The dangers of urban decline and the role of facility management in reducing associated safety and health risks

Background and aim – This paper studies urban decline, the process
in which the built environment suddenly or gradually loses its practical,
technical and economic functionality, resulting in it being abandoned
by its legitimate occupants and neglected by its owners for an extended period of time. Recent European examples of urban decline from
around the globe as well as five German examples were studied. This is
followed by a reflection on the risks for public safety and public health
that these examples show and the possible role of facility managers in
diminishing these risks.
Methods / Methodology – Data were collected by means of desk research and direct observations.
Results – At all locations public safety and public health risks were considerable. Direct observations at five German locations show extensive urban decline.
Originality –Identifying safety and health risks in abandoned buildings and connecting these issues to the facility management profession offers a new perspective on dealing with urban decay.
Practical or social implications – Abandoned buildings that are easily accessible to the public generate considerable risks for public safety and health. This paper calls for a debate about how to deal with these risks. Part of the debate should be whether or not such situations should be allowed to continue.
Moreover, this paper suggests a prominent role for the facility management profession in order to deal with these safety and health issues.
Type of paper – Research paper.