many public building have elctrically operated self closing doors.... these would work fine in domestic and apartment situation (ie come into operation at the detection of a fire)...... but of course these are more expensive...
this thread is simply a result of a builder using the cheapest lowest tech installation..... if they are such a pain why not lobby to get them outlawed....
Its not feasible or necessary to use elecro magnetic closers internally in apartments. If you read the article in the link below you will see the the english regs are being relaxed for the need of these closers for internal doors. There is no question of closers being removed for 1 hour doors or external doors.