3.1.2 Structural Impacts

are established to focus on those people first, the risk could be minimized as they could evacuate in a faster manner (ISO, 2009). Empirical studies and experiments have given data on different walking speeds for different types of occupants and buildings type (Fahy & Proulx, 2001). Walking speed in crowds is indicated to depend on density and the distance to the person ahead. Increased density and decreased distance will reduce the speed (Nilsson, 2007).

3.1.2 STRUCTURAL IMPACTS

There is a need to understand how the environment can influence people during the evacuation. Studies have been done on investigating how color will influence behavior. Those studies have been used in order to try to figure out how to best design the buildings. Indications have shown that the movement phase is improved if the corridors have transparency, i.e. doors at the end are transparent. This enables people to understand and collect information on where to go next. Transparency is especially important in the closest range of decision points.

Furthermore, studies regarding color psychology have indicated that bright colors like green, blue or white have a positive and calming effect on people which is important during emergency situations, though it enhances the ability to take rational decisions (Abu-Safieh, 2010). Structural impact is a relatively new science field. The knowledge about how a building and its structure affects people is now constantly developing.

It has been shown how fast a person can bring him- or herself out of a building or area, can be improved by making some architectural features. The wayfinding has been indicated to be improved, if the egress routes are wide and bright. This is most important in corridors (Dijkstra, et al., 2012). In the same way it has been indicated that one must not only think of the buildings structural and geometry when designing evacuation routes and doors, but also to consider how the natural flows looks.

Where do most people stay and likewise what areas will be most crucial in an emergency? With this aspect in mind, it is vital to use architectural competences in attempts to naturally lead persons to safe areas, like evacuation routes- and doors (Shields & Boyce, 2000).