The key distinction: main occupied room versus total project area
The area-per-person values in the relevant DBN table apply to the main occupied room under the selected scenario. They do not automatically include entrances, vestibules, circulation, sanitary areas, engineering rooms, storage, medical spaces or other auxiliary zones.
Multiplying the number of people by one table value therefore gives an early planning input, not the complete footprint of the finished shelter.
Examples of planning scenarios used in ShelterMetric tools
- industrial facility — new construction: 0.5 m²/person for the referenced main-room scenario;
- industrial facility — reconstruction: 0.4 m²/person for the referenced main-room scenario;
- public buildings: 0.6 m²/person subject to the table notes and project context;
- residential buildings: 0.6 m²/person subject to the table notes and project context;
- selected healthcare occupant scenario: 1.1 m²/person for new construction and 1.0 m²/person for reconstruction;
- preschool scenario: 3.0 m²/person for new construction and 2.0 m²/person for reconstruction, with separate requirements for children and operation.
Why two projects with the same capacity can need different total areas
Different facility types can require different sanitary, accessibility, engineering and circulation solutions. The same headline capacity can therefore lead to materially different total project areas.
Accessibility requirements, furniture and the selected layout can also increase the space needed beyond the minimum main-room calculation.
How to use the number safely
- confirm which DBN scenario applies to the actual project;
- use the rate only for preliminary main-room sizing;
- keep auxiliary and engineering areas separate;
- do not compare supplier prices per m² unless both offers use the same area definition and scope;
- verify the current official DBN edition before design or procurement decisions.
Official sources and references
For design, procurement and compliance decisions, verify the current Ukrainian text and status of the applicable document. ShelterMetric uses the English pages as working explanations, not as unofficial substitute standards.