Yes, where the system is correctly engineered. Floor area is only one factor; ceiling heights, glazing, insulation, occupancy and zoning determine capacity and distribution.

Compact ducts may reduce the need for them, but avoidance cannot be guaranteed. Equipment, returns and structural constraints must be resolved on the plans.

Before ceiling levels and lighting layouts are final. Early mechanical input gives the architect more opportunity to preserve clean rooms and accessible plant.

Floor plans, roof plans, sections, reflected ceiling plans and structural information are useful. Details about glazing, insulation and room use also improve the initial load and routing assessment.

Sometimes a design can use distributed service areas or coordinated transitions, but the equipment arrangement must remain accessible and hydraulically and aerodynamically sound. The building layout determines whether that approach is sensible.