the most part] lost this sense of yearning for the long-term future when we craft products, most notably in tangible products but also in digital. I envy the level of intellect and design the original Oxford builders had. But alas, after submitting inquiries to the University it was returned to me that this story is a long told myth. But one I find great hope in and may ultimately be a story that is told to produce greatness inside the University itself.