Architectural and building features disparity and preservation of structural and fabrics integrity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and discuss those architectural and building features associated with certain faults and defects, and by implication, impact preservation of buildings' structural and fabrics integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

Building condition survey and analysis was conducted.

Findings

It was observed that the differing structural and fabrics integrity of these buildings overtime was connected most significantly to their different roofing styles and features.

Research limitations/implications

Investigation was limited to two distinct buildings located on the same block at Hampton University, Virginia, USA.

Practical implications

This finding underscores the importance of choosing and designing features of buildings with their operation, maintainability, and life‐cycle preservation in mind, if structural and fabrics integrity must be maintained, and sustainability achieved, while restoration dollars are saved.

Originality/value

Ilozor et al.'s building defects cause‐effects model was applied in understanding the contributions of various architectural and building features to certain faults, defects or failures that impact the preservation of buildings' structural and fabrics integrity.

Citation

Ilozor, B.D. (2008), "Architectural and building features disparity and preservation of structural and fabrics integrity", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/17260530810863325