Building failure: the role of the architect

Abstract

ABSTRACT Failure could be defined as non-occurrence, non-performance, and running short, breaking down, ill success, and unsuccessful thing. When any part of a building or entire building exhibits any of the above characteristics failure can be said to have occurred, The paper highlighted some riles of building failures which are, nonfunctional design, collapse, poor construction method and materials, natural disasters, cost overrun and litigation. Examples of famous building failures in history and some common building failures prevalent in Nigeria were documented. The paper concluded with the role the architect can play in minimizing building failures.