Session 6: Introduction to CTBUH’s Guide on Integrating Protective Design into Tall Buildings

Sean Ahrens
Security Market Group Leader
Affiliated Engineers, Chicago

Integrating protective design in tall buildings within the context of a myriad of threats, inclusive of those that range between extreme threats (terrorism) and lower impact (theft) involves a nuanced process of implementing resiliency controls throughout a tall building and its associated urban habitats. Beginning with a historical overview, definitions on resilience and protective design are provided that focus on controls for both low-risk and high-risk tall buildings, and the nature of those risks. From the process of threat assessment and controls, to crucial conversations and questions to strategically action at various points of the design process, the key initiatives of deterring, delaying, detecting, mitigating and responding and recovering from a variety of potential incidents is reviewed and explored. The role of various practitioners in relation to implementing a broad security strategy can be one of the most challenging elements of identifying and preparing for risks. Each project team may be introduced to the project at various stages, but their involvement from the project outset is crucial in order to most cost-effectively enact protective strategies that may have an impact on overall building design, appearance or engineering. Ultimately, the inclusion of key discussions throughout tall buildings and their associated habitat's conception through to construction and wayfinding provides the most efficient and effective security strategies that can enable projects to require the least amount of recovery time should an event occur.