Regulations
Building codes and regulations are very important to understand and follow. They help protect and assist occupants in many different ways. The primary purpose however, is to get people out a building as quickly and as safely as possible if there is a fire.
There are two main codes that we need to know as interior designers. The first is the IBC or International Building Code. This code regulates all construction types except for single-family residences. These fall into the IRC or International Residential Code. The IBC is organized into 35 chapters that vary in topic to cover all aspects of buildings, such as construction, egress, and building systems.
As previously mentioned, codes are primarily used to get people out of buildings safely if there is a fire. The main way this is done is through means of egress. Buildings need to have various paths for travel in case a fire blocks the way of one path. Typically, these paths, especially egress paths are fire-rated corridors and fire stairs. These fire-ratings help prevent fire and smoke to travel to the occupant as they are exiting the building. In addition to being fire-rated, the corridors and stairs should be well illuminated and well marked. Exit signage is the most important type of signage in a building. It helps guide people out of the building in the shortest path from their location. To keep lights and signage lit, emergency power needs to be provided. Codes and regulations concerning fires and exits are based on the occupancy types and if the building has a sprinkler system.
General Rules of Thumb:
- Ramps should have a max. slope of 1:12
- 36" doors should be used
- Shoot for hallways to be a min. of 42"
- Don't use knobs on doors but rather levers or push bars
- Grab bars should be used in restrooms
The Campus Commons do provide some features that meet ADA requirements. In terms of egress, there is an elevator located in the center of the building for those that cannot use the stairs located adjacent to it. While this elevator is old and could use an upgrade it is still functional and used fairly frequently. In case of an emergency, there are exits on both levels of the building. This is mainly because the building is situated on a hill. These exits do have automated options. The button to operate the automatic door can be found in the first picture on the left side of the wall. In regards to a potential fire, there is a sprinkler system in the building. This biggest risk of this building would be the central lounge space. This space is lower down with a series of steps. There is no ramp and while there is a two foot ledge around the space there is no railing. At the time the building was built I'm sure it was safe, however I don't think it's up to code today. Overall, in terms of egress, Lindner Campus Commons does a very good job of providing paths of egress from the building but it does need some upgrades in regards to the elevator and potential railings around the central lounge.
I liked that you chose the campus commons to evaluate considering it isn't a building we've studied much yet. It is interesting once you look how you notice all the ways a building could be improved. It seems a lot of buildings on campus are a little dated and could use an update including ADA regulations.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I really enjoyed your blog. It was nice how you laid out all of the details of ADA requirements. I also enjoyed your case study on the Linder Campus Commons, I think it was a great choice. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you discussed the two main codes IBC and IRC and how those codes primarily affect interior design and architecture. I think your analysis of the campus commons was very informative in relation to the ADA guidelines. I would agree that the building is a bit outdated in terms of the codes today. It can used upgrades, but I thought you did a nice job explaining some of the positives of ADA usage in the building. Good job on the final blog post!
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great summary of the chapter, but I loved how you focused on the ADA codes and guidelines since those are so important to public buildings. I also like your case study of the Lindner Commons because that building is often overlooked when studying the buildings on our campus.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteExcellent summary of IBC and IRC. You described means of egress, fire rated corridors and stairs as well as other considerations designers and architects must fully understand. I appreciated that you listed the ADA "General Rules of Thumb". Other considerations would be Braille signage and Projections. Your evaluation of Lindner Campus Commons was well done. Lindner does seem to have basic means of egress. I also would wonder about the ADA compliance of the public restrooms in that building? Thank you for your Blog post on Regulations. 50/50 Total Points.