On the night of June 14th, 2017, a tragedy occurred in London that would change the landscape of the built environment forever. A fire broke out in the Grenfell Tower, a high-rise residential building, claiming the lives of 72 people and leaving hundreds displaced and traumatised. The aftermath of this disaster sparked a nationwide discussion on building safety and resilience, with many questioning how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
Now, four years later, the ramifications of the Grenfell Tower fire are still being felt. The official inquiry is ongoing and changes to building regulations have been implemented in an effort to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again. However, it is crucial that we not only focus on the immediate aftermath of this disaster, but also learn from it to build a more resilient future for the built environment.
In May 2018, Dame Judith Hackitt published “Building a safer future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.” This review, separate from the ongoing Grenfell inquiry, highlighted several key findings and recommendations for improving building safety and resilience. One of the main recommendations was the need for a clear model of risk ownership and prioritization of building safety in procurement. This means that all parties involved in the construction and maintenance of a building must take responsibility for its safety and prioritize it during every stage of the process.
Another important recommendation was the implementation of a digital record of buildings, including information on the materials and products used in their construction. This will not only help with identifying any potential risks but also enable better understanding and management of our built assets.
But these recommendations are not just limited to the construction industry. As individuals, organizations, and communities, we must also focus on building resilience in our built environment. So what can we learn from the Grenfell Tower fire to make our buildings more resilient?
Firstly, we must learn to prepare for the worst. The Grenfell Tower fire serves as a stark reminder that disasters can strike at any time, and we must be prepared to cope with them. This means implementing safety measures and protocols, conducting regular risk assessments, and having contingency plans in place to deal with any crisis.
Secondly, we must learn to adapt to changing circumstances. The built environment is constantly evolving, and it is crucial that we are able to adapt to these changes and mitigate any potential risks. This could mean using new materials or techniques that are more fire-resistant or implementing new safety protocols as technology advances.
Lastly, we must learn from our mistakes. The Grenfell Tower fire highlighted several failures in the construction and maintenance of the building, and it is important that we acknowledge and learn from these mistakes. This means addressing any issues promptly and continuously reviewing and improving our processes and standards to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
As resilience first says, we must not just bounce back from disasters but bounce forward. This means using the lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower fire to build a more resilient future for the built environment. It also means taking responsibility for our actions and prioritizing safety above all else.
But building resilience extends beyond the construction industry. It is also about how organizations and individuals deal with the world outside, including governments, the media, communities, and the public at large. Building resilience in our society means working together to create a safer, more secure future for all.
In conclusion, the Grenfell Tower fire was a tragedy that will never be forgotten. But it also serves as a crucial lesson for us all. We must learn from it, implement necessary changes, and prioritise building resilience in every aspect of our built environment. By doing so, we can create a safer, more secure future for ourselves and future generations.
