In performance-based fire engineering design what does the term ‘performance’ actually mean? Is it just compliance with the building code or should performance extend to muliple stakeholders?
Performance based fire engineering usually involves specific fire design through fire and egress modelling to gain building permits. However, how will the building perform to the needs of the occupants, owner and end user? The definition of performance is:
“to operate effectively, efficiently, and reliably in achieving the intended goal”.
So what is the goal in performance-based design? Is it just for compliance, or should it be for the people that use the building over its lifetime?
Take analogy of a theatre. A good performance is well received not just by the audience but also the actors, the production crew and the theatre company. Should fire engineering do the same i.e. a building that is well received by building owner, facilities manager, tenants, customers and fire services?
Performance should consider various viewpoints for example:
- Local authorities who require buildings to meet regulatory standards and technical excellence.
- General public who want to feel safe and have clear, accessible messaging and escape routes.
- Facility managers who focus on the practicality, cost and ease of maintaining fire safety systems
- Emergency service who require buildings that support efficient and safe intervention during an incident.
Will the building also allow compliance with other legislation such as Health and Safety law ?
My experience has shown several fire engineering design ‘solutions’ can cause significant operational issues for the building users. Some examples are:
- Fire curtains placed on high traffic routes that cause panic or confusion when block the main access route from a building.
- Escape routes through kitchens, loading bays or around machinery that present potential haazards to occupants.
- Smoke vents in stairs that cause water ingress during inclement weather.
- Smoke detection in warehouses and factory that cause frequent false alarms and difficult to access for testing and cleaning.
- Smoke extract systems where air flow is so high it presents a danger to the occupants and hinders escape.
I would suggest these are not performance-based design as the design is not performing for the building owner and tenants and only causes disruption, stress and cost of rectification.
To achieve real performance, we must reflect on the different perspectives of all stakeholders, and we should challenge ourselves to design buildings that function efficiently and safely for everyone involved.
This is a call for a paradigm shift: let’s create buildings that not only meet regulatory standards, but also deliver genuine functional safety, efficiency, and peace of mind for all users.
