A facility management expert and Managing Director, Global Property & Facilities International Limited, Dr. Muhammad Balogun has implored construction industry operatives to adhere strictly to states’ and federal regulations.
He also urged architects to approach their work with the utmost professionalism, recognising that their expertise and diligence guide both structural integrity and public safety.
Balogun, who spoke at the Ikeja branch of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), general and business meeting on ‘The Importance of Facility Management in Architecture’ underscored the pivotal role architects play in the realm of facility management within the context of construction.
He said: “Architectural design and facility management are two intricately intertwined disciplines. While architecture is the art of envisioning and crafting spaces, facility management (FM) stands as the vigilant steward, ensuring these spaces operate at peak efficiency to serve their intended purposes.”
According to him, “a building’s journey doesn’t conclude because the construction has ended. Rather, it evolves into a new phase, one where facility management takes centre stage. This critical facet of building oversight ensures the well-being and enduring vitality of the structure. A meticulously crafted facility management plan serves as the compass, steering buildings and their services toward harmoniously meeting the requirements of their occupants.”
“The dividends of a robust FM strategy are manifold, extending beyond the mere preservation of a building’s lifespan. It ushers in financial prudence, reaping significant cost savings through the meticulous maintenance of the structure over time.”
Balogun illustrated that in scenarios where a building’s design has been artfully executed, but insufficient attention has been given to the crucial domain of facility management, “there will be consequences,” he said.
He emphasised the indispensability of architects and facility managers collaborating from the project’s inception for effective future management. “The symbiotic relationship holds paramount importance in both the construction and sustained maintenance of structures,” he added.
