Introduces a series of articles which respond to Pitts' (2000) call for a debate into current rights to light practice. Summarises relevant areas of law as well as current measurement and valuation practices in this area. Describes the Waldram methodology, the grumble point, the fifty-fifty rule and the concept of Equivalent First Zone Loss. Shows how these concepts are used to determine the amount of damages payable where a right to light has been infringed. Calls for others to contribute to the debate proposed by Pitts.

Purpose -The built environment subject area is now well-established as a recognised field of study. However, because of its vocational orientation it is usually defined in terms of a particular range of professional activities and aptitudes. In consequence the theoretical nature of its academic knowledge base is poorly developed. This has consequences for research and teaching practice within the field which are explored in this paper.Approach -Using established literature on the historical approaches to knowledge categorisation a theoretical model is proposed.Findings -The proposed model defines the built environment as an applied, but theoretically coherent, interdiscipline with a common epistemological axiomatic.Originality/value -The paper proposes a new model of the built environment knowledge base for further discussion within the field. The practical benefits of the model are also illustrated by examples in the context of curriculum design, research strategy and the research-teaching nexus.Keywords -epistemology, interdisciplinarity, research, teaching, theory.Paper type -conceptual paper.The built environment subject area is now well-established as a recognised field of study. However, because of its vocational orientation it is usually defined in terms of a particular range of professional activities and aptitudes. In consequence the theoretical nature of its academic knowledge base is poorly developed. This has consequences for research and teaching practice within the field. Using established literature on the historical approaches to knowledge categorisation a theoretical model is proposed. This defines the built environment as an applied, but theoretically coherent, interdiscipline with a common epistemological axiomatic. The practical benefits of the model are illustrated by examples in the context of curriculum design, research strategy and the research-teaching nexus.

No abstract

Invalid party wall awards and how to avoid themConsiders the reasons for the invalidity of party wall awards. Examines decided cases under earlier party wall legislation in the context of the Party Wall etc Act 1996. Explains invalidity on the basis of an excess of the surveyors' statutory authority. Defines this authority in terms of jurisdiction and power. Demonstrates the limits of the surveyors' authority and emphasises the importance of strict compliance with statutory procedures. Concludes that surveyors should adopt an inquisitive and analytical approach to the scope of their authority to avoid the possibility of invalid awards. Echoes John Anstey's earlier warning that surveyors should avoid a broad-brush approach to their duties which will only leave them "covered in soot". Abstractparty wall, surveyor, award, ultra vires, power, jurisdiction

No abstract