Engineering Marvels of Our Time: The Burj Khalifa, the Chunnel, and the International Space Station



Humans continue to be impressed by the Gothic cathedrals, even though they were constructed 1,000 years ago.

1,000 years from now (in the year 3018 AD!), which modern architectural or engineering accomplishment will be most admired?

the International Space Station, 

the Burj Khalifa, 

or the English Channel Tunnel

Will, Laney, Jake, Charlie, and Kelsey: The space station can always be replaced by new, better space technology. In fact, the International Space Station will be completely obsolete in one thousand years. It will not be impressive at all.

Jack K., Cortez, Lellie and Tatiana: There is definitely a structure humans are going to replace quickly, with new and improved technology: the Burj Khalifa.

Humans will quickly build a taller building, and people will forget all about the Burj Khalifa.

The Space Station is much more innovative and impressive.

Lillian, Jackson, Elle and Jack L.: Think about it this way. The medieval cathedrals had an important purpose: to help people worship and glorify God. The Burj Khalifa doesn't have an important purpose, but the Chunnel does: faster transportation will be a really important part of the future.

Ben, Veronica, Max T.: The Chunnel is the most useful of these three projects. It moves people from one country to another, and it changes lives.

Maggie, Andrew, Sonia and Fletcher: No, no, no. The International Space Station is the project that will change people's lives. Compared to the space station, the Burj Khalifa and the Chunnel are simplistic.

Jack K., Cortez, Lellie and Tatiana: The International Space Station has helped us with the discoveries that we've already made. This is what really matters. It doesn't matter that we may not be using it in the future. It will already have served a very important purpose.

Maggie, Andrew, Sonia and Fletcher: Yes -- space travel is going to become a huge part of our lives, and the space station is an important starting point for our adventures in space. The Burj Khalifa and Chunnel are fine projects, but they are not going to influence the future.

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