Air sampling smoke detectors disappear into the ‘white skin’ and form part of the comprehensive fire protection concept at the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg. 

Digitalisation – with its multitude of implications – represents one of the most radical changes in the cultural history of humankind. There is hardly any area of life that it does not impact. Profound and at the same time rapid changes are taking place in many economic sectors. What developments stand out in the area of preventive fire protection? And what opportunities and risks do they provide for planners, manufacturers and installers?

The new University of Economics and Business in Vienna was previously located in a building in need of renovation from the 1970s, which gave those in charge of the university the opportunity to build a new campus. The new Library and Learning Center is the heart of this facility. It was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid and presented those involved in its realisation with some construction challenges. One of these was fire prevention.

The networking of technical safety systems with one another and with building technology delivers numerous advantages above all in large buildings and industrial complexes. However, it also brings with it significant risks. Until uniformly applicable standards and regulations exist, planners and installers should implement networked solutions with the greatest of care.

People often underestimate the risks posed by smoke. They do not evacuate rooms or locations filled with heavy smoke or do not do so with the required speed, or they even consciously choose to go through the smoke. This article explains why many people behave in this manner.

Modern simulation methods can be used to help develop and verify evacuation concepts. Read more about how this works and what added value is offered by simulations here.

Automatic doors generally fulfil various functions in building construction. This article will focus on how they can be controlled and monitored ­centrally and what possibilities are offered by modern building automation that ­incorporates all different disciplines.

The conversion of a historic Department Store building in London into a modern HQ office for architectural practice Squire and Partners was a complex and challenging project. However, the fire engineering team found innovative solutions to achieve exactly what was required.

The article describes the fire protection concept for the four-masted steel barque Passat, which has been moored in the Priwall Harbour in Lübeck-Travemünde (Germany) since 1960. The ship is not legally considered to be a structural facility – yet cannot be handled in accordance with the normal regulations for maritime navigation because it is used in a fixed location. Accordingly, the planning work required lots of safety goal-oriented special solutions.