A methodological approach to the evaluation of obsolescence of residential buildings

Abstract

The co-authors have proven that the analysis of values of obsolescence indicators applicable to buildings and other facilities in the urban environment allows to make resource-saving decisions in terms of their integrated renovation. At the same time, the need to develop a methodology for evaluating the functional obsolescence of a residential building is also substantiated, as it is the most important component of the concept of comfort of a residential building. A brief analysis of the concepts of “comfort” and “accessibility” in relation to residential buildings is performed. The characteristic of comfort is proposed to be defined using the consolidated indicator of functional obsolescence and physical deterioration of a building. A specific mathematical formula for calculating the parameters of comfort is provided, depending on the consolidated characteristics of indicators of physical deterioration and obsolescence of a building. The proposed analysis of principal obsolescence evaluation methods, applicable to residential buildings, allows to identify the main weaknesses of currently used methods. As a methodological approach to evaluating the obsolescence of a residential building, a systematic approach is proposed that allows a comprehensive, structural and quantitative assessment of obsolescence indicators through the use of mathematical methods, including the method of expert assessments and a modified verbal-numerical scale, initially developed by Harrington. A systematic hierarchical relationship between general and specific indicators of obsolescence of a building is identified. A systematic approach is employed to develop a procedure for identifying the integral obsolescence of a building with regard taken of the hierarchical relationship between its specific and general indicators. Pie and bar charts are used to analyze alternative building obsolescence evaluation methodologies. A detailed description of the proposed option is provided in the form of specific examples. Acknowledgement. This research was supported by Project No. 3.1.1.1 within the 2021–2023 Plan of Fundamental Research of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering and Ministry of Civil Engineering and Public Utilities of the Russian Federation.

Keywords

• comfort, obsolescence, systematic approach, specific and general indicators of obsolescence, expert method, Harrington’s scale, options, pie chart, histogram