It Takes a Village

The POSCO Village started in 2010 to provide safe housing to low-income residents of Vietnam. The project’s goal is to complete the construction of 128 houses. Currently, 43 houses are complete and 85 are under construction. A project to complete the remaining houses is a joint effort of the POSCO 1% Foundation, the local government and HABITAT. They are also planning the construction of water supply and sewage systems for the residents in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, where 25 percent of residents live below the poverty line. The project provides learning sessions to guide residents on how to build and manage houses. POSCO 1% Foundation was established in 2013, and is funded by the donations of POSCO employees who donate one percent of their monthly salaries. It was founded to support and empower impoverished communities, while still preserving the local traditions.

The Global Volunteer Group

Volunteers from the POSCO Global Volunteer Group have been working on the construction of these homes since August 1, putting their summer vacation time to good use. The group is made of fifty carefully chosen members who build houses during the hot days and prepare for move-in ceremonies in the evenings. The POSCO Global Volunteer Group also visited an orphanage in the neighborhood, delivering clothes and toys for the children. Through their community support initiatives, the volunteers are hoping to connect with the residents.  

Building a Community

Says Choi Hyang-sook, a volunteer from POSCO Humans, “Despite my physical disability, I have a happy work life at POSCO Humans, a standard workplace for the disabled. I hope others can also overcome their current difficulties and enjoy their lives. POSCO Global Volunteers are all different ages and have many different jobs, but we are joining together to help local people live in a house built by their own hands.” Whether you travel or not for summer vacation, there are many ways to make your time off as meaningful and memorable as possible. You can find ways to volunteer your time and effort in your local community, as well as communities beyond.

Here are POSCO’s top picks for you to visit.

1)      Eiffel Tower in Paris

 Image Source: flickr

How about a trip to the romantic city of lights to see the Eiffel Tower? At 324 meters, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest architectural structure in 1930 until the Chrysler building was completed. The full metal structure of the Eiffel Tower weighs about 8,000 tons and including non-metal materials, weighs 10,000 tons. While the Eiffel Tower today is emblematic of the ‘city of love’, this was not always the case. When it was first built, media was filled with criticism about the metal appearance that seemed to ruin the city. Famous author, Maupaussant famously said, “I eat lunch in the restaurant within the Eiffel Tower since it is the only place within the city where you don’t have to see the steel object.” Oh, how things have changed!

2)      Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Image source: flickr

If Paris has its Eiffel Tower, San Francisco in the U.S. has its Golden Gate Bridge, the longest bridge in the world until 1959.  The 2,879m long bridge was built in 1937 to connect San Francisco with Marine Country in the north and it takes 3 minutes by car and 1 hour if you walk! At the time, many doubted that a structure as long as 2,879m could be constructed while withstanding the wind, fog and fast waters. However, the impossible was possible and the Golden Gate Bridge is symbolic of San Francisco and the entire State today. The official architect for this bridge was Joseph Strauss and the base structure was created using iron, steel truss structure and steel cables. At the time of construction, the Navy requested that the bridge be built in such a way that ships could pass through below. Therefore a 66m high arch was created and to this day, there is no ship that cannot pass under.

Who would like to cross this bridge in this summer?

3)      Burj in Dubai

Image source: flickr

How about a trip to Dubai to see the world’s tallest man-made structure? A collection of all modern day innovations and tricks, the Burj in Dubai is truly a feast for the eyes. At 828m high with 162 floors, it is currently the world’s tallest skyscraper. In addition to its record height, the building itself was constructed beautifully. What is the secret behind this innovative, stunning architecture? The advanced architectural design was made possible due to the TMCP (thermo-mechanical control process) steel that has greater strength and durability, as well as, improved weldability. It is also efficient in that TMCP steels reduce construction time compared to concrete structures and also requires less manpower which helps reduce costs.

Who knew that all these world famous sights were made of steel? These places are definitely worth a trip during this summer or during your lifetime. Share your favorite architectural wonder with us!