Feb 24 2025 16 mins
Summary
This podcast episode examines the complexities of assembly occupancies, emphasizing the critical distinctions between new and existing structures as defined by the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. While NFPA 101 provides a general category for assembly occupancies, the International Building Code (IBC) categorizes these spaces into five subgroups (A-1 through A-5), highlighting the varied nature of such spaces. We explore how the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code separates requirements for new (Chapter 12) and existing (Chapter 13) assembly occupancies, influencing aspects like construction types, egress, occupant loads, and fire protection. The episode underscores the necessity for experienced architects to deeply understand and apply these specific code requirements to ensure safety and compliance.
References
1. "11 Beautiful Restaurants From Around the World | Hospitality Design," Hospitality Design
2. Chapter 10 Interior Finish, Contents, and Furnishings, 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
3. Chapter 12 New Assembly Occupancies, 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
4. Chapter 13 Existing Assembly Occupancies, 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
5. Chapter 6 Types of Construction, 2018 International Building Code
6. "Museum of the Future: world's most complex building opens in Dubai", Autodesk
7. "Populous is innovating venue productization—with stadium-size impact", Autodesk
8. "Technology orchestrates Beijing's Sub Center Theater", Autodesk
9. "Virtual production workflows are transforming content creation", Autodesk
10. Research notes from Arthur Nerbas / Nerbas Consulting Inc.