Explaining Path-Finding Elements in Emergency Evacuation of Buildings-Case Study: IRAN MALL Cultural, Commercial and Service Complex

Recognition of the elements that facilitate path-finding in emergency evacuation of a building (in the occurrence of events such as fire, earthquake, bombing or air bombardment and so on) is the main challenge which the architects face. Experience has proved that although this matter appears simple, it actually causes serious challenges for the building designers. The importance of this research is emphasized by two factors. First the novelty of the sustainable building design for effective emergency evacuation in critical conditions in Iran (often in the cases of extensive fire or earthquake, bombardment and so on). Second, the differences between this research and the previous ones, being the additional factor of individual and group panic-stricken movement in emergency evacuation of buildings. This research has utilized the qualitative research method in combination with observations and recording events. This method is based on observing and recording the behavior of people in emergency evacuation, and deducing from the data obtained therein. The results have shown that the emergency evacuation of a building is dependent on four main factors including: “following the main direction of exiting-crowd movement”, “exiting the building from the door of entrance”, “following the signs for emergency exit”, and finally “the hesitancy, helplessness or anticipation of help”. Considering these procedures and what the human beings consider in emergency path-finding, can lead to the appropriate path design principles in the case of emergency evacuation.