Since taking this position, I’ve had the opportunity to travel quite often. I wouldn’t say that I’m a “frequent flyer,” but I definitely know my way around an airport.
One thing I’ve always found fascinating about airports are the layouts. Though each airport is built for one purpose – shuffling travelers across the country – each region has their own idea of how to efficiently do so. You have airports that allow you to drive right up to the gate, get out and go through security. Others require you to ride a bus, go through security and then ride a tram to your terminal. Some have a central terminal that contains security and all of the gates. Each layout is unique – I’ve been to two similar airports, but never two of the same. Not only does this make travel a bit more entertaining – especially during a short connection when you’re trying to figure out if you’re in the right terminal – but it always causes me to pause and consider the efficiencies and limitations of each.
I recently recorded a Progressive Dairy Podcast discussing calf barn ventilation. During my chat with Ryan Leiterman, we talked about ventilation and common misconceptions surrounding airspeed in calf barns, but we also discussed calf barn design. He had a few interesting points to consider, and later that week as I flew to the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, I couldn’t help but notice a few similarities between barn design and airports.
First off, you sort of feel like a cow being herded from one terminal or gate to the next. There are signs and friendly people to gently push you from one place to another. Sights and smells might have you venturing to the feedbunk or watering hole on your way, and an inviting empty gate with a nice chair and outlet access might entice you to sit and stay a while.
When we design a barn – a parlour, calf barn, heifer barn or other – we have several goals in mind. Cow comfort, cow movement and ease of human access are often high on the list. The type of barn heavily influences other priorities. One of Ryan’s points during our discussion was that oftentimes in barn design we are so focused on our primary goals that we forget about a few key details. Ventilation might be one of those that we overlook in a calf barn.
I’ll bet if a dairy producer, his or her builder and consultants sat down across the table from an airport planning committee, they’d have a lot to chat about. Perhaps they wouldn’t share the same exact goals, but they certainly would have similar talking points. How can we get people (or cows) from A to B without creating a traffic jam? Where is the best place to put this feedbunk (or restaurant)? How many square feet do we need for this bedded pack (or lounge) to maximize comfort?
We’ve all been in a public place with poor design. Next time you find yourself in this situation, ask yourself "What makes this inefficient?” Or if it’s a well-designed space, consider what makes it efficient. I've found that paying attention to small details like these can teach you a thing or two.
If you're interested in listening to my conversation with Ryan and other great discussions, check out the Progressive Dairy Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website.
