Panel: improving building health
Panelists at the Victorian Building Authority Building Surveyor Conference : Rebecca Bentley Nicola Johnston Tim Law Dan O'Brien - Notes taken as per Chatham House rules.
?? **Building a Resilient Future: Addressing Key Challenges in Construction** ??
In a candid and enlightening panel discussion, industry experts embarked on a quest to dissect the crux of building challenges and defects that have emerged as pivotal concerns. What are the issues and how do we solve them?
?? **Unraveling the Threads: Key Issues in Focus**??
The panelists converged on crucial issues: from passive fire defects to fire-rated wall penetrations, the shadows of construction pitfalls loomed large. Poor construction management, handovers, and cladding woes compounded the complexity. Defects, often concealed beneath the cladding, unveiled a tale of water ingress, casting a sobering light on the need for vigilance.
??? **Rethinking Inspections: A Paradigm Shift Beckons**??
A pivotal question emerged: How can we rectify these issues and mend the tapestry of building defects? The answer lies in a twofold approach: amplifying inspections and redefining pricing schedules. Technology, a formidable ally, strides hand in hand with in-person inspections, forging a dynamic duo that begs to redefine quality assurance.
??? **Digital Transformation and Accountability: Beyond the Lens**??
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Digital records and high-definition videos usher a new era of inspection transparency and accountability, e.g. police wear cameras why wouldn't inspector? Should surveyors really be self-certifying (inspecting) their own builds: this mechanism demands scrutiny. Conflicting relationships within the project team emerged as a cornerstone, with builder and surveyor relationships holding up a mirror to defects. The need for shared accountability and owner representation shone through, begging a holistic and fail-safe system.
??? **Design for a Resilient Future: Architects as Torchbearers**??
Design, a linchpin of informed construction, beckons architects to reimagine their craft. An orientation that resonates with all practitioners is paramount, as designs cascade into the hands of builders, surveyors, and beyond. "Design documents in the hands of surveyors should be seen as instructions first and grand designs second."
?? **The Economics of Transformation: A Critical Perspective**??
Amidst the cacophony, a missing puzzle piece surfaced - the economists. Their insight holds the key to unraveling the intricate dance between compliance, cost, and the burgeoning Victoria building sprawl. As the Commonwealth's golden gem undergoes rapid growth, understanding the economic implications of change assumes paramount importance.
?? **Charting a Purposeful Path Forward**??
The panel's discourse leaves us poised at a crossroads of possibilities. Recommendations for change echo, but the harmony of cost analysis is yet to resonate. In a digitally-woven world, checking the checker stands as a potential solution, yet a deeper skillset is missing. Above all else, the open discussion forums enable insight to be shared: can each word inch us closer to a future where Victorian construction stands tall, fortified by accountability, technology, and unwavering commitment? Let me know your thoughts in the comments :)
Post sponsored by Earthsteading Pty Ltd - bespoke performance solution consultants: [email protected]
Architectural scientist specialising in mould in Australian buildings
1 年I was there and I remember it very differently. Was this written by a bot?