Once upon a time
Once upon a time it happened and if it had not happened we would not have talked about it. This is the way that romanian fairy tales and many others are usually being introduced. What follows, however, is in fact a true story of what the 2019 SDC team has experienced.
The way to introduce the SDC competition is as an iterative process of designing, execution, experimental testing, analysis and interpretation of results followed by the necessary calibration. Being aware, ambitious and responsible, by hundreds of hours, days and even nights, involving large quantities of balsa wood and glue, analysis, presentations and feedback, the twelve students, together have reached their goal: Mirage Tower. They have reached a remarkable result which can be structured in five main chapters: architectural concept, structural concept, manufacturing, testing and analysis and by economically evaluating all of the previously mentioned aspects we obtain FABI(Final Annual Building Income). It is important to mention that FABI is being significantly influenced by the quality of the oral presentation, the poster and by the predictions.
Considering this brief description of the teams activity sufficient for you, the reader, to have a clear thought on how, after six months spent outside of the comfort zone, the team was leaving for Vancouver carrying great expectations, proportional with how much they have invested. We were greatly disappointed to find out, as we arrived there, that our special luggage, the balsa wood model, was lost on the way, somewhere between Budapest and Vancouver. Because our structure was missing we were disqualified. It was a though life lesson, however, looking back we remember the attitude of the other teams and of the organisers which has pleasantly surprised us. We were impressed by their empathy. More than that we were honored by the reputation of The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in the competition, amongst some of the most prestigious universities. For this we have our colleagues from the previous teams to thank. They have set high standards and are great examples for us.
Our structure was found three weeks later. As it had arrived in Cluj we decided to use this opportunity and make shake day public so that all those who wanted to join SDC in the future can find out more about the competition. It has also been a good moment to reunite with SDC members from the past teams.
Further, we invite you to follow up on the selection process of the 2020 team.