What must a building comply with to ensure proper egress?

To ensure proper egress, a building must comply with applicable building codes. Building codes are legal standards set by local or national authorities to ensure safety, accessibility, and structural integrity in the design and construction of buildings. These codes specify requirements for exit access, the number of exits, exit widths, and other essential factors that facilitate safe and efficient evacuation during emergencies.

Compliance with these codes ensures that buildings are equipped with adequate means of egress, addressing various situations such as fire alarms, power outages, and other emergencies. Meeting these standards not only protects the occupants of the building but also aligns the project with legal requirements, providing a basis for accountability and safety during occupancy.

Other factors like design intent, local climate considerations, and architectural aesthetics, while important in the overall design process, do not specifically dictate the minimum safety standards required for egress. These elements support the architectural vision but are secondary to the legal requirements mandated to ensure the safety and security of building occupants.