Approaching the care‐free building

Alternative approaches to maintenance are facilitating a fresh look at design and operation of buildings. For some time, planned preventive maintenance has been the predominant paradigm, based on periodic condition surveys, predictions of future performance, and production of programmes of work. Advances in technology and management techniques have enabled more rapid responses and a focus on meeting user needs. Also there has been a growth of interest in sustainability and “saving the planet”. This paper examines the concepts presented by the author at the Brisbane conference of CIB W70. Suggests that designing and providing for today’s needs is difficult enough without trying to anticipate unknown futures. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matthew 6:34). Work stress could be reduced for facilities and maintenance managers by providing the “right” building – right design; right time; right place; nothing to worry about.