BARRIERS AND DRIVERS FOR INCORPORATING PROTECTIVE FEATURES IN BUILDINGS: A STUDY BASED ON THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

The global threat of terrorism has become increasingly unpredictable and decentralised. Closer to home, the threat of terrorism has gained significant prominence. A terrorism threat assessment conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs asserted that the threat of terrorism to Singapore remains the highest in recent years. Buildings are increasingly targeted and susceptible to acts of terrorism, thereby highlighting the need to ramp up the terrorism preparedness of Singapore’s built environment industry. In response to the escalating threat of terrorism, many anti-terror protective features are available for implementation in buildings. However, its implementation in Singapore has been limited. A lack of research in this area has resulted in a weak understanding of the perceptions of building professionals towards the incorporation of protective features in buildings. Therefore, this study seeks to obtain an understanding of the perceptions of building professionals, through an investigation of the barriers and drivers that influence them to incorporate protective features in their building projects. The institutional theory was also employed to provide a framework to explain the barriers and drivers affecting the implementation of protective features in buildings. Following a literature review, a survey questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested and conducted. 39 responses were received from experienced building professionals in Singapore. Interviews with building professionals were subsequently conducted to validate the survey findings. A total of 9 barriers and 14 drivers were found to be critical to the implementation of protective features in buildings. High initial and operating cost of implementing protective features were identified to be the most significant barriers, while the presence of a regulatory framework and strong management support were perceived to be crucial driving factors. Additionally, the results established a lack of implementation of protective features in Singapore’s buildings despite its high perceived importance. Through this study, building professionals can have a better understanding of the significant drivers and strengthen its positive influence, while correspondingly, overcome the identified barriers.