Week 12

 Interior Building Systems 

Gina Christopher 

Data, Voice, and Telecommunications 

Telephone lines and internet are necessities in modern interior environments. Many clients also request wireless service, which requires careful placement of routers throughout the building. Designers are involved in the placement of telephone lines, internet connections, wireless service, and routers. Many clients also request interior spaces dedicated to teleconferencing. Placement of LED projectors and phone jacks is important for designers to consider. Window screening may also be needed to prevent and reduce glare from the sun.     

Audio-Visual Systems

 One of the primary issues when installing audio-visual systems is to make sure all occupants of the space are able to see the image being projected. Depending on the space, this may include staggering the seats or creating different levels of seating. The closest person should be no closer than 2x the height of the screen and the top of the screen should form an angle of more than 30 degrees from the horizontal sight line of the viewers. The size and shape of the interior environment as well as the materials in the environment will influence the ability to hear clearly.   

Security 

Security systems range from space-panning issues such as sight lines and barriers within a space to actual alarm and control systems such as metal detectors. Designers need to be aware of both types of security interventions.  Security systems are divided into 3 basic types: perimeter systems, area or room systems, and surveillance systems. Most retail stores have store alarm systems to prevent stealing. Lock down systems are used to secure a facility after hours or during an emergency. Schools, malls, banks, hospitals, and prisons often have lock down systems in place.  Burglar alarms are used in many building to alarm sound when someone enters or exits a building or for an emergency such as a fire. Metal detectors are used in many buildings. Metal detectors set off a pulse that will identify pieces of metal that could pose a risk to people such as guns and other hazardous objects. Wand scanners are also used in airports and buildings that host a lot of people. They are typically used when a metal detector has sounded an alarm, and a person needs extra scanning.  

Vertical Circulation 

Vertical circulation is the way that people move from floor to floor within a space. Vertical circulation examples include stairs, elevators, escalators, and ladders. Stairs can be configured in several ways and constructed from many materials. Common materials include wood, metal, and concrete. Stairs have 11" treads and 7" risers. Guard rails are 42" from the surface, handrails are 34"-38" from the surface, handrails are 1-1/2" circular diameter and 1-1/2" away from the adjunct wall. Handrails must extend 12" past the last stair, head space required is 6'8" and the width of stairs is either 36" or 44" (if occupancy of 50 or more people). All balusters or spindles must not exceed 4" away from one another for safety reasons.  There are 2 types of elevators, hydraulic and electric. Electric elevators require a rooftop mechanical room for the cable traction system that pulls up an elevator.  Hydraulic systems require a piston and space under the elevator to push the elevator to the next floor. Electric elevators are faster and often used in high rises, while hydraulic systems are used in buildings with only a couple of floors. Escalators are mechanical stairs that run on a continuous belt. Standard widths include 24", 32" and 40".  Escalators shall not exceed more than a 30-degree angle. Ladders may be used in residential spaces to access an attic or loft or commercial spaces to access a rooftop. Ladders must have a 5" min. tread depth and 20" min. thread width with a max. riser height of 9-1/2".     

System Furniture

Systems furniture provides flexibility within an open office space. By providing panel based movable offices or benching configurations, interior spaces can be constantly reconfigured to address client needs. Panels must be properly place in terms of windows (the building shell) and near the proper electrical needs. There are various ways to power systems furniture in a building such as wall plug receptacles, cellular floors, under floor steel bus ducts flat wires, and above access. 

 

Signage & Wayfinding 

Wayfinding describes the process by which a building provided visual cues to an occupant about how to navigate through the various spaces. Wayfinding can be achieved through clever floor and ceiling design, as well as shapes and changes in material. Signage alters people to where they are and where they are going. Examples of good signage include restroom indicators, room numbers, and exit signs.  

Benching Systems vs. Traditional Cubical

Benching systems are a good choice when creating a more collaborative atmosphere. Benching systems can optimize space more efficiently, making them suitable for smaller offices or startups. If more privacy is required, traditional cubicles may be the better choice. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the needs of the client and workspace preferences.

    

Future of Office Design - COVID19

Ever since COVID19 the need to be in an office space as decreased. People quickly figures out that they can do their job in the comfort of their own homes. Not many people wanted to go back to the office, when public places reopened after covid. This led to a lot of companies letting go of their leases, because they are using the space.  Some companies have designed their offices when more leisurely activities such as coffee shops, exercise equipment, and pool tables to try to get more employees to come back to the office. This work for a little while, but more people still prefer to work from home or remote if they can.