This study aims to evaluate fire safety and escape route design in student dormitories. Ismail Necati Efendi KYK Dormitory and Hubbi Hatun Dormitory in Karabük province were comparatively examined in terms of space organization, user density, number and placement of stairs and architectural features. Both buildings were found to comply with current regulations; however, design decisions and user density were found to be determinant on evacuation efficiency. In Ismail Necati Efendi Dormitory, the unbalanced distribution of the number of users per staircase poses a risk, while in Hubbi Hatun Dormitory, the high number of floors and the lack of independent emergency exits negatively affect evacuation safety in case of fire. In conclusion, fire safety in student dormitories should not be limited to compliance with legislation; the quality of architectural design, user density and current use should also be included in the evaluation process.

Keywords - Fire safety, Escape routes, Dormitories, Evacuation analysis, Emergency evacuation

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