Improving the design of tall buildings after 9/11

Abstract

PurposeFollowing the terrorist attack on the New York World Trade Center in 2001, this paper seeks to investigate the design features that would enhance the safety of tall buildings.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire, data have been collected via e‐mails and by post from architects and civil engineers (AEs) in Singapore. Structured interviews were conducted with public authorities.FindingsThe results show that AEs perceive tall buildings to be generally safe in terms of structural design, fire safety features and means of escape. The results also show that AEs confirm the need to improve the safety of tall buildings further, are making an effort to address the heightened safety concern, will give full support to initiatives to address heightened safety concerns, will agree to conduct risk assessment during the design phase and will welcome a performance‐based design code. AEs do not agree that buildings should be designed to withstand hydrocarbon fires or aircraft attacks. The survey results further reveal that the four most effective methods to improve the safety of tall buildings are providing exit signs with lighting at floor levels, a separate design code for super tall buildings, providing fire refuge and rescue floors, and the decentralization of fire systems.Originality/valueThe importance of this paper is that it investigates the safety features and measures that can shed some light on enhancing the safety of tall buildings. The findings may be used by building authorities to formulate future measures and codes to better enhance the safety of tall buildings. Based on the findings, further research on each feasible method of improving the safety of tall buildings may be undertaken.