CORAL GABLES, FL — Self-contained mailrooms with ventilation systems that prevent mailroom airborne agents from being circulated throughout the building and “vertical submarine” influenced structures that effectively seal off building sections from each other in the event of terrorism and other major safety concerns were among several topics reviewed in the first of a continuing series of post-Sept. 11 security-design forums organized by Spillis Candela DMJM, one of the country’s leading architectural firms.
In its first session, held here recently, representatives from York International Corporation joined Spillis Candela DMJM for a discussion on the technology and know-how to make buildings safer in an environment potentially threatened by chemical and biological hazards. Both companies contend that this technology already exists. As part of their ongoing initiative to anticipate trends, they advise that building owners make efforts to retrofit and embrace new building designs.