For a 15,000 square foot auditorium, what is the minimum outdoor ventilation requirement in CFM?

To determine the minimum outdoor ventilation requirement for a space like an auditorium, one commonly used guideline is based on the square footage of the area and its occupancy type.

An auditorium typically requires a specific amount of fresh air to ensure good indoor air quality and comfort for the occupants. The general requirement for ventilation can often be approximated using a rule of thumb, which might suggest providing around 0.06 CFM per square foot.

For a 15,000 square foot auditorium, when you apply this standard ventilation rate, the calculation would be:

15,000 square feet × 0.06 CFM/sq ft = 900 CFM.

This calculation aligns with providing adequate ventilation for the number of people and activities expected in an auditorium setting. Therefore, understanding the significance of this value ensures that the ventilation system is capable of maintaining air quality and comfort, essential factors in such a large gathering space.