What Penguins Taught Us About Design and Life

Today, I’d like to share an interesting story from London Zoo that highlights the importance of truly understanding the needs of others—whether they’re animals or people.

In 1934, London Zoo built a sleek, modernist pool for its penguins. It was a masterpiece of design, with clean lines and smooth concrete ramps that looked futuristic. But there was a problem: the penguins hated it! The hard concrete hurt their feet, the water was too shallow, and the white walls were too bright for their eyes. Sadly, many penguins developed sore feet, and some even had to be put down. The pool is now empty, a symbol of how sometimes, even the most beautiful design can fail when it doesn’t consider the real needs of those who use it.

What did I learn?:

This story is a great reminder for all of us. When we create something, whether it’s a building, a product, or even a lesson, it’s important to think about what people really need—not just what looks good or what we think is best.

The story also gives us a surprising lesson about penguins. These fascinating creatures have shown us that their behavior can be much more diverse than we once thought, such as sex. Male penguins have been observed forming bonds with other males and even engaging with dead penguins, challenging our ideas about what is “normal” in the animal kingdom.

As we continue to learn English and explore the world, let's remember to stay curious and open-minded. Understanding the needs of others—and respecting nature's incredible diversity—can lead to a better world for all of us.

Keep learning and stay inspired!