ARD 305-DESIGN 5 SPACE PLANNING “OCCUPANT LOAD”

Occupant Load

• number of people a building or a specific area within a building can safely accommodate

• determining the design and layout of spaces, including exit routes, restrooms, and other facilities

Safety

Ensures that spaces are designed to accommodate the intended number of occupants safely, especially in emergency situations

Compliance

Adherence to local codes and standards, such as the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP), to avoid legal issues and ensure public safety

Functionality

Helps in planning the appropriate space for various activities, ensuring comfort and efficiency in the use of the space

National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP)

is the primary law governing building design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance in the Philippines

Section 1218 (Occupant Load)

This section provides guidelines on how to determine the occupant load of different spaces within a building

Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514)

This provides additional requirements for determining occupant load, particularly concerning fire safety and egress planning

Philippine Green Building Code (GB Code)

This code emphasizes sustainable design, including the optimization of occupant load to enhance energy efficiency and environmental quality

General Formula for Occupant Load

Floor Area

The total usable floor area of a room or building

Occupant Load Factor

This factor varies depending on the type of space and its intended use. It represents the area required per person and is specified in the NBCP and Fire Code.

9.3 sqm/person

Office Spaces

1.8 sqm/person

Classrooms

0.65 sqm/person

Theaters/Auditoriums

1.4 sqm/person

Restaurants

Egress Considerations

Ensure that the number of exits and their widths are sufficient to handle the computed occupant load

Multi-Use Spaces

When a space serves multiple functions (e.g., an auditorium used for lectures and banquets), calculate the occupant load for each function and plan for the most restrictive scenario

Space Layou

Ensure that the design provides enough space for circulation, furniture, and other elements without compromising the calculated occupant load

Safety Compliance

Regularly check compliance with the NBCP, Fire Code, and other relevant regulations throughout the design process

Occupant Comfort

Beyond legal compliance, consider occupant comfort in terms of spacing, ventilation, and overall environment quality

Auditoriums, theaters, churches

0.65 sqm/person

Conference rooms, exhibit rooms

1.4 sqm/person

Dining rooms, banquet halls

1.4 sqm/person

Classrooms

1.8 sqm/person

Dance floors

0.65 sqm/person

Assembly without fixed seats (concentrated use)

0.65 sqm/person

Assembly without fixed seats (less concentrated use)

1.4 sqm/person

Offices

9.3 sqm/person

Retail stores (Ground Floor)

2.8 sqm/person

Retail stores (Upper Floors)

5.6 sqm/person

Retail stores (Basement)

5.6 sqm/person

Wholesale, storage, and other similar spaces

9.3 sqm/person

Classrooms

1.8 sqm/person

Laboratories

4.6 sqm/person

Libraries (Reading rooms)

4.6 sqm/person

Libraries (Stack areas)

9.3 sqm/person

Hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities

11.1 sqm/person (Sleeping areas)

Prisons and reformatories

11.1 sqm/person (Sleeping areas)

Residential care/assisted living facilities

7.4 sqm/person

Dwellings

18.6 sqm/person

Dormitories

3.7 sqm/person

Hotels and apartments

18.6 sqm/person

Basement and ground floor sales areas

2.8 sqm/person

Upper floor sales areas

5.6 sqm/person

Storage, stock, shipping areas

9.3 sqm/person

Factories and workshops

9.3 sqm/person

Warehouses

28.0 sqm/person

Areas for storage only

28 sqm/person

Parking garages

18.6 sqm/person

Daycare centers

3.3 sqm/person

at least two exits from every floor

Minimum Number of Exits

Occupant Load up to 49

1 Exit is required

Occupant Load of 50 to 500

2 Exits are required

Occupant Load over 500

3 Exits are required

Fire Escape Routes

For buildings with more than two floors, additional fire escape routes or stairwells may be required

Exit Width

• The width of each exit must be adequate to accommodate the number of occupants.

• The Fire Code specifies minimum widths for exits, which are generally based on the number of occupants and the type of building

Types of Exits

• Doors

• Stairways

• Emergency Lighting

Doors

Must be swing-type and open outward, without locking mechanisms that would impede a quick exit

Stairways

Should be enclosed and fire-resistant to provide a safe route for evacuation

Emergency Lighting

Must be installed to ensure exits are visible during a power outage or in smoky conditions

Clear Access

Exits must be clearly marked, well lit, and unobstructed at all times

Accessibility

Ensure exits are accessible to all occupants, including those with disabilities