Tall Building Talk
Staff -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 11/1/2001
In the wake of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, building professionals have been hard at work formulating ideas for how building safety and security can be enhanced.
One such group, a task force formed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Bethlehem, Pa., recently released a statement detailing a number of actions which can be taken to enhance the emergency performance of buildings:
- New egress strategies. Standards should be updated to include varied options for egress processes, systems, shelters, stairwells and elevators.
- Redundant building systems. Building systems should be designed with multiple sources and independent distribution routes to better withstand emergency events.
- Integrated systems. Better integration could provide authorities with timely information about the building and its occupants.
- Performance-based design. This could help draw tighter synergies between the building's design and its purpose.
- Education. Building management should be better educated on safety procedures, decision-making and communicating during an emergency.
For more information log on to: www.buildingforthe21stcentury.com.
