Rolf Jensen & Associates provides a complete range of consulting services for projects involving mixed-use facilities:

• Audits and Surveys
• Fire Protection and Security Master Plans
• Code Analysis/Negotiation
• Systems Design
• Smoke Control Design & Testing
• Timed Exit Analysis
• Computer Fire Modeling
• Construction Management
• Systems Commissioning
• Third Party Inspection & Testing
• Maintenance Management
• User Training

Mixed-use facilities pose unique fire protection challenges involving these key considerations:

Diversity. Mixed-use facilities, by their very nature, are designed to accommodate a variety of occupancies, from public areas (retail, assembly, theaters, restaurants) to commercial office space and residential uses, as well as special design features (malls, atria). This diversity requires the fire protection design engineer to deal with multiple challenges including sleeping rooms, high occupancy areas, large open spaces and offices that demand effective space utilization.

Alternate Approaches. The design concept of these structures often entails openness to encourage free movement of occupants from one area to another. Large open areas tend to lead to conflicts with code requirements for fire safety. It is often necessary to develop alternative methods or use a performance-based design approach to protect the facility while preserving the safety and security required by the codes and the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Integrated Protection. The ideal approach integrates fire safety and security as function of building design, recognizing the multiple intended use conditions. It includes providing secure and safe egress routes from all portions of the facility under all potential usage scenarios. Above all, the integrated solution offers both safety and security for the occupants in residential units and protection of property throughout the entire facility.

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