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Will Building Catastophes Make Smarter Occupants?

Laurie escaped from the Trade Towers 11 years ago and as a building expert looks critically at standards in the Middle East.  Building codes ensure that a  properly constructed building will safely stand up to predictable wear and tear. Codes specify fire-resistant performance for materials and prescribe safe exiting requirements for occupants. But what guides […]

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Bahrain Souq Shops Destroyed in Isla Town Market Blaze

Another major fire in the Middle East: this time in a traditional market, souq. Firefighters battled a blaze that erupted last week in Manama, Bahrain’s capital city, destroying hundreds of shops in the popular Isla Town Market. Over 500 stalls and shops were destroyed in the five hours it took to bring the blaze under […]