Building Codes

This skill provides practitioner-grade knowledge of building codes for architectural design, focusing on the International Building Code (IBC) as the primary framework with international comparisons. All dimensional values are given in metric with imperial equivalents where standard practice requires.

Section 1: IBC Occupancy Groups

The IBC classifies every building or portion of a building into one of 10 occupancy groups based on its use and the characteristics of its occupants. Correct classification is the single most consequential code decision an architect makes -- it drives construction type, height and area limits, egress requirements, fire separation, and plumbing fixture counts.

Group A -- Assembly