SOLUTION

WJE fire protection experts worked with City of Chicago building and fire officials to resolve alternative design solutions related to exit capacity and exit travel distances for the large arena and event spaces and translucent wall panels used in Type IA construction that were signature elements of the proposed building enclosure system.

WJE proposed enhanced fire protection features and engineering rationale that allowed the design team to receive approval for concurrent increases in exit capacity and travel distance. The additional exit capacity provided beneficial redundancy for patrons on the main event and concourse levels. Enhanced sprinkler protection above that required by local code provided fire suppression capabilities more suitable for tall ceiling environments where water penetration to the fire source is critical.

The translucent wall panels proposed for thirteen percent of the exterior walls provided a cost-effective enhancement to the architectural character of the center. Tests showed that the product had low flame spread and smoke development characteristics. This, coupled with enhanced sprinkler protection and strategic placement on the building exterior, yielded a fire safety risk within the bounds contemplated by the building code and was approved by the local authorities.