Naples – The collapse of the ceiling in an Engineering faculty in Naples is a warning signal that we cannot ignore. More than a simple accident, it is the symptom of a much larger problem: the chronic lack of maintenance in our buildings, whether public or private. Every day, we live and work in structures that, if neglected, can become dangerous”.
This is what Antonio Cerbone, treasurer of the Order of Architects of Naples and its province and regional coordinator of the CAR (Coordination of Regional Activities) of the National Technical Structure (STN) of Civil Protection, states.
“Taking care of buildings is not just a technical matter, but an act of responsibility towards those who live in them. Maintenance, both ordinary and extraordinary, is not a luxury, but a necessity to ensure safety and durability.
When a building is left without adequate interventions, time and atmospheric agents take their course, leading to even dramatic consequences. A water infiltration today can become a threat tomorrow, compromising the stability of floors and structures”, says Cerbone.
“Faced with events like this – he continues – it is right to ask who is responsible. Owners, designers, builders and institutions all have a role in the management and maintenance of buildings. The law establishes precise obligations, such as the responsibility of the contractor for ten years after construction, but we cannot limit ourselves to respecting the deadlines imposed by the rules. We must change our mentality.
We need a culture of prevention, made up of regular checks and timely interventions. Because safety is not a cost to be cut, but an investment for the future. Every building that is looked after and maintained is a guarantee for those who live there, for those who work there, for those who study there. Ignoring this means putting at risk not only our building heritage, but also people's lives".
“And it is precisely with this awareness – concludes the treasurer of the Order of Architects – that initiatives such as “Arriva Zio Terry – La mia casa è sicura” (Uncle Terry is coming – My house is safe) are organized, scheduled for Tuesday 18 March 2025 at the IC 3 Karol Wojtyla in Arzano. Promoted by the Order of Architects of Naples, the initiative is designed to raise awareness among children about seismic risk and the importance of the safety of their homes and schools.
After greetings from the director Maria Raspaolo, the mayor Vincenza Aruta and the councilor for education Chiara Guida, experts in the sector – with me Giuseppe Graniero, Dora Bennio, Francesco Greco and Francesco Donniacono – will hold interactive lessons to explain to the little ones how buildings behave during an earthquake.
Educating new generations about safety is essential to building a more aware and responsible society. Because prevention starts with knowledge, and it is never too early to learn how to protect ourselves and our environment”.
Article published on March 12, 2025 - 14pm
