Site Logo

Life of an Architect

  • Podcast
  • about me
  • Questions / Contact
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Architecture Books+
You are here: Home / Life in General / How to shoot a rubber band

How to shoot a rubber band

November 11, 2010 by Bob Borson 42 Comments

If you are going to be an architect, there are several skills you absolutely must possess;

clarity of thought

superlative communication skills

3-dimensional visualization and problem solving

These abilities are important to the client and sure, your fellow architects will be impressed with your mastery of these things … to a point. If you really want to grab the attention of your co-workers, shoot them in the neck with a rubber band.

That’s right, I said a rubber band.

Yes, I know what you are thinking … very immature. However, if my personal experience is any indication, your ability to master this skill will mean the difference between being on the victorious team with the partners designing award winning projects or being stuck checking door hardware submittals on that healthcare project. Not to worry, I’m here to offer salvation and teach you the intricacies of shooting a rubber band properly.

.

.

The humble rubber band … they are all the same right? WRONG! The best rubber band for shooting is size #32  – it has just the right amount of band thickness to band height. This technique works with any rubber band but like all things, the more adept you become, the more particular you become to the equipment you are using.

The trick here comes down to getting the rubber band to spin in a circle as it is moving towards your intended target. This rotation will give you a straighter trajectory and reduce drag – which result in a faster more accurate shot. In order to achieve this sort of rotation, you need to disproportionately stress the rubber band. That means when you pull the rubber band back into firing position, one side is tight and the other side is loose. I have taken some photographs to help show you what I am trying to explain:

.

This is the "Firing Position"

.

This side of the rubber band is tight

.

This side of the rubber band is loose

See? That’s not so tough to pull off right? Despite the visually disturbing appearance my fingers, this technique is extremely easy to master. I thought it would be fun to see what other sorts of shooting rubber information there was on the web and it was generally pretty pathetic – no doubt done by engineers who understood the logic of the technique and none of the finesse. Most of these sites would list the average distance the rubber band could travel – typically around 22′-6″ which is pretty weak. We ran a few tests in our lab and out of 10 shots, the average distance traveled was 46′-0″ (ouch) – it would have been even longer except that is the longest space in my office. Basically, we had our backs against the wall and we shot the entire length of the gallery hall, past the reception desk, until it hit the exterior window.

.

The 'Firing Range'

Another feature that this technique provides, beyond accuracy, is auditory. People will hear the sound of air being displaced as the rubber band passes them – it’s impressive and a little bit scary. This will allow you to engage in a “shock and awe” campaign that will ultimately identify you as a force to be reckoned with (you will have to make an example out of someone, and as a result, they will never be your friend – so choose your victim carefully…). It will probably be a good idea to get some practice time in before you unleash this new architectural skill set on your co-workers. To help you along, I have included a target here for your use (you can assign your own point value system).

.

.

Shooting Rubber Bands from Bob Borson on Vimeo.

Sorry if you can’t see the video embed above but if you go to my site, it is available for viewing (re: mobile devices that don’t support flash)
.
I know what your thinking and no … this video was not professionally shot. Maybe I should make that my thing, videos with terrible production value – I clearly have it mastered. I learned a few things making this (my second) video. I need a tripod and some video editing software for starters and and extra hour or so to make things nice – because you deserve it.
.
.

even better stuff from Life of an Architect

Unpaid Architecture Internship Positions

Master Thesis Presentations

'The FernHouse'

009: The "Low Cost Modern House"

The Best Instagram Accounts to Follow for Construction

Students and Design Contests

What to get an Architect for Christmas (2015)

Architect vs. Architectural Designer: aka Alphabet Soup

30 Interview Questions: Selecting a Contractor
Ads from Architectural Forum

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Life in General Tagged With: a day in the life, architects office

Search Life of an Architect

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidiHeartRadioby EmailTuneInRSS

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Apparel for Architects

T-Shirts for Architects - Bob Borson

Support for Advice or Guidance - or if you simply want to show appreciation for the content produced on this site

Thanks!
Other Amount
Project Reference or Support for Questions Answered:

My “Serious” Disclaimer

The complimentary advice provided on ‘Life of an Architect’ is based on an abbreviated examination of the minimal facts given, not the typical extensive (and sometimes exhaustive) analysis I conduct when working with my clients. Therefore, anything you read on this site is not a substitute for actually working with me. Following my casual advice is at your own peril … if you want my undivided attention, I would recommend hiring me. Cheers.

Pages

  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Architecture Books+
  • about me
  • Questions?
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Podcast

Life of an Architect | Bob Borson

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Archives of Awesomeness

Copyright © 2025 Life of an Architect

 

Loading Comments...