What is the purpose of a floor plan in building design?

A floor plan serves as a crucial tool in building design by providing a detailed representation of the general layout of the building's interior spaces. It allows architects, builders, and emergency responders to understand how various rooms and areas are arranged relative to one another, depicting walls, doors, and sometimes furniture arrangements, which helps in visualizing the overall flow and functionality of the space.

This layout is essential not only for construction purposes but also for safety planning and response strategies, as it informs fire officers and emergency personnel about potential hazards and escape routes in the event of an emergency. While it can also indirectly lead to understanding elevation changes, displaying exterior features, and identifying utility locations, these functions are not the primary purpose of a floor plan. Thus, focusing on the general building layout captures the essence of what a floor plan is designed to convey.