Facility Management: A Paradigm for Expanding the Scope of Architectural Practice

published in International Journal of Architectural Research in 2007

In this paper the authors discuss challenging interrelations between the contemporary architectural practice and the expanding facility management (FM) sector. After defining FM and determining the part of it that is directly dependent on an architectural expertise, the authors identify possible interests in combining knowledge between the two fields, both dealing with the built environment.
The empirical part of the research is a study of the current development of FM concepts and strategies in Serbia, and examination of the position and a possible impact of the local architectural practice. A systematization of local real-estate from the point of FM includes three different groups of objects: the ones with integrated FM strategy in the early design stage;
the ones with imported FM strategy from international firms; and the last incomparably largest group of objects that esperately need an appropriate FM concept. The methodology of tracking the FM related knowledge has been applied with the aim to recognize key actors in the FM knowledge  exchange on the national level, as well as to understand current position and propose possible activities for the local architectural community.
Keywords: Facility management, architectural practice, Serbia

Citation: Devetakovic, Mirjana, and Radojevic, Milan. "Facility Management: A Paradigm for Expanding the Scope of Architectural Practice," in ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 1, issue 3 (2007).

Tracking the Flows of FM related Knowledge in Emerging Markets - the Case of Serbia

Coauthored with Mirjana Devetakovic and Tatjana Kosic

Examining knowledge as a set of information upon which one could act, this paper firstly identifies major subjects and activities in the field of FM and systematizes kinds of information related to these activities. In this context both tacit (subjective, individual, implicit) and explicit (codified, written-down) knowledge are considered, but a special attention is directed towards the latest, e.g. explicit knowledge, appearing in a codified form. This part of study is based on theoretical and other published sources. It results in a general model of FM knowledge scene that is going to be used in examining the chosen market. Considering emerging markets in general and highlighting some of their characteristics related to Facility Management, this study focuses on Serbia where the FM scene is becoming more and more dynamic. It is intended in shaping the FM knowledge base, identifying main holders of operative information and analyzing its flows, e.g. its sources, transmission channels and application in practice.

Keywords: knowledge flows, facility management, Serbia, CEE

Facility Management in Serbia - State of the Art and Perspectives

EFMC 2005, Coauthored with Mirjana Devetakovic and Tatjana Kosic

Facility Management u oblasti stanovanja

Coauthored with Mirjana Devetakovic, in Serbian language

Facility Management is applicable in all segments of built environment, including the housing sector. Analyzing characteristics of the local context, particularly in the sector of condominium housing, this paper introduces some aspects of Facility Management that might be applicable in the case of Serbian market. Considering the Guidelines on Condominium Ownership of Housing for Countries in Transition recently published by UNECE, this study proposes introduction of new kind of professionals – facility managers in the housing sector. Estimating the current relatively poor level of housing culture and an accumulated deficit in maintenance of the housing stock, the authors argue that local owners’ associations wouldn’t be able to efficiently respond to challenges of housing managements especially in the segment of setting maintenance standards. The proposed is a two levels solution – the building management and the management of larger complexes performed by specialized housing facility managers. The housing facility managers would be directly responsible to head city architect and their responsibility will include management of the large housing complexes. They are supposed to direct and supervise activities of building managers. This proposal is aimed in introducing a professional approach to management of the existing housing stock.

Professional Positioning and Basic Presentation

published in 'AG Real Estate', 2006., in Serbian, English and German

IN OUR REGION WE ARE NOT PAYING ENOUGH ATTENTION TO THE MODERN FACILITY MANAGEMENT (FM) CONCEPT AND WE ARE DISREGARDING
THE POSSIBILITIES OFFERED FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS DURING ExPLOITATION. THIS IS WHY WE ARE OF THE OPINION, THAT WHENEVER IT IS POSSIBLE, IT IS NECESSARY TO REMIND AND TO POINT
OUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FROM THE BEGINNING OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AS WELL AS DURING THE ExPLOITATION UNTIL THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDING, TO DEFINE THE REAL CONCEPT OF FACILITY
MANAGEMENT, IN ORDER TO PRESERVE AND EVEN INCREASE ITS VALUE DURING THE YEARS OF ExPLOITATION. THE AIM IS TO REMIND ONCE
AGAIN OF THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE SHARE ALTOGETHER, NOTWITHSTANDING WE ARE DESIGNERS, CONTRACTORS, MANAGERS OR SIMPLE BUILDING BENEFICIARIES I.E. REAL ESTATE USERS.

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