How many of you here are futureproofing your specifications?
David, have you no better use for your time to ask us about this, ok I am game what is futureproofing?
2 points to Jerome…yes David…define your terms. then ask the question
Thanks Marc, I’ll take 2 points any day. And David, please no wikipedia for your definition.
If I revealed my agenda, then it would no longer be a hidden agenda. 
I asked the question because I wanted to see if anybody actually knew what the word “futureproof” meant. I had never heard of the term until a few days ago.
“Futureproofing”, as far as I can tell, is the latest and greatest architectural buzzword. I think what it means is designing to make buildings last. (Don’t we do that already?) It is more than sustainability and resiliency. Futureproofing deals with historic preservation, cultural heritage preservation, climate change, adaptive reuse, flexibility, seismic upgrade, etc. At least I think it does.
More information here: http://principlesoffutureproofing.com/
Futureproofing = Buying Long Term Care Insurance
oh, someone please get Ujjval Vyas’s thoughts on this latest buzzword!!!
I don’t see any need to futureproof specifications, unless you already know that the project you’re writing specifications for will get put on hold, only to be pulled out at some future point and get bid without any attempt to bring the specifications up to date.
If that’s the case, good luck trying to anticipate the changes to code, standards, materials, products, construction methods, etc.
“CONTENTS: One specification. Best if used by AUG 2021. Expires AUG 2024.”
“Future proofing” begins with owner decisions and design issue. For example, creating extra space in chases. Using details that simplify disassembly, reuse, and reconfiguration. Etc.
My favorite example, maybe a myth, is a temple in Japan. It is rebuilt once a generation while there are still folk living who remember how it was built previously. Every time it is rebuilt, a forest is planted so trees can reach maturity by the time the building is rebuilt.
Another example is the Los Angeles Cathedral. The goal, articulated by the Cardinal, is that the building survive at least 500 years. This effected many decision. For example, designing as a critical structure instead of a place of assembly, special concrete mix and placement to minimize shrinkage cracking. Using extra coverage over reinforcing and using stainless steel rebar and ties within several inches of the surface. Creating a maintenance schedule for reapplication of water repellents. Exceeding code requirements for seismic movement. And much more. It is an awesome building. If you come to LA, it would be my privilege to give you a tour.
Gosh - You mean I can stop writing specs, pen a quick obtuse book about FutureProofing Buildings, then hit the high paid SME consulting circuit giving obtuse lectures to manufacturers and associations?
Phil,
Why not? That’s what I did.
future proofing has to do with the decisions made by the designers. The role of the contract documents is to memorialize the decisions made by the designers not to continue the discussion.