5 Safety Functions to Consider When Designing Buildings

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Security is a major concern when designing a new building. Proper functions make construction less risky at every stage and protect the lives and health of residents after completion. Insufficient attention to this factor during the project development phase leads to redrawing plans or, worse yet, costly corrections that waste materials and labor.

However, it's easy to miss the big picture when diving into a multitude of detailed standards and rules. What are the most important building characteristics to consider? Here are five safety functions that should be reviewed in your next design.

Easy Access and Egress

Access and egress are perhaps the most critical safety function for your next structure. This is important both for a completed project and at all stages of construction. OSHA sets specific standards for each phase, including excavations. Moreover, many modern projects are partially in use during completion, requiring safety for both workers and residents.

Several tragic incidents highlight the importance of using licensed contractors specializing in your project's type of construction. On March 26, 2014, unlicensed welders set fire to a neighboring building, killing two firefighters. One of three fires this year occurred while the building was still under construction. Although licensing protects you, remember that a contractor who built a reputation on suburban home construction may not be the best choice for a high-rise building.

Crucial access and egress functions include:

Ensuring sufficient entrances and exits for all workers and residents.
Maintaining cleanliness of entry and exit points without debris.
Exit routes must be well-marked so residents can quickly evacuate the building.
Exit doors should open outward and be wide and tall enough.
Exit routes must use fire-resistant materials to prevent the spread of fire.
Providing sufficient alarm systems to notify residents of danger.
Each facility should have a defined fire safety plan.

Accessibility Features

When designing safety functions for your next building, keep in mind that the average population age is increasing. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates one in four Americans has a disability. Considering accessibility needs is an important part of ensuring resident safety.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility standards for various types of buildings, including:

Gathering spaces
Medical facilities
Residential buildings
Student housing in educational institutions
Correctional facilities
Social service centers

These rules exist to remove barriers that are impossible for people with disabilities to overcome. However, you can maximize your budget by choosing accessibility improvements that benefit all residents. For example, assistive technologies such as facial recognition systems at building entrances automatically open doors for people with mobility limitations while excluding unwanted visitors and enhancing overall safety.

Enhanced Disaster Protection

When people pay a large sum for renting space, they expect it to be safe. However, no one can stop the forces of nature. Tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, and floods pose significant dangers to architects who must consider them in their projects.

Unfortunately, climate change has already led to more frequent and severe natural disasters. Therefore, architects should consider the following features in their projects:

Flood Control: Raising structures to protect against rising sea levels and creating features like gravel dunes to direct water away from the building.
Alternative Energy: Buildings with independent power sources can continue operating after a power outage.
Material Selection: From sturdy steel beams to impact-resistant windows, these materials increase a building's resilience against extreme weather conditions.
Smart Devices: Smart irrigation systems save water. Smart devices detect external conditions and automatically shut off to protect equipment.
Rainwater Harvesting: Designing buildings to collect rainwater saves water and directs it into irrigation systems.

Improved Security

Security is a vital aspect of safety in today's world. One of the most important points is controlling access to the building. Limiting unauthorized access makes residents safer by preventing theft and mass violence.

All entry and exit points should be well-lit for ease of use, but bright lighting also helps identify unwanted visitors. Motion sensors combined with cameras are essential. If an unauthorized person tries to gain access by manipulating staff, law enforcement gets a recording of the criminal.

In addition, internal doors may include metal detectors to immediately alert about potential threats. Features such as applying protective film on interior door glass maintain architectural design while providing stronger protection against mass attacks. Locking off separate wings of the building can also limit violence within the structure.

Fresh Indoor Air

If the coronavirus taught us one lesson, it’s that indoor air quality is vital for residents' health. Many buildings have already updated their systems, but architects must always consider this safety feature when designing new buildings.

One simple function that improves air quality is operable windows. Fresh outdoor air is necessary. Unless for safety reasons, all windows should open to allow airflow.

It's also important to eliminate sources of stagnant water. Ensure all drainage lines have adequate flow. Clogs create trip hazards and can spread toxic mold.

Safety Features for Your Next Project

It's easy to lose sight of the big picture when working on a long project like designing an entire office complex. However, keeping these safety requirements in mind improves design and makes it more convenient for future residents.

Residents may never appreciate the hard work behind creating floor plans that improve their daily lives. But they will thank you if a disaster strikes and your foresight protects them.