Sampoong Department Store Collapse (1995)
* On June, 29 ,1995, the Sampoong Department Store in Seoul South Korea, collapsed during business hours, killing 502 people and injuring more than 900, making it one of the deadliest peacetime structural failures in history. The disaster was caused by severe structural flaws, including unauthorized design changes, removal of support columns, and the installation of heavy rooftop air-conditioning units that exceeded the the building’s load capacity.
* Cracks and warning signs appeared hours before the collapse, but management failed to evacuate the building. Investigations found systemic corruption, negligence, and code violations; the store’s owner and several officials were later convicted.
* The tragedy lead to major reforms in South Korea’s building safety regulations and enforcement.
NO COMMON SENSE
ANALYZE THE EXAMPLE
* Which supports and barriers were in play?
* What were the dynamics?
* Who, or What, won the Tug-of-War?
* Discuss the outcome with your family and friends.
* Use Post #4 as a reference for the dynamics and relationships between supports and barriers.
