Building Pathology
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Author: David Watt
Publisher: Blackwell, Publishing Ltd, Oxford, UK
Publication Date: (2007)
ISBN: 9781405161039
Details: 2nd Edition, 320 pages Paperback
List Price: £34.50
Journal of Building Appraisal (2008) 3, 331–333. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jba.2950082
This book was originally published in 1999 and has been a valuable introduction to a complex subject. While the reviewer, as Joint Co-ordinator for the CIB Working Commission W086 for ten years, is very familiar with the concept and skills required of a building pathologist, the author confirms in his preface to this edition that the discipline is now becoming more widely used throughout the construction industry. There has been much involvement in recent years in the UK with condition of buildings and in particular the training of Home Inspectors to undertake Home Condition Reports. This inspection aims to look for defects and to categorise the need for further action. This is where the Building Pathologist takes over and uses specialist skills and techniques to determine the reason for a defect, possibly apportion blame for its occurrence and recommend methods for repair. The author recognises that practitioners need to have an understanding of the underlying basis on which buildings are designed, constructed and utilised, and how they might sensibly and economically be managed, repaired and maintained now and in the future. He recognises that there have been changes in emphasis since the first edition, particularly in environmental awareness, sustainability and the use of information technology. The first chapter examines the several definitions given for the term ‘Building Pathology’ and, while recognising the different emphasis that each has, concludes that the discipline is concerned principally with defects and associated remedial action. The book’s purpose is to expand the range of investigation and information needed in order to make informed decisions on how to repair and maintain for the future. The holistic approach to understanding buildings examines the context of the building, its design and construction and the long list of people who will be involved throughout its life and possibly its subsequent demolition. The next chapter attempts to answer the question — ‘what is a building?’ and takes the reader down the path of functional requirements, performance requirements, through the minefield of statutory requirements and into the conflict zone of user requirements. This is followed by an introduction into the user expectations of a building, what is anticipated in the design and what faults are likely to arise from the anticipated use or future use. The chapter concludes with a brief piece on aesthetic values and the art or architecture and even archaeology of the building.
© 2008 PALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD 1742–8262 $30.00
Journal of Building Appraisal
VOL.3 NO.4
www.palgrave-Journals.com/jba
PP 331–333
331
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