The Shard in London is the tallest building in western Europe at 310 metres high. Such an iconic modern landmark is unsurprisingly equipped with ultra modern technological features.
Image 1
When it comes to fire safety, the designers of the Shard have spared no efforts to protect the thousands of different building users, including office workers, hotel guests and residents.
The strategy adopted by fire-safety consultancy Arup in designing The Shard is an example of what it calls total fire engineering. Developed by the firm’s founder, Sir Ove Arup, the concept states that the basis for a successful building has to consider all the needs of stakeholders in its design, construction, and operation.
Image 2
This approach was explained in more detail at a seminar, hosted by London Fire Brigade, at which Dr Graeme Flint, a senior fire engineer at Arup, described the design challenge as the need to “engineer solutions that meet the goals within the constraints”.
