The term ‘Architectural Forensics’ varies in definition. In short, it refers to the investigation of the built environment, whether that be in relation to crime and injustice or an investigative process to discover the root cause of damage and deterioration in buildings. Often forensic architects are invited to identify potential issues and advise in how to avoid them. The role of this architect is to remain unbiased, identify issues within construction, determine potential causes and suggest solutions. They are to uncover factual evidence, which may aid in future construction or provide answers to issues associated with a particular built environment.
Renowned in architectural forensics, Forensic Architecture, established by Architect Eyal Weizman in 2010 uses the built environment itself as a tool in order to investigate a wide array of crimes, including human rights violations and state and corporate violations across the world. With a headquarters in Goldsmiths, University of London, the team is comprised of an array of interdisciplinary team members, including architects, lawyers, filmmakers, investigative journalists and scientists. Pioneering the way to extensive spatial investigations they work alongside a range of environmental justice and human rights groups and non-profit organizations in order to work with select communities that have been affected by both social and political violence and injustice.
