In the not-too-distant future, building owners may hold more than just high expectations – they might use the courts as a tool for enforcing design quality. As KPIs for sustainability, health and wellbeing, and community engagement shift from being woolly should-haves to baseline requirements, accountability in building design will inevitably transform. Miss these critical targets, and the consequence could be a visit from the old bill.
Traditionally, designers, architects, and engineers have leaned heavily on their experience, intuition, and creative problem-solving skills. As buildings become more sophisticated, intelligent, and outcomes-focused, these professionals could soon find themselves accountable not only to planning authorities and regulators, but also to increasingly vigilant clients prepared to litigate over underperformance. In an era where environmental certifications and community impact become legally enforceable commitments, every design decision carries a potential liability.
Blockchain technology – known primarily as the backbone of cryptocurrency – is emerging as a vital safeguard against these risks. At its essence, blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger: a secure, immutable database. Put simply, it functions like an incorruptible diary, recording decisions and transactions chronologically, with no single party capable of altering entries once recorded. Each decision or alteration is timestamped and cryptographically secured, ensuring permanence and integrity.
For design firms navigating a landscape where proving due diligence is becoming as critical as delivering design excellence, blockchain presents an untapped advantage. By systematically recording critical design choices and any deviations from initial plans, firms can create transparent and tamper-proof records. This digital ledger provides a clear, detailed narrative of decision-making processes, articulating precisely why certain adaptations were made, the constraints involved, and the compliance measures implemented throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Consider a hypothetical scenario where a building falls short of its promised energy efficiency targets (think NABERS). Rather than engaging in lengthy, contentious debates about liability, a blockchain ledger could swiftly identify when a deviation occurred, perhaps due to unforeseen regulatory changes or client-driven alterations, and clearly document the rationale. Such indisputable records could significantly reduce ambiguity, potentially mitigating disputes before they escalate into costly and reputation-damaging legal action.
Adopting blockchain technology is not only a defensive posture in anticipation of a litigious future; it represents proactive safeguarding of professional integrity in a market where transparency and accountability will matter more than ever. Firms integrating blockchain into their workflow will future-proof their operations and, importantly, build enhanced trust with their clients.
In a future where legal action concerning underperforming buildings could soon be commonplace, embracing blockchain technology is an astute strategy for any forward-looking design firm looking to invest in clarity and accountability. As our industry continues to evolve, so must our approach to ensuring buildings not only deliver on their design promises, but stand as enduring proof of rigorous, responsible innovation.
Credit: https://smartbuildingsmagazine.com/features/how-to-not-get-sued-a-new-blueprint-for-accountability-in-building-design