What is the purpose of smoke barriers in Group I-2 occupancies?

The purpose of smoke barriers in Group I-2 occupancies is primarily to subdivide areas based on occupancy. This is crucial in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care environments, where different areas may have varying levels of risk and safety requirements. Smoke barriers help to limit the spread of smoke and toxins during a fire, allowing for safer evacuation and minimizing potential injury to occupants.

In a Group I-2 occupancy, which typically involves high-risk populations needing assistance, smoke barriers create designated safe zones, thereby enhancing overall safety. They are constructed to withstand the passage of smoke and are integrated within the building's fire protection strategy, along with fire alarms and suppression systems. The subdivision of areas allows for better management of smoke in case of a fire incident, ultimately aiming to protect life and property.

The other options pertain to different aspects of building design and safety but do not reflect the primary function of smoke barriers. Controlling temperatures relates more to HVAC systems, ensuring privacy is focused on design elements, and enhancing aesthetic value is a subjective design goal not directly related to the functional necessity of smoke barriers in maintaining safety in high-occupancy settings like Group I-2 facilities.