Designed to Burn

We know two things: Today’s fires burn hotter and faster; the fire is often fully involved prior the fire departments arrival. And fire releases harmful toxins. Researchers have linked cancer to exposure from combustion products of the synthetic materials found in many building materials (foam insulation, furnishings). Nobody wants a building to burn. But in the event of the inevitable, what can be done? A team of fire service professionals, researchers, interior designers, architects, and fire protection engineers describe the current design paradigm and offer new ways in design thinking to make buildings safer.