Assembly area
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
There are various definitions for the term ‘assembly area’, as outlined below.
[edit] Manufacturing
First, it can be a dedicated area (as part of a larger space) in which components are assembled. In a production plant, there may be a dedicated space for collecting, combining or assembly of components that is quite distinct from the manufacture of the components, allowing a finished- or semi-finished product to leave the factory.
However, many modern factories are either not large enough or not specialised enough to encompass both production and assembly under one roof and so are geared to either component manufacture or component assembly. The car industry is a typical example where many components are brought in from a diverse supply chain and assembled under one roof. But even in these cases, there may be an assembly area.
[edit] Construction
On a building site, an assembly area may be used for:
- Assembling prefabricated components delivered to site as a kit.
- Assembling tools and other site equipment or making repairs.
- A safe zone (see below).
[edit] A safe zone
An assembly area may also be a safe zone located a certain distance from a building where staff and other building users can gather in the event of an emergency. Many companies include a safe zone or ‘place of safety’ as part of their evacuation plans in the event of a fire or other emergency. The aim is to achieve an orderly transfer of building occupants to a point where they will be safe and accounted for. There may also be a safe area for this purpose on a construction site.
See Place of safety.
[edit] A leisure space
An assembly area may be any space or room that allows individuals to gather for social, recreational, educational, civic or amusement purposes. For example, schools typically have a large, multi-functional space where 'assemblies' take place.
For more information see: Assembly and recreation definition.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Assembly.
- Assembly and recreation definition.
- Assembly drawing.
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
- Escape route.
- Evacuating vulnerable and dependent people from buildings in an emergency FB 52.
- Fabrication.
- Means of escape.
- Modern methods of construction.
- Place of safety.
- Protected escape route.
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.