Building Planning – What areas are counted as service area? In the context of building planning and area statements, the term “service area” generally includes which of the following internal spaces within a building?

Introduction / Context:
When preparing area statements or efficiency calculations, floor space is often categorized as usable (carpet), circulation, and service areas. Accurately classifying service areas is important for compliance, costing, and functional planning of buildings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard building planning definitions (may vary slightly by local codes).
• Service areas are non-primary occupancy spaces supporting building function.
• Examples include sanitation, vertical circulation, and ventilation shafts.

Concept / Approach:

Service areas typically encompass spaces that do not directly host the main use but are essential for it—sanitary cores (toilets), service shafts (for light, air, pipes, ducts), and vertical circulation (stairs and often lifts). These are separated from rentable or carpet areas in yield analyses and are treated distinctly in BOQs and layout efficiency assessments.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Common practice in architectural programming includes these spaces under “building services” or “support areas,” often excluded from net usable area.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any single-choice option omits other legitimate service spaces; “none” contradicts standard area classifications.

Common Pitfalls:

Mixing up “service area” with “circulation” for corridors; local codes may vary—always align with the governing definition in use.

Final Answer:

All of the above