FREE ESSAY ON THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA GETS A FACE LIFT

THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA GETS A FACE LIFT

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is known throughout the world for its tilt. Since this slanted
building began sinking during its second phase of building, people have been trying to
fix it. The article, [The] Leaning Tower of Pisa Gets a Face-Lift, shows the latest plan.
There are three major parts to the new renovation. First the history of the building and
past attempts, next the plans and how they are being carried out, and the opposition to
the committee. 
The building of this structure began on August 9, 1173. It was not finished until
approximately 200 years later. The first phase of construction built the first three
floors. This phase took place between 1173 and 1178. The next phase, completed the
fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh floors. This phase took place between 1272 and 1278.
During this time period, one side of the Tower of Pisa began to sink. This is how it got
its name the leaning Tower of Pisa. The next phase started around 1350 and placed the
bell tower on top. This was the eighth and final layer of the building. This stage was
completed roughly ten years later. The final phase, as the article refers to the
renovation stage, started on January 11the and is expected to be completed by spring
2001.
The history of this particular building is full of both successes and failures. Since the
building started sinking, many committees have been formed to straighten out this
building. Some helped, but some only seemed to make the problem worse. A total of sixteen
different committees have seen to this project. In 1995 Black Saturday happened. This was
when one of the committees decisions was to freeze the ground with liquid nitrogen. It
turned out to be a big mistake. Not only did it not improve the upright position of the
building, but it also undid and inch of the previous improvements. The latest committee
has been given total autonomy in the decision-making process. In other words, they don't
have to go through the government to approve their decisions. There is debate about that
particular decision, but at least they have the past successes and failures to improve
upon.
The final phase uses a different method. This time they are removing soil from underneath
the building by borehole. This approach has been tested, and in the results of the test,
the incline was improved by 1.2inches. This will eliminate as much as 100 tons of dirt
from underneath the foundation of the tower. It is anticipated to that the final phase
will diminish the incline up to 16 further inches. This will set the incline to be the
same as it was 300 years ago and give us more time to enjoy this building before and if
it falls. 
The committee working on the last phase of the tower of Pisa, has been accused of being
very secretive about their plans. James Beck of Columbia University comments, The plan is
poorly thought out and the committee has acted in a very closed, secretive manner. Other
critiques of the committee have said they are rushing the renovation and they are
endanger[ing] rather than protect[ing] the tower. Beck also says, Engineers estimate that
the tower will fall in 30 to 70 years. From his comments, we can see where the view that
they are rushing is coming from. 
I think that the current committee should learn from past mistakes and take their time.
It doesn't seem that the tower is in danger of falling any time soon. They need to
further test any plans and disclose them better with the community. It was not mentioned
how they are being secretive, but several times that they are being that way. So, I would
conclude that the community should be let in on the process they have decided upon, how
they got to that decision, and how it is planned to be carried out. That way if there are
any arguments they can be brought up somehow to the committee and perhaps things could be
completed smoother. 
I also think that the whole plan of renovating the tower is a very good plan. I think the
tower of Pisa is definitely worth saving. It is of historic significance, and is valuable
even to this day. I wish they would explain their methods better. I am afraid the
committee will ruin this building if they do not take the proper precautions. It doesn't
sound like they are taking everything into consideration, but it could be the way the
article is worded. 
Since 1173, the Tower of Pisa has been in existence. It's existence although grand, is
marred by its leaning stature. People have long since tried to straighten it through
several methods. The article, Leaning Tower of Pisa Gets a Face-Lift shows the latest
attempt by a committee that will keep the tower around for a longer period of time. 
Bibliography
From an article on web. Lost bibliography.