UCL launches first UK programme specialising in fire safe design

University College London's (UCL) Department of Civil Environmental Geomatic Engineering (CEGE) has launched the UK's first Fire Safe Design MArch programme, aimed at addressing growing concerns about fire safety in complex buildings while driving towards a zero-carbon future.

The Fire Safe Design MArch programme aims to help architects and other professionals in the built environment sector gain the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain safety and wellbeing in any project. It comes in response to the Architects Registration Board Code of Conduct and Practice, which states:

“Clients and users are entitled to expect that all architects will have the competence to prepare and execute designs that will maintain their safety and wellbeing, regardless of the type or scale of the project."

The Fire Safe Design MArch programme will equip students with specialist skills and knowledge to work on complex buildings and generate fire-aware proposals. They will also learn from specialist fire engineers and gain tools to incorporate into their designs.

Tracy Meller, Partner at RSHP, welcomed the programme as an opportunity for professionals improve their understanding of fire safety without compromising on design innovation.

“ This course will give students and professionals alike an opportunity to upskill in this increasingly important and technical aspect of our jobs, and through this improved understanding allow an innovative design to flourish alongside fire safety and not become an unintended casualty of it.

Professor Jose Torero, Head of CEGE, said that the programme will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and empower students to create elegant urban designs that are both fire-safe and sustainable.

“Fire influences every decision you make in building design, therefore this course has the potential to unlock the greatest breadth of design options available to you as an architect.

The programme is set to inspire a new wave of elegant urbanism that will promote safety and sustainability in the built environment. UCL's Fire Safe Design MArch programme will offer a comprehensive approach to fire safety in complex buildings, enabling architects to design with confidence while keeping occupants safe.

Learn more about the Fire Safe Design MArch