Regulations

Delia Tacheny

INT 322 - Building Systems

Weekly Summary 

This week was our final chapter of the book! To finish out our study on building systems, this week we learned about various Interior Regulations - the nitty-gritty of design, including all the mandatory codes and regulations for interior design. 

First, we reviewed the design process; the phases of design are listed as the following:

1) Programming

2) Schematic Design

3) Design Development

4) Contract Documents

5) Construction Administration 

6) Post-Occupancy Evaluation

When beginning the design process, while conceptual ideas are important, it's necessary to start thinking about codes and regulations as soon as possible as they impact the design. For instance, you should first consider what occupancy class is being designed for. Building codes have become almost universal through the IBC (International Building Code), which is updated every three years by the ICC (International Code Council). The IBC applies to every occupancy type except for single-family residential homes -- which are regulated by the IRC (International Residential Code). While these model codes offer consistency throughout the country, it should be noted that each state, region, area, etc. may have exceptions or additions based on local jurisdiction. Codes apply to almost every aspect of design, of which, I will discuss three of the most important: Means of Egress, Fire-Safety, and ADA Compliancy. 

The primary purpose of building codes is to ensure that people can exit a building safely in case of an emergency; egress is key. Designers must provide alternative paths of travel to avoid a fire; a design must protect occupants from smoke and fire; the building must accommodate all occupants and their needs; and any means of egress must be well-marked and illuminated. 

In order to protect people from smoke in the case of a fire, a designer should consider creating separation amidst open space to halt the spread of the smoke and flames. This can be done through either compartmentalization or fire separation design techniques. Fire detection can be supported by smoke, heat, or flame detectors which will send off an alarm system that has both audio and visual signals. Fire suppression can be accounted for by including fire hoses, extinguishers, standpipe systems, and sprinklers. Occupancy type will determine the mandatory codes and specifications pertaining to these systems. 

ADA standards have been mentioned in previous chapters, but this chapter was the most in-depth, making it a great resource to look back on. ADA accommodations include multiple facets. A "compliant route" provides an ADA compliant pathway from site throughout the entire building. Ramps must be included anywhere the floor heights change; ramps can have no greater a slope than 1:12. Doors must be 36" wide to allow for a 32" opening, and the hardware must be reachable by wheelchair height. Elevators are a great option for ADA-compliant vertical circulation, but in cases of emergency they cannot be used. Because of this, there is a regulated design feature called an "area of refuge" which is basically just a delegated space for wheelchairs to be on a stair landing while they wait to be rescued. Restrooms must meet ADA codes as discussed in our section on plumbing, and any signage (anywhere) must include braille and visual imagery for the blind and deaf. Additionally, egress corridors cannot have any projections greater than 7" sticking out as this could cause hazards. 

The IBC is much more extensive than these three topics, and as Interior Designers, it is important that we begin to become familiar with these codes for both our individual work and teamwork.

Means of Egress and ADA Compliance on Campus

Walking into upper commons - the top entry of the cafeteria, you walk into a wide-open space which allows plenty of circulation that would meet ADA standards. All doors seem to meet the ADA requirements of 36", and a bright red exit sign marks the doors as a clear exit in case of emergency. Being a second floor, it is necessary for vertical circulation downwards in order to get to the cafeteria. (Disclaimer: there are doors on the lower level to access the building as well.) However, from upper commons, the two options one has are to take the stairs or the small elevator for those with any disabilities. There are no egress stairs and therefore no area of refuge, however given that there are exits on both floors, the building should technically still be up to code. The one critique I have is that there is a small area in the middle of upper commons that sinks slightly down a few feet into the floor, and you walk down a few steps to enter this "lounge area"; in this case, there should be some level of ramping in order to meet ADA approval and allow those in wheelchairs to access this small space.