What is a characteristic of performance-based design as recognized by NFPA 13?

Performance-based design in the context of NFPA 13 emphasizes achieving predetermined safety outcomes. This approach allows for flexibility in the design of fire protection systems, focusing on the goals of life safety and property protection rather than strictly adhering to prescriptive measures.

By defining specific performance objectives, such as acceptable levels of risk and safety during a fire event, performance-based design enables engineers to evaluate and implement innovative solutions tailored to the unique features of the building and its use. This aspect of performance-based design accommodates various design strategies and technologies, thereby promoting effectiveness in meeting safety goals while ensuring that life safety and property protection are prioritized.

This approach contrasts with methods that might prioritize cost-cutting measures, overlook the need for calculations, or limit application scenarios to residential types, which do not align with the comprehensive objectives of performance-based design recognized in NFPA 13.