California IDEX Practice Exam

In a 90,000 s.f. single-story office building, what would be of greatest concern in space planning?

1. Dead-end corridors

2. Corridor widths

3. Horizontal exits

4. Travel distances

The correct answer is: Travel distances

In space planning for a large single-story office building, travel distances are a significant concern primarily because they directly impact the safety and efficiency of movement within the space. Reducing travel distances ensures that occupants can exit the building quickly in case of an emergency. This is especially crucial in a large area, as longer distances can lead to delays in evacuation, increasing the risk during an emergency. Moreover, fire safety codes often dictate maximum travel distances to exits based on occupancy type and building size. Ensuring that distances are minimized can enhance overall safety, as it helps guide building design and layout by identifying optimal locations for exits and emergency routes. While aspects like dead-end corridors, corridor widths, and horizontal exits also play important roles in space planning, they are more about specific design elements rather than the overarching concern of travel distances in the event of evacuation. Therefore, prioritizing the reduction of travel distances aligns with the overall goal of maintaining a safe environment in the building.