In building design, what does “egress” mean?

Egress refers specifically to the means of exit from a building. This concept is critical in building design, particularly concerning safety regulations and standards. It ensures that occupants can safely and quickly leave a structure in case of an emergency, such as a fire or other hazardous situation. The design of egress routes, which include doors, corridors, stairways, and other exit pathways, must comply with building codes to ensure they are sufficient and accessible. This includes considerations for the number of exits, their width, and clear signage directing occupants to those exits.

Understanding egress is essential for architects because it directly impacts the safety planning and functional layout of a building. The other options—access to utilities, emergency communication systems, and entrances for maintenance staff—do not pertain specifically to the concept of egress, which is exclusively focused on how individuals exit a building.