If you’re an architect, designer, or builder, you’ve probably encountered that moment when someone suggests, “Just slap a fire curtain on it, and we’re good to go!” It’s a line that’s quickly becoming a relic of the past, as the demands for health and safety in building design continue to evolve. Let’s dive into why that old-school approach is no longer sufficient and how we can do better—a lot better.
The Good Ol' Days: When Fire Curtains Were King
Remember when fire curtains were the go-to solution for everything? Got a gap in your fire strategy? Fire curtain. Need to separate spaces for fire safety? Fire curtain. It was like the architectural equivalent of duct tape—versatile, easy, and quick. But times have changed, and so have the standards.
Even a couple of weeks ago in a meeting with a long-standing Project manager, the suggestion of 3 fire curtains (1 on each floor of a 4-storey renovation) was suggested - I choked on coffee at this suggestion. The mantra of " I am Not allowed to slap people" is on repeat in my head!
Why the "Fire Curtain Fix" Is Outdated
Complex Buildings Require Complex Solutions: Modern buildings are marvels of complexity, filled with innovative designs and multifunctional spaces. A one-size-fits-all fire curtain just doesn’t cut it anymore. Buildings need integrated fire safety solutions that consider the unique flow, function, and form of the space.
Regulations Are Tougher: Building codes and fire safety regulations have tightened up, with an increased focus on holistic safety strategies rather than quick fixes. Authorities are now looking for more comprehensive approaches that account for not just fire, but also accessibility, emergency lighting, and even ventilation.
Fire Safety Isn’t Just About Fire: Health and safety go beyond just stopping flames. It's about protecting people from smoke inhalation, ensuring safe evacuation routes, and maintaining structural integrity in extreme conditions. Relying solely on a fire curtain could leave other critical elements neglected.
Integration Is Key: The best health and safety strategies are baked into the building’s design from the get-go. This means working closely with engineers, fire safety experts, and even the end users to create a seamless, integrated system that does more than just tick a box on a compliance form.
What Should You Be Doing Instead?
Start with a Strong Fire Strategy: Begin with a fire strategy that’s tailored to your building's specific needs. This might mean compartmentalising areas, using fire-resistant materials, and ensuring that evacuation routes are short, direct, and free of obstacles.
Consider Human Factors: Think about how people will interact with the building. Are the escape routes intuitive? Are the alarms clearly audible throughout? How will the design impact first responders in an emergency?
Work with the Right Team: Collaborate with fire safety engineers, health and safety consultants, and other professionals early in the design process. Their insights can help you avoid costly redesigns and ensure that safety measures are both effective and compliant.
Stay Updated: Building codes and safety standards are constantly evolving. Keeping up with the latest guidelines ensures that your designs are not just up to code today but will remain relevant in the future.
The Future Is Safe—And So Are You
So, the next time someone suggests the “slap a fire curtain on it” approach, give them a knowing smile and say, “We’ve moved beyond that.” Because in today’s world, getting health and safety right from the architect’s drawings is not just about meeting regulations—it’s about creating spaces that truly protect the people who use them. And that’s something worth designing for.
Let’s leave the fire curtains where they belong—in the annals of architectural history—and embrace the future of smart, integrated safety solutions. Your building (and everyone inside it) will thank you!
Outsource to Bennett Partnerships for more updated advice.
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