Whiter than white

"Don't you have homework to do?" The rattling sound of fingers flying across a keyboard can be heard from my youngest's bedroom. I don't think there is any chance that he is finally writing that biology report at lightning speed. This sounds like gaming, for heaven's sake. I try to keep my head cool.

Partly due to corona (too much at home and home schooling) and partly due to the cold wet spring (not getting outside enough), not only he, but a whole generation is spending too much time behind the computer screen. Should we be worried? Or is this the ultimate preparation for the future? 

There was a time when he used to build huge structures in the living room with Kapla (like LEGO), with utmost concentration and endless patience. Now he mainly builds virtually: in Minecraft. Soon it will be his birthday. On his wish list is the 'Caves & Cliffs' update of that game. But also 'Buildings Have Feelings Too', new from Nintendo Switch. Imagine a city where buildings can walk and talk to each other. Each building has its own ambitions, hopes and fears. In this Sims-like game, players discover new ways to meet the needs of their city. Extras, such as electricity, noise and transport, add complexity and challenges'. According to him, this seems to be "an excellent preparation for my future". Just like his big sister (in her third year), he wants to study Building Engineering. In the meantime, she has become quite familiar with the Revit drawing programme. Now, furious around the corner from the door, I point out to him the meaning of 'study' versus 'play'.

Digitalisation in construction is the future, I have to give him that. For example, since this spring a complete 3D printed house in Eindhoven has been built in the shape of a giant boulder. The house consists of 24 printed concrete elements, which were assembled at the building site. "Wow," says my daughter, "then you're not limited to right angles and standard dimensions! An additional advantage is that 3D concrete printing also yields savings: in material use (sustainable!) and in labour. There is a huge staff shortage in the building industry. My household will most likely supply two technicians for the sector, but that is just a drop in the ocean.  

I recently read in the New Scientist that researchers have developed the whitest paint ever. It reflects 98.1 per cent of all incoming sunlight, instead of 80 to 90 per cent as ordinary white paint does. The super-white paint could therefore be useful for keeping buildings in hot areas cool. And now it's time for my head to cool off.

Judith Witte