What is the main goal of "occupancy separation" in multi-use buildings?

The main goal of "occupancy separation" in multi-use buildings is to reduce risk and enhance safety for various occupancy types. When different occupancy types are housed within the same building, there are varying levels of safety and risk associated with each type. For instance, a residential unit may have different safety needs compared to a commercial space. By implementing occupancy separation, architects and building codes aim to create defined barriers, which can include fire-rated walls, different access points, and distinct egress paths. This enhances overall safety by minimizing the potential for hazards, such as fire spread, noise interference, and security vulnerabilities, thus ensuring that occupants are protected according to the specific risks associated with their activities.

In contrast, maximizing usable space, minimizing costs for different users, and creating a uniform user experience may be concerns in the design and function of a multi-use building, but they do not encompass the primary safety objective tied to occupancy separation. The overarching intent of occupancy separation focuses primarily on managing health and safety risks, making it a critical consideration in building design.