At a time when office-based employees are increasingly working in tall, supertall, and even megatall buildings, it is imperative that we address fire safety concerns in these structures. With tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London still fresh in our minds, it is crucial that we understand the best ways to prevent fires and ensure safety in case of a fire in these buildings.
As part of the effort to shed light on this important issue, the BCO (British Council for Offices) commissioned a report on fire safety in tall, supertall, and megatall office buildings. The report, entitled “High Office: Fire Safety in Tall, Supertall and Megatall Office Buildings,” was launched at a recent webinar and provided valuable insights into the main issues influencing fire safety in these structures.
The research was led by Professor Alexi Marmot and Dr. Madalina Hanc, both from UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, along with Steve Bosi, Director at WSP. With their expertise in architecture, urban planning, and facade engineering respectively, the team was well-equipped to take on this crucial topic.
The report aimed to highlight key areas that require attention in order to prevent fires and ensure safety in tall office buildings. It is intended to be of interest to all those involved in the development, design, construction, management, and use of these structures. This includes investors, developers, designers, engineers, contractors, and most importantly, the occupiers and users of these buildings.
One of the main findings of the report was the increasing trend towards tall and supertall office buildings. These structures have always fascinated humans with their height and grandeur. Historically, tall cathedrals were seen as wonders of the universe. Today, the tallest office buildings have taken on that role. Interestingly, most of the tallest office buildings in the world are now situated outside of Europe, with a majority in Asia and the Middle East.
With the allure of height comes a range of challenges, especially when it comes to fire safety. The report delved into various aspects of fire safety, such as building and structural design, building management, and occupant behavior. It also highlighted some of the key differences between fire safety measures for tall, supertall, and megatall buildings.
As the height of a building increases, so do the complexities and challenges involved in ensuring its fire safety. This is not only due to the increased number of people occupying these structures but also because of the distance between the building’s floors and the ground level. For example, evacuation during a fire in a megatall building can be significantly more challenging than in a conventional low-rise building.
The report also highlighted the need for collaboration and communication across all phases of a tall building’s life cycle. From design and construction to occupancy and management, all stakeholders must work together to ensure fire safety measures are in place and are effective. This includes involving fire safety experts from the planning stage itself.
One critical aspect that the report noted was the role of facade engineering in fire safety. Steve Bosi, with his extensive experience in facade consultancy, shared his insights on the topic during the webinar. He stressed the importance of not only designing aesthetically pleasing facades but also ensuring that they meet fire safety regulations and standards.
The panelists also discussed how occupant behavior plays a significant role in ensuring fire safety in tall buildings. This includes measures such as regular fire drills, proper training on emergency procedures, and clear signage and instructions in case of a fire.
The discussion also touched upon other factors such as compartmentalization of spaces within tall buildings to prevent the spread of fire, early warning systems, and automatic suppression systems. The need for regular maintenance and checks to ensure these systems are functioning correctly was emphasized.
The launch of this report is timely, given the recent focus on fire safety in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. With more and more people working in tall, supertall, and megatall buildings, it is crucial that we continuously review and update fire safety measures to keep pace with the changing landscape of office buildings.
In conclusion, the rise of tall, supertall, and megatall office buildings has brought with it a unique set of challenges and concerns when it comes to fire safety. The BCO research has shed light on these issues and provided valuable insights. It is now up to all stakeholders to take these findings into consideration and work towards ensuring the safety of occupants in these magnificent structures. After all, we must continue to strive for both beauty and safety as we reach new heights in our built environment.
