Which factor does NOT influence the occupant load calculation for assembly areas?

The occupant load calculation for assembly areas is primarily concerned with how many people can safely occupy a given space based on its characteristics. Factors that influence this calculation include the area of the space, which directly correlates to the number of people that can fit, and the type of event, which dictates the required space per person depending on whether it’s a theater-style seating, standing audience, or another arrangement. Additionally, seat width plays a critical role because larger seats may take up more space, thereby affecting how many occupants can be accommodated.

However, wall material does not affect occupant load calculations. It does not have an impact on the number of occupants that a space can hold, as it is more related to fire resistance and building integrity, rather than the actual occupancy of individuals within that space. Thus, the wall material is unrelated to the considerations assessed in occupant load calculations, making it the correct answer as the factor that does not influence this important aspect of fire safety planning.