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If an interior designer is assessing floor area, what does "usable area" include?
Net assignable area plus circulation allowance
Only net assignable area
Gross building area minus non-usable spaces
Net assignable area plus exterior walls
The correct answer is: Net assignable area plus circulation allowance
Usable area in the context of interior design typically refers to the space that a designer can effectively plan and utilize for functional purposes. This includes the net assignable area, which is the space that is actually usable by the occupants, such as offices, classrooms, or any area where activities occur. Additionally, usable area accounts for circulation allowances, which are important for facilitating movement within the space, such as hallways or corridors. Including both the net assignable area and circulation allowance provides a more comprehensive understanding of the effective space available for use, as it reflects not just the area where activities happen but also considers the necessary pathways for navigating through the space. This distinction is crucial in interior design, as it impacts how a space is planned, ensuring that there is sufficient room for people to move around while maximizing the functionality of the assigned areas. The other options do not fully capture this concept. The second choice lacks the inclusion of circulation, which is vital for understanding the overall usable area. The third choice, which talks about gross building area, extends beyond what is usable. Lastly, the fourth choice only considers the net assignable area plus exterior walls, which does not account for circulation, thus failing to meet the definition of usable area comprehensively.