What is a common feature of smoke control systems in buildings?

A common feature of smoke control systems in buildings is to maintain visibility during an evacuation. During a fire, smoke can obscure vision, making it difficult for occupants to find their way to exits or evacuate safely. Smoke control systems are designed to manage smoke movement, often by using ventilation strategies that direct smoke away from exit routes, thereby enhancing visibility. This is crucial for ensuring that individuals can navigate to safety effectively and quickly.

The focus is not on eliminating all smoke (which may not be feasible in practical fire scenarios) or changing the aesthetic qualities of the space, which are unrelated to safety during an emergency. While providing temperature control might be part of some systems, the primary role of smoke control systems is to ensure safe egress by managing smoke and maintaining visibility, especially in life safety situations.