Why Rules And Regulations Are Important In Commercial Architecture

Being an architect is a tall order especially if you are practicing in the UK. This is because there are laws, rules and regulations and all architects must abide by these rules. It does not matter if we are talking about commercial archiects or professionals who design private buildings. All architects are required to obey the law and when they don't, they will face sanctions. Below are some reasons why laws and regulations are important in commercial architecture.

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Safety Concerns

When you are designing commercial buildings, the fist thing that should come to your mind is the safety and long-term durability of the structure. This is because a commercial building will house many offices and many people are likely to go in and out of the building every day. It follows that the building must have a strong foundation and the walls must the strong enough to withstand the ravages of time. The laws are quite clear on this so it follows that the architects who design these buildings should do so in accordance with the law. 

Consider Other Buildings

In a typical commercial area, you are likely to find many high-rise buildings, shopping complexes and office blocks. With so many buildings competing for space, it is safe to assume that some architects and developers will be tempted to cut corners or bend the rules. People in this category might try some sharp practices in order to maximize space and make more money from their buildings. Now, this is where commercial building law comes into the picture. Regulators usually visit commercial building sites before, during and after construction. The job of these regulators is to ensure that occupants of nearby buildings are not put into any danger or inconvenience by those handling current projects. In effect, all buildings must have enough space, enough sunlight and enough ventilation.

Electrical Matters

Electrical fittings, wiring and other related matters are very important in commercial buildings. Every building must be wired by a certified and qualified electrical engineering expert. External supervisors will supervise this aspect of the project and ensure that the wiring is done in accordance with the right standards. This is vital because improper or faulty connections can lead to fire outbreaks or even electrocution of people in the building. This implies that the architect should obey the rules governing electrical installations in commercial buildings. It also helps if the architect and the electrical expert collaborate on the project to ensure that everything goes well.

Roofing and Related Matters

In every commercial building, the roof plays an important role in the success or failure of the project. An excellent architectural edifice without the right roof is not a great project. There are standards for roofing, decking and even the ceiling of commercial buildings. For this reason, the architect handling the project should work closely with the roofers to ensure they (the roofers) do not break any architectural rules. 

Finally, commercial architects should factor in aesthetic beauty and functionality into the project. If all these things are in place, the regulators will not have any reason to sanction the architect.