Comments on Fire Compartmentation

The CSI Meeting yesterday evening was a 3-part presentation on “Total Fire Protection” by Rich Walke (Underwriters Laboratory), Bret Penrod (Pilkington, glass), and Tom Morris (Haydite, masonry). They presented through UL testing, masonry construction and rated glazing how building safety from fire should only be achieved by passive and active fire protection. Passive fire protection contains and resists fire (i.e. walls and doors with closers). Active fire protection tries to stop the fire (i.e. sprinklers). To have effective fire protection, so our buildings are safe for the inhabitants, we need both.

Over the past century the U.S. has recognized the importance of our buildings allowing for safe escape in case of a fire. One tragic event highlighted in the program as igniting the fire protection debate was the Lake View school fire (also known as the Collinwood school fire), the largest life-loss school fire in U.S. history. This fire really hit home as I think about my little Jack and Norman heading to school in just a couple of years.

On May 4, 1908 a school in Collinwood, Ohio caught on fire and killed 172 students, two teachers and a rescuer. This fire was the cover story of the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) Journal for September/October 2008 where the graphic scene is described.

As I work today on the detail of fire walls for a senior living center, I can’t help but think of the horrific tragedy that could have been avoided with a little better design. As architects, we truly have an awesome task of providing buildings that are both uplifting for the human spirit and safe for the human body.

Searching for my Blue Ocean in this Red Sea

I started reading the book Blue Ocean Strategy (one of the many books I’ve read 2-3 chapters with intentions to read the rest when I get a chance) last year. My basic summary is that success is easy when you find the wide open, blue waters of a new, undiscovered market without competition. This is contrasted to the current market you are in competing for those few projects and cutting yourselves all over to achieve it (leading to red, bloody water).

I’m currently looking for my own blue ocean, where life can be easier, or at least a little less stressful. I’m blessed to still be employed, though a lot of my friends are out not as fortunate. I would prefer to be bringing in projects, helping clients achieve their dreams, employing my talented friends to work for me, and having fun. Instead, I’m swimming in murky water, not knowing if I’m headed in a profitable, clearer direction or towards a muddy shore where there won’t be any fish. Try to look above the water for yourself, see the big picture, and “just keep swimming.”