Building fire safety relies on three key pillars: material, design, and technology. However, codes and standards serve as the connecting link between these three pillars. Building code compliance must receive adequate consideration during the design phase from architects and planners. Life safety must not be compromised, particularly at a time when building materials and technology are changing so rapidly. The goals of facility owners should not be technology at the expense of safety. ACTIVE AND PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES [caption id="attachment_54896" align="alignright" width="390"] Fire alarm panel[/caption] It is most commonly seen as active fire safety as only fire safety measures for the built environment. However, passive fire safety measures are also an equally critical component of life safety. Architectural details in the design of tall buildings play a significant role in the fire safety of the building. In the past, many cases like Grenfell Tower in 2017 became a disaster...

Glass façades have become increasingly popular in contemporary/high-rise buildings due to their numerous advantages. One of the most significant benefits of glass façades is the ability to allow natural light to penetrate deep into the building’s interior, creating a more pleasant and productive work environment for occupants while also reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. [caption id="attachment_54834" align="alignleft" width="300"] .[/caption] This can improve the energy efficiency of the building and lower operating costs. In addition, glass façades can provide a sleek, modern appearance that is often desired in contemporary architecture.They can also offer unobstructed views of the surrounding environment, creating a greater sense of connection to the outdoors. Modern glass technology has also improved the thermal and acoustic performance of glass façades, making them more energy-efficient and able to reduce noise transmission. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, withstanding extreme weather conditions and resisting damage...

What should be the approach for a solid fire-safe design considering the materials, design and technologies? We have to strictly follow the fire code of the country. In the Middle East, we follow the country’s fire code which ultimately directs to NFPA. NFPA is followed for fire safety design, installation and testing of a system that includes design of floor layouts, fire compartments using fire/smoke rated partitions, opening protection using fire-rated doors, windows, etc. Active systems are designed following NFPA. All materials and equipment are required to have a 3rd party test certificate (listing) to ensure that the design requirements are in accordance with the test parameters. If the design requirements are beyond the limits of test parameters, then the materials are not accepted. We need to check the test procedure and other parameters of the test to ensure the product is suitable for the intended use. Manufacturers often state...

The Modern Rustic House is a unique living space that combines modern convenience with the beauty and harmony of nature. The design philosophy focuses on capturing the spiritual energy of the natural world and incorporating it into every aspect of the house. The play of sunlight, color schemes inspired by the sun, and the use of wood and greenery create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. The furniture and decor choices further enhance the rustic charm of the dwelling, with warm ochre hues and artisanal touches. The result is a tranquil and connected space that reminds residents of their place in the natural world. The Modern Rustic House offers a sanctuary where the rhythms of nature can be embraced, providing a place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with oneself. Step into the enchanting world of mashrabiya, a timeless vernacular architectural wonder that adorns the second or higher floors of...

Tell us about your practice and design approach? MAB Design Studio is a multi-disciplinary Architecture & Engineering practice with offices across Egypt, and the UAE. We have been established in the Egypt for 8 years, with a significant portfolio of work across the Middle East. Championing the convergence of art and science, our approach to design is truly collaborative, combining the experience and specialist knowledge of our architects and engineers, in combination with external specialist designers and clients to deliver comprehensive and holistic solutions to design projects. In the role of Lead Consultant, from design inception to completion on-site, our team is carefully selected to ensure the best possible outcome of each project, combining local knowledge with global expertise. Could you please tell us about your journey in the field? How did you think of becoming an architect? What do you enjoy most about your profession? I have always been...

Swati Puchalapalli is the founding partner and director of Terra Viridis, a sustainable design consultancy with over 22 years of experience in the field. Terra Viridis has worked across several sectors ranging from policy research to environmental consultancy for corporates, institutions and government agencies. Swati is a strong proponent of passive design as the first step towards sustainable design, constantly applying learning from local vernacular to new buildings. She works extensively with computer-based building analysis tools to help architects make design decisions. She works with several leading architects and multinationals such as Infosys, Manipal Education and Medical Group, TCS and Microsoft, to help them achieve best-practice benchmark performance in sustainability. Some of her iconic projects include the National Maritime Heritage Museum in Lothal, the Amaravati Government complex, the ultra-high performance Infosys buildings across India, Organo developments and several of India’s leading universities. In the area of policy, she worked on...

Green or living walls are becoming a familiar feature of the built environment. Whilst their relevance to sustainability and net-zero might not be clear they do present a public statement of green intent and do benefit city biodiversity, air purity, thermal environment, noise, and no doubt mental health. With all of these benefits, whilst possibly unpopular, there is a need to consider the challenges that their introduction creates for the safety and insurability of the building they are deployed on. Once included as small decorative areas on buildings, they are now proposed for much greater expanses, covering an entire side, or even every side, of tall buildings, and perhaps this best explains the current raised level of interest in addressing their potential fire implications. Building life safety is normally well addressed within our regulations, but on green walls, there are inconsistencies between ADB and other government guides, and the allowance...

Could you please explain some of the common causes of fire safety in buildings in England? How can fire risks be reduced? Causes of fire safety issues vary largely according to the building size, design, and use. The most relevant issue for the façade design is the use of combustible material in the external walls and the correct specification and the construction of cavity barriers and firestopping.   As façade engineers we want to make sure materials and cavity barriers in the façade are specified and constructed in line with the applicable building regulations in the UK and any detailed recommendations from the appointed fire engineer. If we are able to interpret and apply the guidance correctly and detail the façade in a way to meet these requirements, we can help to reduce the fire risks in the building. Please explain the role of design systems in fire-safe buildings. If...

The construction industry’s carbon footprint is a pressing global concern, with buildings accounting for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. The article highlights the value of understanding and addressing the embodied carbon in buildings and how crucial it is in reducing their environmental impact. Sustainable material selection, efficient construction techniques, and stakeholders such as designers, developers, and contractors can collectively drive the reduction of embodied carbon and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the built environment. Understanding Building Sector’s Carbon Footprint The construction industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, with buildings responsible for a substantial share. Operational energy use and embodied carbon emissions are major contributors, with operational energy accounting for 30-40% and embodied carbon contributing 11-28% of building-related emissions with the rest of the emission coming from other sources such as transportation, waste generation, and resource. [caption id="attachment_53084" align="alignnone" width="774"]...

In a conversation with Muzaffer Ahmed Syed Regional Manager – Firestop, fischer, he talked about the company, their products & projects, fire safety, and so on. Here are the excerpts… Could you please tell our readers about your company and its presence? Fischer is a globally renowned family-owned enterprise, headquartered in Waldachtal-Tumlingen, Germany. Since its inception in 1948, it has been at the forefront of innovative solutions and products across multiple industries. Upholding a tradition of innovation, accountability, and reliability, the company’s continuous improvement process, the fischer Process System, helps it stay adaptable and responsive in an era of constant change. The company’s philosophy, combined with its value-centric approach, has driven it to an impressive milestone, reaching over 1.14 billion euros in gross sales in 2022. The fischer group operates through multiple divisions, including fischer fixing systems, fischer Automotive, fischertechnik, fischer consulting, and fischer Electronic Solutions, each making substantial contributions...

A crucial component of building design and construction is façade fire safety, which aims to reduce the chance of flames spreading to a structure's façade. Making sure proper fire safety measures are in place is crucial given the rising popularity of high-rise buildings and complex building façades. Multiple components make for a well-designed façade fire safety system. To prevent the spread of fire, it is important to choose and use fire-resistant materials like insulation and cladding. To improve the fire performance of these materials, fire-resistant coatings, and treatments can be used. Effective compartmentalisation is further important. To stop the spread of flames both vertically and horizontally, this entails installing fire breaks, such as fire-resistant barriers, into the façade. The formation of smoke is reduced and safe evacuation is made possible by adequate ventilation systems and smoke control technologies. The efficiency of façade fire protection elements must be regularly checked and...

A key component of building design is the selection and application of hardware in fenestration and architectural façade systems. The energy efficiency of a structure is significantly influenced by the façades and fenestrations, which act as the first line of defence against external elements. And therefore hardware plays an important role in that. The type of material utilised in the hardware, such as aluminium or stainless steel, is an important factor. Thus, the hardware must be able to survive a variety of weather conditions, especially high winds and heavy rain. The ease of installation & maintenance, compatibility with the rest of the construction materials, and adherence to local building norms and laws are additional crucial factors and criteria for the selection of hardware. The proper selection and application of hardware can improve the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and durability of a building’s façade and fenestration systems. Below are a few important...

In a conversation with Ar. Nitin Gupta, Director, ARCOP Associates on his journey as an architect, his associations with the legends of Indian architecture, his approach to design, Arcop’s recent projects in India and many other aspects. Here are the excerpts from the interview. Could you tell us about your educational background, career and architectural experience? What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture? Tell us about the turning point in your design career. [caption id="attachment_52597" align="alignleft" width="452"] The Police Headquarters in Hyderabad is designed as an iconic, futuristic building[/caption] After my schooling, I took up architecture. I would say, my inspiration was my father. He was an architect and was running his own office. That is where my love for architecture began. At that time in Delhi, we just had only one institute teaching architecture - the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), which is now an institute...

The airport is named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who had undergone pilot training in Hyderabad. Built over an area of 5,500 acres (2,200 ha), it is the largest airport in India by area. It is owned and operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), a public–private consortium. It has also ranked in AirHelp’s list of top 10 airports in the world. The fourth busiest airport in India by passenger traffic, it handled almost 21 million passengers and over 140,000 tons (150,000 short tons) of cargo between April 2022 and March 2023. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is India’s first greenfield airport built under a public-private partnership model. The airport has an integrated passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and two runways. There are also aviation training facilities, a fuel farm, a solar power plant and two maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facilities. AT A GLANCE - Product Focus [caption...

In a conversation with Ar. Pramod Jain Founder, Creative Architects and Interiors (CAI), Chennai, he talks about his architectural practice CAI, their approach to the design process, sustainable façade and fenestration design trends, his favourite and most challenging projects and much more. Here are the excerpts Could you tell us about your educational background, career, and architectural experience? [caption id="attachment_51919" align="alignleft" width="500"] Prince Ratnapuri, -left side view[/caption] I have always been interested in details and design. Every aspect of planning, curating, and designing fascinated me - particularly the intricacy of seeing a project from concept to execution. However, I’m more drawn to behind the-scenes organisation and planning - the efficiency, the organisation, and the economics of architecture and design. The drive for technical skills led me to pursue a degree in PGPCM from NICMAR in Pune. I lived in Mumbai before moving to Chennai and setting up CAI (Creative Architects...

SIS Queenstown, a residential township in Guduvanchery, near Chennai, brings together the concepts of comfortable living and luxury. Classical European architecture interspersed with lush greenery set SIS Queenstown apart, lending the township its distinct identity. With 424 housing units and an array of amenities and conveniences, the project raises the bar of urban living in the upcoming suburban neighborhood. The project is spread across 5.4 acres with five seven-storied towers arranged around a grand central courtyard. Thirteen daily convenience shops, such as an ATM, department store, etc., are housed in the tower along the main road that both residents and locals can easily access. Centered on a people first approach, the township offers its residents an improved quality of life with a focus on creating a comfortable micro climate. Various active and passive design strategies come together to create an energy-efficient, sustainable township. [caption id="attachment_51939" align="alignright" width="500"] SIS Queenstown -...