Architect faked results

Japan: Japanese architect Hidetsugu Aneha has admitted to falsifying earthquake resistance data for at least 21 buildings in Japan in a bid to save costs and win more contracts. Mr Aneha has been involved in the design of over 200 buildings in Japan and engineers have ordered all but one of the 14 structures examined so far to be demolished.

During questioning in parliament Mr Aneha said that he was put under pressure by Kimura Construction to reduce the amount of steel reinforcement in his designs. He said that he was told to reduce the steel content to cut construction costs or lose the contract. A spokesman for Kimura Construction has said that they did pressure Mr Aneha to cut costs but they trusted him as a structural expert and did not think he was breaking the law.

Seven hotels designed by Mr Aneha have been closed and residents of high rise apartment blocks also designed by the Japanese architect have been evacuated while investigations continue.

Mr Aneha has admitted that in the event of a moderate earthquake, his buildings “might crumble”.