Every architect wonders from time to time, “how long will my building survive?” We want the buildings to at least outlive their creator.
There are examples the world over of buildings that have not only outlived their creators, but the entire civilizations.
We design buildings that, we hope, will stand the test of time. Often, clients want a “timeless” building, a “classic” design. This can be a vague description, but what they ultimately mean is, “I don’t want people to point and say, ‘that building was built in 1978 and it shows, what were they thinking?’.”
We also detail our buildings with care and attention, always to keep the water out. Knowing, of course, that water from the sky doesn’t always fall straight down. Details that, when built properly, will last for decades without much maintenance.
What architects don’t necessarily consider is the economic serviceability of a building. How long will a building live in usefulness? When will it be torn down to be replaced by something bigger and better?
Consider the photo study of retail properties by photographer Brian Ulrich entitled “Not If, But When.” There are some eerie photos of shopping malls that have died a slow death and are left to decay, unattended. This was certainly not the intent of the architect. But, the architect cannot control the economy and what finicky shoppers want.
And, should an architect mourn the death of his progeny?
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