Characteristics of smoke flow and fire spread in a patio space of a high-rise building were studied to investigate their influences on fire compartment and safety evacuation. Fire development model was established and fire scenarios were designed to simulate fire and smoke spread by CFD software numerically based on concepts of fire performance-based design in a high-rise building with double patio space, whose height are 74. 65 m and 55. 95 m, respectively. Simulation results show that in all fire scenarios, performance targets for safety evacuation for people in each floor was satisfied, if smoke was extracted naturally using the patio space. Hang walls mounted in corridors around the patio space prevent smoke flowing out smoothly, shorten the coming of the risk time and increase fire danger. Using chimney effect, it is preferred to adopt natural smoke exhaust method in a high rise building with patio space.