Understanding obsolescence: A conceptual model for buildings

Understanding obsolescence: A conceptual model for buildings

Thomsen, A.
Van der Flier, K.

OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment

2011-06-30

What is obsolescence? Numerous older buildings have been demolished due to being labelled as obsolete. There is a general understanding that buildings, similar to machinery and durable consumer goods, should be demolished and replaced when they become obsolete. The truth of this assertion is examined and found to be problematic, as obsolescence is not clearly understood in conceptual or practical terms. Obsolescence presents a serious threat to built property as it rarely accounts for the immobile, long-lasting and (financial and natural resource) capital-intensive characteristics of property, nor for its societal and cultural significance. Minimizing obsolescence and extending longevity are therefore indispensable for maintaining the physical, economic and societal investments. The characteristics and symptoms of obsolescence are explored specifically to address how buildings can be diagnosed and when and to what extent is demolition an unavoidable consequence. A theoretical/conceptual model is developed which allows for different kinds of obsolescence to be characterized and distinguished. The model distinguishes between physical and behavioural factors and between endogenous and exogenous factors. It also accounts for the often inverse relation between the increase of complexity of types of obsolescence and the decrease of the owner’s possibilities to manage it. Through the provision of an interrelational approach, the model explains why obsolescence occurs and it can be used as a basis for structuring an evidence base on obsolescence.

building management
building pathology
building stock
decision-making
demolition
life cycle extension
obsolescence

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:7fc11894-e157-42da-a497-2d6ba4800f6a

Taylor and Francis

09613218

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09613218.2011.576328

Building Research & Information, 39 (4) Authors version

Institutional Repository

journal article

(c) 2011 Thomsen, A.; Van der Flier, K.