About Forensic Architecture And Why It Is Necessary

By Ines Brennan


Forensic architecture is basically the investigation performed when a certain building fails. This process is used to determine the exact cause of a building's failure due to certain causes and identify who is responsible for such unfortunate event. Buildings are created for recreational, residential, and commercial purposes. Ensuring its safety is of utmost importance.

With the purpose that buildings serve, professionals who are tasked with its construction must make sure they are durable and stable. The construction should be done with the use of the right methods and materials to ensure the safety of those will occupy the building. This project is assigned to a team of construction experts including engineers, architects, and contractors.

Unfortunately, problems can happen at one point in the lifespan of a building. These problems can result from mistakes during the construction and a range of other factors. Many forms of damage may occur including cracked walls, water intrusion in the basement, uneven floors, roof leaks, falling bricks, and faulty windows. These can all threaten the building's safety.

This matter has to be examined the soonest time possible. A thorough investigation would be necessary especially when people's lives are at stake. During unfortunate events when a person has been actually harmed, an investigation is all the more necessary. This kind of situation would necessitate the presence of forensic architects. These experts can perform the investigation thoroughly.

Experts in construction can handle this situation appropriately. They can examine the problem closely as they have the knowledge and methodologies to use. With that, they can determine the problem's cause, nature, location, or extent. These experts can find out which phase the problem likely started. With careful evaluation, they will also identify an appropriate solution.

There are different phases in the life cycle of a building. Problems can take place during these phases. Regardless of when or how they happen, these will have serious consequences to the occupants of the building in the future. For this reason, experts will examine the different phases such as planning, design, concept, construction, and the start of its use.

On this note, experts will identify the right kind of remedial repairs necessary for the problem. Along with other construction professionals, they can work on the property's restoration so that the building can be usable again. As they are more familiar with construction work, they can give a rough estimate on the total cost of repair work.

Moreover, experts can serve as witnesses during trials. Lawsuits are likely to happen in these instances especially when personal injuries or untimely death are involved. If any of the involved parties decide to take legal actions, they can be summoned to provide expert testimonies. They may represent the building owners or the contractors of the project.

With a lot of buildings constructed today for different purposes, one can easily see the importance of forensic architecture. There is no telling when problems can occur or who might be affected by such. Now that many experts are working in this industry, there will be somebody to shed light in these problems. Solutions can be identified the soonest time.




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