Building Lifespan

17 October 2018 13:36

Kandovan, tucked away in the north west of Iran, is the world's largest cave
dwelling, housing around 168 families in these quaint-looking grottos built
into the volcanic rock. It has been in existence for at least 800 years.

This ancient house in Aveyron, France, dates back to the 13th Century and
was built top-heavy as a cost-saver, because at the time, homes were taxed
on ground-floor square footage.

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A stack of homes in Sana'a, Yemen, one of the oldest continuously inhabited
cities in the world

The cliff-hanging St George Orthodox Monastery, founded in around 480 AD,

is located in Wadi Qelt, in Jerusalem's West Bank. It is still inhabited by
Eastern Orthodox monks, and can be reached by visitors via a pedestrian
bridge.

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The ancient cave village of Meymand in south-central Iran has been
continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years. At last count in 2006, the
population was 673, members of which survive there through freezing
winters and scorching, arid summers.

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Matera, an Italian town built into the rocks in the remote southern region of
Basilicata, is said to the only place in the world where people can boast to be
still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.

Nestled on top of a cliff in New Mexico is Acoma Pueblo, believed to be the

oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. It has been
occupied by the Acoma people since 1150 - though today it only has 50 full-
time residents, and no running water, electricity or sewage system.

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The Church of Saint Peter, near Antakya, Turkey, is one of Christianity's
oldest churches, cut into the rocks and dating back to at least the 4th or 5th
century. It underwent restoration in 2015 and now holds services again.

Kirkjubøargarður, located on the Faroe Islands, is thought to be the oldest

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Kirkjubøargarður, located on the Faroe Islands, is thought to be the oldest
still-inhabited wooden house in the world, dating all the way back to the
11th century. Currently, it is occupied by the 17th generation Patursson
family, who have lived there since 1550.

Saltford Manor, a stone house in the British region of Somerset, is the oldest
continuously occupied private home in England. Built sometime before 1150,
it was last sold to new buyers in 2010 for an estimated £1.2million.

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Thoughts…
17 October 2018 13:40

What determines the lifespan of a building?

Is the lifespan determines solely by the lifespan of the

components?

Is there a situational element to the lifespan of

components?

How do you determine the lifespan of components?

Why are modern dwelling guarantees given in tens of

years?

What are the other good questions we should be

debating given the previous pictures?

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Student developed resources
19 October 2018 09:40

Venus Project
The Venus Project advocates an alternative vision unlike any social
system that has gone before. We propose a fresh, holistic approach –
one that is dedicated to human and environmental concerns.

Abu Dhabi modern city

The United Arab Emirates is building a $354 million city with
driverless cars, greenhouses, and solar-powered villas.

Green Building Forum

Quora - Building Lifespan

Quora - Lifespan of appartments in India

Quora - Average lifespan of Buildings

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