For tall buildings business continuity and maximising lettable area, and minimising core areas is key.
Aims
- Minimise numbers of occupants evacuating
- Efficient structural fire design
- Maximise lettable floor area
- Flexibility for multiple tenants
- Protect key business activities
- Response to extreme events
- Minimise numbers of occupants evacuating
Methods
- Passive compartmentation and active systems
- Analysis of structural response to fire
- Analytical egress studies
- Management of risks
Passive compartmentation and active systems
Value added to tall building projects includes:
- Optimised structural fire protection
- More efficient use of space – optimisation of escape
- Reduced business interruption
- Efficient fire brigade access and facilities
Project Examples
The Pinnacle
NIRAS Staff members provided fire engineering advice in relation to this iconic geometrically complex, 63-floor high rise office development in the City of London. The building, will become one of the tallest and largest buildings in London 288 m tall. It provides office accommodation over 47 floors including 7 financial trading floors, 2 levels of retail and The Pinnacle will host a viewing gallery at its 59th to 63rd floor. Here the fire safety design work enabled a non linear core which fitted within the helter skelter shape, and will allow the viewing gallery to be a spectacular open space with no enclosed stair at the uppermost levels.
Marina Bay Sands Financial Centre II – Singapore
NIRAS Staff members provided fire engineering advice in relation to The Marina Bay Financial Centre. This is a multi-phase mixed use development providing office retail and residential accommodation. MBFC II will be the second phase in the high rise development. The primary challenge addressed by members of NIRAS staff was the retail connections with the Mass Rapid Transit system (metro).
JP Morgan's UK Headquarters at Canary Wharf – UK
Members NIRAS staff led the development of the safety strategy for JP Morgan's UK Headquarters at Canary Wharf. The building is 43 storeys high and will contain the largest office floor plates in Europe. The design work undertaken enabled rationalised cores which increased lettable area.