An ideal scenario?

Cajoling architects into changing their 'precious' designs – which are often a direct reflection of themselves! – is almost impossible unless the building is at high risk. The only real solution is for the security manager to try and wangle their way into the design team from the outset and influence matters from there, but even then it's not easy. Maybe greater pressure placed on the client/owner is the way forward?

Chris' bomb refuge areas are equally idealistic (which doesn't help the average building manager in the slightest). The criteria are very simple. Although I agree that such an area must be assessed by a qualified specialist in the field, you're looking for a space that's safer than staying where you are (such as an open-plan office) and which represents a safer option than immediately evacuating the building. Important though they may be, other factors are something of a bonus.

Having assessed over 200 buildings in the City and West End of London, I've found that most of them will have somewhere that meets the criteria – but very few of them have ideal areas.