As part of our course at Art college, the sculpture department went on a trip to visit a research centre belonging to a well known cement company. I found it interesting in the flexibility and adaptability of where and how concrete could be used. That was about the time when the vogue for wood relief effect on concrete architecture was coming to an end.
However, the ingredients of concrete – cement, sand, water and an aggregate – could be varied depending on the purpose and finish desired. I remember being surprised that the strongest cement needed not a fine grain aggregate, but a mixed selection of stone and pebble sizes.
The strongest cultures – and economies – require a diversity of talents and outlook, as well as a variety in the size of individual groups. To build a united nation necessitates the inclusivity of all the people.
Spiritually, we need to seek that which joins us all together, rather than trying to be exclusive and laying down rigid rules and regulations.
