ambitions 30

The word communication has Latin roots and means “to share”. It is the act of conveying intended meanings from a sender to a receiver using mutually understood signs and semiotic rules. The channel of communication is usually visual, auditory and tactile, electromagnetic, or biochemical. We all know that human communication is unique due to its extensive use of abstract language. The development of civilization has been closely linked to progress in telecommunications. Although this is a simple definition, when we think about how we might communicate, the subject becomes much more complex. This tends to occur whenever there is a communication leak or an absence of communication when there should have been some. Communication is crucial if we want to avoid misunderstandings, overcome challenges and complete jobs optimally.

At Sika, we have to be good communicators at all times. For the construction of a 10,000 m² luxury lodge in New Zealand (p.15) at a remote location, communication was key. The quality of the products and applications is of course paramount, and the build quality has to be as exceptional as the location. But multiple independent tiling contractors worked with numerous staff and at one point over 60 tilers were on site at the same time, necessitating constant and accurate communication from Sika.

Without training, communication and careful collaboration, no project would ever work out, regardless of how good the products were. Building a bridge in Scotland, applying flooring systems throughout Trieste Airport in Italy or building a cultural center plus opera house in Athens – all these are further examples illustrating that it is never just about applying high-quality products, but also about on-site communication between everyone involved.

Yours sincerely,
Astrid Schneider