flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Architect sentenced to a year in jail for firefighter's death

Architect sentenced to a year in jail for firefighter's death

The firefighter died while trying to contain a fire in a home the architect had designed for himself.


By BD+C Staff | January 8, 2014

Architect Gerhard Becker was sentenced to a year in LA county jail after pleading no contest to the manslaughter of a firefighter who died while trying to contain a fire in a home the architect had designed for himself (pictured).

The fire began in one of four fireplaces that had been manufactured for outdoor use but hidden within the house itself—a violation of local building codes.

The flames then melted a water pipe that leaked thousands of gallons of water into a ceiling above the heads of firefighters. The ceiling collapsed, crushing a firefighter who died the next day of his injuries.

(http://gizmodo.com/architect-sentenced-to-year-in-jail-for-firefighters-d-1494121774)

Related Stories

University Buildings | Oct 18, 2022

A carbon-neutral-ready university campus opens in Hong Kong

In early September, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) officially opened its new, KPF-designed campus in Nansha, Guangzhou (GZ).

Market Data | Oct 17, 2022

Calling all AEC professionals! BD+C editors need your expertise for our 2023 market forecast survey

The BD+C editorial team needs your help with an important research project. We are conducting research to understand the current state of the U.S. design and construction industry.

Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022

Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers

California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.

Justice Facilities | Oct 17, 2022

San Antonio’s new courthouse aims to provide safety and security while also welcoming the public

The San Antonio Federal Courthouse, which opened earlier this year, replaces a courthouse that had been constructed as a pavilion for the 1968 World’s Fair.

Market Data | Oct 14, 2022

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Jumps in September; Contractor Confidence Remains Steady

Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9.0 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20 to Oct. 5.

| Oct 13, 2022

Boston’s proposed net-zero emissions code has developers concerned

Developers have raised serious concerns over a proposed new energy code by the City of Boston that would require newly constructed buildings over 20,000 sf to immediately hit net-zero emissions goals.

Education Facilities | Oct 13, 2022

A 44-acre campus serves as a professional retreat for public-school educators in Texas

A first-of-its-kind facility for public schools in Texas, the Holdsworth Center serves as a retreat for public educators, supporting reflection and dialogue. 

Building Team | Oct 12, 2022

Real estate development practices worsened impact of Hurricane Ian

A century ago, the southwest Florida coast was mostly swamps and shoals, prone to frequent flooding and almost impossible to navigate by boat.

Market Data | Oct 12, 2022

ABC: Construction Input Prices Inched Down in September; Up 41% Since February 2020

Construction input prices dipped 0.1% in September compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.

Hotel Facilities | Oct 12, 2022

Global hotel chain citizenM opens its first Chicago property and its fifth of the year

citizenM, a global chain of affordable luxury hotels, has opened its first Chicago property—its fifth opening of 2022.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



Urban Planning

The magic of L.A.’s Melrose Mile

Great streets are generally not initially curated or willed into being. Rather, they emerge organically from unintentional synergies of commercial, business, cultural and economic drivers. L.A.’s Melrose Avenue is a prime example. 


Curtain Wall

7 steps to investigating curtain wall leaks

It is common for significant curtain wall leakage to involve multiple variables. Therefore, a comprehensive multi-faceted investigation is required to determine the origin of leakage, according to building enclosure consultants Richard Aeck and John A. Rudisill with Rimkus. 

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021