Jane Embury reflects on recent fires in the USA The recent tragic fire in New York underlines how fire remains a potent threat. That’s despite advances in building design and construction and strict building regulations. Some 20 people, including nine children died during a fire in the Bronx apartment building. Another 32 people were taken […]
escape routes
Fire: the friendly enemy
Jane Embury looks at the risk of fire Fire can be friend or foe. When fire breaks out in a building, it’s definitely an enemy. An enemy that needs to be contained. That’s what our internal and external advanced glazing systems are there to do. Trap fire in one place so that it can’t escape […]
Living on the high street
Jane Embury looks at innovative ways to meet the housing shortage The UK government recognises the scale of the country’s chronic housing shortage and has pledged to “build, build, build.” It’s estimated by the BBC’s Housing Briefing that the UK has built 1.2 million fewer homes than we should have. Not only that, but there […]
The architecture of fear
Jane Embury looks at the threat of explosive attack Architecture and urban planning have evolved over the centuries as countries and communities have responded to potential threat. The earliest communities sought shelter and protection in caves. From ancient Egypt onwards, architecture has not only been about comfort and convenience but defensive capability. Nowadays, we might […]
Ecommerce and fire safety
Jane Embury looks at one consequence of rising online sales The past eighteen months has reshaped how we buy things. For example, the UK retail giant John Lewis said recently that there had been a “decade of changes in shopping habits in one year.” John Lewis has managed to maintain sales volumes, with the retailer […]
