Do smoke compartments need to be equally sized?

Smoke compartments do not need to be equally sized. The critical purpose of smoke compartments is to limit the movement of smoke and to assist in the protection of building occupants during a fire. The design and sizing of these compartments can vary based on several factors, including the overall building layout, fire protection strategies, and local codes or regulations.

When designing smoke compartments, it is essential to consider the building's occupancy, use, and type of construction. Each compartment is intended to contain smoke in the event of a fire, allowing for safe evacuation routes and facilitating firefighting efforts. As a result, compartments can be designed based on the specific needs of the space, functionality, and fire protection goals, rather than needing to maintain uniformity in size.

This flexibility allows for more effective smoke management strategies, particularly in complex healthcare environments, where varying room configurations and usages must be accounted for, alongside compliance with relevant building and fire codes.