Integration of Passive Fire Safety Design Strategies in Shopping Mall Design: Evidence from Selected Shopping Malls in Abuja, Nigeria

Fire outbreaks in shopping malls pose significant threats to life, property, and business continuity, particularly in rapidly urbanising cities such as Abuja, Nigeria. While active fire protection systems remain widely adopted, passive fire safety design strategies are often inadequately integrated into the design and development of shopping malls. This study investigated the integration of passive fire safety design strategies for enhancing fire safety in selected shopping malls in Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified passive fire safety design strategies adopted in shopping malls, examined the extent to which these strategies enhance fire safety, assessed the barriers inhibiting their integration, and investigated the factors influencing their implementation. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and case study assessments of Jabi Lake Mall, Ceddi Plaza, and Novare Central Mall. The questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, mean scores, and ranking. Findings revealed that compartmentation, fire-resistant materials, protected means of egress, smoke control measures, and strategic spatial planning constitute the major passive fire safety strategies implemented within the selected shopping malls. However, weak regulatory enforcement, financial constraints, inadequate professional awareness, and design-related challenges were identified as significant barriers to effective implementation. The study concludes that improving compliance with passive fire safety design principles from the early stages of shopping mall development will significantly enhance fire resilience and occupant safety. The study recommends stronger regulatory enforcement, increased stakeholder awareness, and greater integration of passive fire safety strategies within architectural design practice.