A building is not just an architect’s problem

David Connacher, Marketing Manager of West Fraser, discusses the many stakeholders responsible for the success or failure of a building

When judging the success or failure of a building, it is often the architect who comes under scrutiny. After all, architects have overall responsibility for a building’s design, aesthetics and functionality. What is easily forgotten is that they are interpreting their client’s ideas and being influenced and constrained by conventions and regulations; they are grappling with the requirements of planners and end users, not to mention the limitations of budgets.

Quite simply, a building is not just an architect’s challenge. In reality, many stakeholders must take responsibility when blame – or credit – is apportioned for how a building works and its wider impact. Equally, the idea that architects can save the planet through their work is flawed. They can formulate ideas but, essentially, they are bit players in the grander scheme of things.

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions* and have a significant impact on our natural habitats. We are all culpable and, instead of expecting architects to design our way out of the climate emergency, we must collectively instigate a paradigm shift in our behaviour. Buildings have to become self-sustaining but, even to come close to achieving this goal, stakeholder and societal values have to change and government and industry must actively accept responsibility rather than simply spouting hyperbole.

End-users play a critical role. Their behaviour determines whether a building achieves its intended purpose. Even the most energy-efficient buildings will fail to deliver sustainability goals if occupants misuse systems or ignore the basic principles of how a building works. Similarly, even the best designed and constructed buildings will quickly fall into disrepair if poorly maintained.

We cannot go on prioritising low-cost, mediocre solutions over quality and sustainability. To play a part in mitigating the climate emergency, buildings have to be enduring, durable and innovative assets created through a collaborative and holistic approach.

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