Lifespan
Lifespan (or life span) generally refers to the length of time that a biotic factor, being or organism that is alive or likely to be alive. The same term is also used to describe the period for which an abiotic factor or object functions, this might be a building, element or product (for products it may sometimes be called shelf-life).
The term is relevant to the construction industry because it relates to how long materials, components, elements or whole buildings last or function as intended. This can be important in terms of how long products individually or in combination (to form buildings) are designed to function and in turn relates to performance requirements, construction quality, guarantees, warranties, collateral warranties, defects, latent defects, liabilities and insurances.
Construction quality is one of the highest causes of litigation in the industry and sometimes may lie in a discrepancy between how long an item was intended to function, how long it actually functioned as intended and the impacts of its failure. Contracts, insurance and many other mechanisms relate to the term lifespan or intended lifespan.
More recently the term may also be found in relation to whole life costing, life cycle, embodied carbon and end-of-life which relate the cost of items not only in terms of initial price or capital cost but the costs relative to how long the item functions, as well as other associated costs such as environmental and carbon impacts.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.