Hard public access floors: A problem for the industry – Part 2

Abstract

Discusses some of the extent and consequences of failures of hard public access floors, affecting among other building types: hospitals, airports, railway stations and shopping centres. Describes the attitudes taken by clients and project managers, with reference to the growth of new and refurbished façadism and themes, and to conservative outlooks by proprietors of superstores and transport industries. Outlines solutions to problems with respect to changing trends, such as client requirements for designers to accept design liability for fitness for purpose of flooring systems, performance specifications incorporated in contract documentation and the increasing proportion of value of work being done in the building industry by specialist sub‐contractors. Discusses methods, quality assurance and quality control, giving examples from the industry. Compares and contrasts some differing approaches to the ways in which the industry deals with the generation and provision of information and advice about standards and techniques, and particular materials and systems. Suggests that more explanation needs to be given to the reasoning behind the failure of some techniques and the creation of design guidances.