What is the root of a woman's independence? A new book is exploring the concept against the backdrop of one woman's role in a historic engineering project.
In Pipe Dream: An Alaskan Adventure, Deborah Brownlow brings readers along on a modern day "gold rush" as she provides an insightful and often humorous look into her role in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System construction project in the 1970s. Not content with living a comfortable life in suburban Michigan, Brownlow recounts her quest for unknown horizons, unimagined experiences and her journey to find herself among a world of men.
"My book and I are one in the same," says Brownlow. "I have been given many opportunities to travel in my life, and fortunately have been able to fulfill my dreams of living the life of an explorer or pioneer."
Touching on discrimination issues and the rise of empowered women seeking equal pay, the book explores Alaska as the last frontier and overall humanity. Brownlow revisits her part in forging a path through unchartered land, in reference to both the geographic climate and her own work climate dominated by men.
Additionally, Pipe Dream provides insight into the challenging engineering project, complicated by extreme cold and isolated terrain.
"It was always my dream to become a part of history," says Brownlow. "In working on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline project, I found my opportunity to do so. Now, my strength lies in my sense of independence. I know I have the ability to accomplish anything thrown my direction, and I want to be a source of encouragement for other women."
For more information, visit www.dbbrownlow.net. BD+C
Related Stories
| Nov 10, 2014
Herzog & De Meuron unveils plan for National Library of Israel
The library’s new home will be a completely new building in Jerusalem, and will combine the functions of a central research center, a venue for indoor and outdoor cultural and educational activities, and a place for digital experience.
| Nov 10, 2014
Hotel construction pipeline hits five-year high
The hotel construction pipeline hit a five-year high in the third quarter, clocking in at 3,516 projects and 443,936 rooms, Lodging Econometrics reports.
| Nov 7, 2014
Arts college uses creative financing to build 493-bed student housing
Many states have cut back funding for higher education in recent years, and securing money for new housing has been tougher than ever for many colleges and universities. A recent residence hall project in Boston involving three colleges provides an inspiring example of how necessity can spawn invention in financing strategies.
| Nov 7, 2014
Prefab helps Valparaiso student residence project meet an ambitious deadline
Few colleges or universities have embraced prefabrication more wholeheartedly than Valparaiso (Ind.) University. The Lutheran-based institution completed a $27 million residence hall this past summer in which the structural elements were all precast.
| Nov 7, 2014
World's best new skyscraper: Sydney's vegetated One Central Park honored by CTBUH
The Jean Nouvel-designed tower tops the list of 88 entries in the 13th annual Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Awards.
| Nov 7, 2014
NORD Architects releases renderings for Marine Education Center in Sweden
The education center will be set in a landscape that includes small ponds and plantings intended to mimic an assortment of marine ecologies and create “an engaging learning landscape” for visitors to experience nature hands-on.
Sponsored | | Nov 6, 2014
To build your strongest team, don't hire clones
To attract and keep talented individuals who are different than you, Entrepreneur magazine suggests a few foundational principles. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Nov 6, 2014
Hines planning tall wood office building in Minneapolis
The Houston-based developer is planning a seven-story wood-framed office building in Minneapolis’ North Loop that will respect the neighborhood’s historic warehouse district look.
| Nov 6, 2014
Studio Gang Architects will convert power plant into college recreation center
The century-old power plant will be converted into a recreation facility with a coffee shop, lounges, club rooms, a conference center, lecture hall, and theater, according to designboom.
Sponsored | | Nov 6, 2014
Drilling deeper: On the ground insights from the Marcellus Shale region
The Marcellus Shale region is expansive, stretching from upstate New York through Pennsylvania to West Virginia. It’s an exciting time to live and work in the area. SPONSORED CONTENT