Historic public building facilities in Wales: a total framework for achieving fire compartmentation and maintaining cultural value

Purpose: For historical buildings, devastating fires often result in the destruction of the cultural heritage. This study aims to establish a total framework for achieving fire compartmentation while maintaining culture value in historic public building facilities, which are often adapted to provide business functions such as historic museums and public attractions. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual framework was validated by triangulation, using primary data from three case studies (observational surveys and interviews with key stakeholders), and four expert interviews from conservation specialists, fire engineering and architectural practitioners. Findings: Evidentially adverse impact from occupational activities and low-impact protection methods for providing effective fire spread mitigation were confirmed. The total framework was validated, comprising three elements of education, low-impact protection methods and strategic planned maintenance. Research limitations/implications: Data were collected from public heritage buildings managed by a county council in Wales. To generalise the results and ensure universal applications, the scope of this study should be expanded nationwide. Further research should also be conducted internationally. Practical implications: Facilities managers should raise awareness of operational management on the importance of fire protection through education and training relating to operational management and fire spread; use low-impact methods to reduce fire spread; and apply strategic planned maintenance to ensure maintenance standards and inspection control. The low-impact innovative materials identified can be developed into a niche market for fire safety improvement. Originality/value: There is a lack of research into passive and operational fire safety measures for historic buildings. The total framework can be used as a tool for strategic facilities management to achieve fire safety and maintain cultural value for historic buildings at both adaptation and occupancy stages, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to social, environmental and economic sustainability.