What design consideration is critical for safety in buildings with ordinary construction?

In buildings with ordinary construction, the design consideration that is critical for safety is the presence and configuration of load-bearing walls. These walls are essential for supporting the structure and ensuring stability. They bear the weight of the roof, floors, and any additional loads, and their failure can compromise the entire integrity of the building. Adequate design and placement of load-bearing walls are vital for resisting forces such as gravity, wind, and any fire impacts, ensuring that the building maintains its structure during an emergency.

In contrast, while ceiling height, wall thickness, and window placement contribute to the overall design and functionality of a building, they are not as fundamentally critical to safety as load-bearing walls. Ceiling height may affect occupancy comfort and aesthetics, wall thickness can influence insulation and sound transmission, and window placement primarily concerns natural light and ventilation. However, the adequacy of load-bearing walls directly impacts the building's ability to withstand various loads and stresses, making it a paramount design consideration for safety in ordinary construction.