Ensuring Quality and Safety from Day One
A conversation with Christoph Gruenaug, Arup’s Associate Principal | APAC BMU & Access Leader, following the successful FAT of a Manntech BMU machine for an Australian project.
You have spent many years working in façade access, including a long career at Arup. What has kept you engaged in this field over time?
Christoph Gruenaug: What has always kept me motivated is the people and the culture at Arup. Beyond that, I’ve had the opportunity to work on highly ambitious projects by some of the world’s leading architects. These projects come with complex challenges, and façade access plays a critical role in making bold designs safe, buildable, and maintainable over the long term.
Having worked on complex and high-profile buildings globally, what lessons stand out when it comes to successfully integrating façade access?
Christoph Gruenaug: The key is to be involved from day one, ideally starting at the project competition stage. Early integration allows façade access systems to become part of the architectural concept rather than an afterthought. This opens the door to optimisation, innovation, and better overall outcomes. Simplicity where possible, combined with close collaboration between consultants, contractors, and the industry, is essential. Everyone has to work together to achieve the best result.
When attending a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), what are the most important aspects you focus on?
Christoph Gruenaug: Don’t cut corners, regulations, codes, standards, and best practice exist for a reason, especially when people are working at height. Safety always comes first. At the same time, I pay close attention to the quality of execution and how well the system reflects the original design intent. A successful FAT demonstrates both technical compliance and a high level of workmanship. Working together with the supplier with the same goal in mind.
From your perspective, what distinguishes a truly well-designed façade access strategy?
Christoph Gruenaug: A strong façade access design goes beyond simply meeting minimum functional requirements. It balances safety, usability, durability, and maintenance over the entire life of the building, while remaining as simple and robust as possible.
Where do you see the greatest risks in façade access today?
Christoph Gruenaug: There can be no compromise when lives are at risk. Working at height demands the highest standards of safety and quality. Beyond initial installation, it’s critical to consider the full design life of access systems, such as, how they will be maintained, how performance is preserved over time, and how continuous improvement is built into the approach.
What changes are needed to support the next generation of buildings?
Christoph Gruenaug: We need to work smarter, not harder. Over the next five to ten years, AI‑enabled systems, automation, and predictive maintenance will increasingly become standard, fundamentally changing how buildings are designed, operated, and maintained. These technologies will help us anticipate issues earlier, optimise access strategies, and reduce risk. However, AI and automation should augment not replace people. Human expertise, engineering judgement, and accountability will remain essential, particularly where safety‑critical decisions are concerned. The future of façade access lies in combining advanced technology with experienced professionals to deliver safer, more resilient, and more sustainable buildings.
Conclusion: The successful FAT is a strong reflection of what can be achieved through close collaboration, quality engineering, and a clear focus on safety. It marks another positive step forward in delivering reliable façade access solutions for complex global projects.