Building Design Guidelines to Minimize Impacts from Terrorism

Abstract

The word “Terrorism” used to be a foreign term to the people of Thailand. Today, however, globalization plus technology have driven everything closer together. Thus, terrorism should no longer be a stranger to us. Although there might not be as many terrorism incidents in Thailand as in some other countries, the possibilities of attack still remain a factor for architects and engineers when designing buildings. This article begins with the facts about terrorism. Then, a few ideas are presented to be used as guidelines for design professionals, when dealing with the new awareness of terrorism. Site and building planning, strengthening structure against impact, code compliance and the sub-office and the idea of decentralization are the main topics of discussion. The ideas are not meant to prevent acts of terrorism or to protect buildings entirely. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to prevent attacks. This article suggests that we, as design professionals, can find ways to minimize the impact of terrorist acts or discourage those acts altogether in order to protect ourselves and our property from becoming soft targets.