Building Design Practice and Fire Codes for Buildings in Nigeria (Issues, Effects and Solutions)

Abstract

Fire safety codes for buildings have been in existence over the years. The application of these codes in Architectural practice is questionable, due to the incessant collapse of buildings resulting from fire, which has lead to the loss of several lives and properties. The need for adequate implementation of these codes in the field of building design and construction cannot be overemphasized. Most Architects are more concerned with the primary function and aesthetics of their building design, whereas equal attention should be paid to the safety of occupants. This is commonly associated with lack of incorporation of the fire codes in designs, hence making prevention of fire outbreak and rescue of occupants in the case of outbreak, difficult for fire fighters. This research looks into the existing fire codes for buildings in Nigeria and its incorporation into building design practice, hence comparing those codes and their implementation with other existing codes, hence looking into prescriptive and ‘performance based codes. The contrast between the codes and building design practice in Nigeria forms a strong base for this research.