b"ALEXS ADVENTURES IN BUILDING SCIENCEA LIFE IN BUILDING SCIENCEWeird things I have seen By Alex McGowanI have been working in the field ofconditions for the interval between thefor a break. But theres no break until the building science for over 36 years,time of death and the time of discovery.judge says theres a break. This eventu-and during that time, I've collectedHe had done some research and discov- ally happened, and I made a beeline for a few experiences along the way.ered that we had developed a whole- the gents. About halfway through my Here are a few examples of a careerbuilding energy simulation program thatrelief session, I heard the door open, and in building science to show thatwould record hourly temperature andsomeone else came in and used the next it can be more than remediating leakyrelative humidity, so he engaged us tospot. I casually glanced over, like you do, condos (although I was also happy toprovide the service. I ran the models, andand discovered that I was alone in the have helped rebuild peoples homes,then had to testify in court. room with an accused multiple murderer schools, offices, etc.). (ultimately, a convicted murderer, partly If you have ever served as an expert HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION witness, you know that cross-exami- due to our modelling). But I was cool. I I got a call from a detective sergeant whonation can be intense: the opposingwent to the sink to wash my hands, and was investigating a multiple homicide.counsel is motivated to discount yourwhen he came to the sink I casually said He had a suspect and three victims.testimony and your credibility. I madeMan, this is taking a long time! He From the conditions of the victims, heit through the gauntlet, but got a case ofsaid, Yeah, well, I have been in custody could only determine the time of death ifthe drys, so I was drinking a LOT offor three years. So, he obviously had a he knew the temperature and humiditywaterand after a while, I was hopingdifferent perspective on the matter.FALL/WINTER 2023 15"