Fire fighting design has come a long way, evolving from traditional prescriptive methods to more dynamic and innovative approaches. In recent years, perspective design and performance-based design have emerged as powerful strategies, revolutionizing the field of fire safety. These approaches offer a fresh perspective on how we plan, implement, and optimize fire fighting measures in buildings.

By incorporating these fundamental elements and strategies, fire fighting design can significantly enhance the safety and protection of buildings and their occupants. It is crucial to ensure that these components are regularly inspected, maintained, and updated in compliance with relevant codes and regulations.

Mastering the basics of fire fighting design sets the stage for effective fire safety. From suppression systems to egress routes and education, each element plays a vital role in preventing fires, minimizing their impact, and safeguarding lives and property. By prioritizing these fundamentals, we establish a solid foundation for comprehensive fire safety measures that contribute to a safer built environment.

Fig. 1: Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings.

Exploring Perspective Design Approach:

The perspective design approach in fire fighting represents a departure from traditional prescriptive methods and embraces a more innovative and adaptive mindset. This approach encourages architects, engineers, and fire safety professionals to think beyond the confines of established codes and regulations, considering the unique requirements of each project to develop tailored fire safety solutions.

Perspective design recognizes that every building is different, with varying occupancies, designs, and fire risks. Rather than relying solely on predefined rules, perspective design considers the perspective design approach also encourages the exploration and implementation of innovative technologies and solutions. It recognizes that advancements in fire detection, suppression, and evacuation systems can significantly enhance fire safety outcomes. By embracing new approaches, such as advanced fire detection systems, computer simulations, and smart building technologies, perspective design pushes the boundaries of what is possible in fire fighting design.

However, it is important to note that perspective design does not dismiss the importance of compliance with safety standards and regulations. Rather, it seeks to find a balance between adherence to the fundamental principles of fire safety and the utilization of innovative solutions that may exceed the minimum requirements.

By adopting the perspective design approach, fire safety professionals can create fire fighting designs that are tailored, efficient, and optimized for each unique building and occupancy. This approach fosters creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement in the field of fire safety, ultimately leading to safer built environments and better protection for occupants. Factors such as the building's purpose, occupancy characteristics, fire hazards, and available resources to create a customized fire safety strategy.

One of the key aspects of perspective design is a holistic understanding of fire dynamics. This involves analysing fire behaviour, smoke movement, and occupant behaviour during fire incidents. By incorporating this knowledge, designers can make informed decisions about fire suppression systems, smoke control measures, and egress routes, optimizing their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Global Approaches to Design Fire Service -

Prescriptive Design:

• ▶ NBC, various IS codes - India.
• ▶ NFPA - USA
• ▶ IFC (International fire code)
• ▶ CFPA (Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe) - 26 countries
• ▶ Fire Safety Standards Australia by SAI

Countries using 'Perspective Design' Approach for a Fire fighting:

• ▶ United States
• ▶ United Kingdom
• ▶ Sweden
• ▶ Canada
• ▶ Australia

Fig. 2: Flow Chart for Perspective Design approach.

Uncovering the Potential of Performance-Based Design in Fire Fighting:

Performance-based design approach in fire fighting is a methodology that focuses on achieving specific performance goals and objectives related to fire safety, rather than relying solely on prescriptive code requirements. This approach considers various factors such as building design, occupancy characteristics, fire hazards, available resources, and desired performance outcomes.

In performance-based design, fire safety measures are evaluated based on their ability to meet specific performance criteria. This evaluation is often done through advanced computer modelling, fire simulations, and risk assessments. By analysing different fire scenarios and using predictive tools, designers can assess the effectiveness of fire protection measures and optimize their design to achieve desired outcomes.

The performance-based design approach offers several advantages. First, it allows for greater flexibility and customization in fire safety strategies, as it considers the unique characteristics of each building and its occupants. This means that fire protection measures can be tailored to specific risks and objectives, resulting in optimized and efficient fire safety systems.

Additionally, performance-based design encourages the use of innovative technologies and approaches. Designers have the freedom to explore new fire suppression systems, detection methods, smoke control strategies, and egress designs that may go beyond the traditional prescriptive requirements. This promotes innovation and enables the integration of cutting-edge solutions into fire safety design.

Furthermore, performance-based design takes a holistic view of fire safety. Instead of focusing solely on meeting minimum code requirements, the approach considers overall fire dynamics, occupant behaviour, evacuation strategies, and the potential impact of fire incidents on the building and its surroundings. By considering these factors, designers can develop comprehensive fire safety strategies that address the specific needs and goals of a project.

It's important to note that performance-based design requires a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration between fire protection engineers, architects, building owners, and other stakeholders. The design process involves evaluating and balancing different performance objectives, such as life safety, property protection, and continuity of operations.

Overall, the performance-based design approach in fire fighting offers a more comprehensive, flexible, and innovative way of achieving fire safety objectives. It moves beyond the limitations of prescriptive codes and allows for customized solutions that can better adapt to the unique requirements of each building, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of fire protection measures.

Performance Based Design Approach - Codes:

• ▶ SPFE (Society of fire protection engineers): The SFPE Guide to Performance-Based Fire Safety Design.
• ▶ ISO 6241 - Performance standards in building - Principles for their preparation and factors to be consider.
• ▶ International Code Council with the intent to publish the International Building Code (IBC) - USA.
• ▶ Australian Building Codes Board.

Software for 'Performance' based design:

• ▶ Pathfinder
• ▶ cfast
• ▶ FDS

Fig. 3: Smoke Extraction- FDS.

Countries using 'Performance Based Design' Approach for Fire fighting:

• ▶ United States
• ▶ United Kingdom
• ▶ Sweden
• ▶ Canada
• ▶ Australia
• ▶ Germany
• ▶ New Zealand

Fig. 4: Flow Chart for Performance Based Design Process.

In conclusion, the combination of perspective design and performance-based design approaches in fire fighting brings a new level of innovation and customization to fire safety. While perspective design challenges traditional norms and encourages out-of-the-box thinking, performance-based design focuses on achieving specific performance goals tailored to the unique characteristics of each building. By integrating these approaches, we can create optimized fire safety strategies that not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance overall effectiveness in preventing and mitigating fire incidents. This forward-thinking mindset, coupled with advanced technologies and a comprehensive understanding of fire dynamics, paves the way for safer environments and a more resilient built environment.

(This "EXPERT TALK" Published in July 2023 Edition)