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Why IVEXSI Exists

Vertical expansion of existing buildings is no longer an isolated construction activity.
It is a cumulative urban decision, with consequences that affect:

  • structural safety of existing assets

  • urban density and infrastructure

  • legal and regulatory compliance

  • professional responsibility over time

Despite its growing relevance, this field has historically lacked internationally structured standards focused specifically on decision-making, coordination and execution in vertical expansion.

IVEXSI was created to address this gap.

From the +1A Method to an International Standard

IVEXSI is based on the evolution of the +1A Method (Intelligent Vertical Expansion), originally developed in Brazil by Walter Afonso Filho, focusing on structured decision-making prior to design and construction.

As the method expanded and matured, it became clear that its principles required a formal international framework, independent governance and a standardized system applicable across jurisdictions.

This evolution led to the creation of the IVEXS System and the foundation of the IVEXSI Institute.

What IVEXSI Does

IVEXSI acts as the institutional authority responsible for:

  • Developing and maintaining the IVEXS Standards

  • Defining the scope and limits of vertical expansion practices

  • Establishing professional certification frameworks

  • Ensuring ethical conduct and independence

  • Overseeing governance, audits and conformity mechanisms

IVEXSI does not operate as a commercial entity and does not provide construction services.

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The IVEXS System

The IVEXS System is a structured set of standards designed specifically for vertical expansion of existing buildings, covering:

  • principles and scope of application

  • technical coordination and decision authority

  • execution control and responsibility

  • system management and conformity

  • ethics, independence and professional conduct

The system is organized into normative classes, including IVEXS 100, 101, 102, 900 and 910.

Professional Certification

IVEXSI establishes professional profiles aligned with the level of responsibility involved in vertical expansion decisions:

  • PEI — IVEXSI Execution Professional

  • PCI — IVEXSI Coordination Professional

Certification is restricted to civil engineers and architects, due to the structural and urban responsibility inherent to vertical expansion decisions.

Other engineering disciplines participate as specialized support, without assuming central decision authority.

Governance and Independence

IVEXSI operates under a formal governance structure, ensuring:

  • separation between standards, training and certification

  • independence from commercial interests

  • transparency in decision-making

  • accountability at institutional and professional levels

Governance principles are defined in the IVEXSI Statutes and related governance documents.

Publications

IVEXSI’s normative and conceptual foundations are documented in official publications, including:

  • Book 1 — The +1A Method

  • Book 2 — From +1A to IVEXS: International Standardization of Vertical Expansion

Institutional Statement

IVEXSI is an independent institute dedicated to technical integrity, public safety and professional responsibility.

It does not sell products, construction services or consultancy.
Its role is strictly normative, institutional and certifying.

Language and Validity Notice

In case of divergence between translated versions, the English version shall prevail.

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