DESIGN CRITERIA FOR CLASSROOMS (Part 1) Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria

DESIGN CRITERIA FOR CLASSROOMS (Part 1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Version 1.0
May 2015 (Draft)
UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
UTM Facilities Management & Planning
UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.
AKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.
WEBSITE: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.
METHOD .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.4.
SPECIFIED PRODUCTS / PROCUREMENT ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5.
CODES & STANDARDS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.6.
WARRANTY ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.7.
UNIVERSITY STANDARD SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
7. PLACEMENT OF CLASSROOMS.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.
TRAVEL BETWEEN ROOMS AND OCCUPANT TURNOVER: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.
ENTRANCES AND EXITS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3.
VISION PANELS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4.
CRUSH SPACE .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.5.
BINS & WATER FOUNTAINS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.6.
WASHROOM FACILITIES .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.7.
SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.8.
FUTURE PROOFING ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
8. SOUND .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.
INSIDE ACOUSTICS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.2.
SOUND TRANSMITION ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3.
MECHANICAL NOISE .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. ROOM PLAN ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1.
ROOM TYPES ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2.
ROOM PROPORTIONS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3.
SCREEN VIEWING CONE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.4.
PROJECTED IMAGE SIZE / WIDTH .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.5.
SCREEN LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
4.6.
AISLES ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
4.7.
TIERS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.8.
TEACHING AREA ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
4.9.
CEILING HEIGHT ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.10. SEATING & FURNISHINGS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
5. POWER ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.
POWER OUTLETS: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
5.2.
AT STUDENT STATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
5.3.
ALTERNATE OPTIONS FOR FIXED SEATING: ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
9. LIGHTING AND LIGHTING CONTROLS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
6.1.
GENERAL ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
6.2.
LIGHTING ZONES ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
6.3.
LIGHTING CONTROLS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
7. OTHER ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
7.1.
SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEMS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
6. INTRODUCTION
The Classrooms Design Criteria is intended to list the UTM campus classroom requirements and considerations and to provide guidelines for the design of classrooms in all New Construction and Renovation Projects at the campus.
It has broad similarities with the criteria adopted by UofT in general; however, it focuses on the specific requirements and preferences of the University of Toronto Mississauga campus which differ from other UofT campuses.
Close coordination with Facilities Management & Planning, the Information & Instructional Technology Services (I&ITS) and police services is required to ensure proper & effective implementation of these guidelines.
For most recent copy of this document, please contact Sana Rasheed, Construction Standards Specialist at UTM Facilities Management & Planning Department.
1.1. AKNOWLEDGEMENT
1.1.1. The “Design Criteria for Classrooms, University of Toronto, 2012 (Draft)” was utilized as a basis for this document which was then altered to fulfil the UTM traditional classroom design criteria and subsequently it was
restructured and expanded to include the design criteria for both of the ALC ready & fully ALC classroom types.
1.2. WEBSITE:
1.2.1. For supporting diagrams and additional information, including UofT Accessibility Standards for Classrooms, please check the following website: http://www.osm.utoronto.ca/standard/
Important Note: not all sections under the above site apply to this UTM standards, carefulness and caution should be taken when utilizing information from this site.
1.2.2. For UofT Accessibility Standards for Classrooms; Please check the following link: http://osm.utoronto.ca/standard/accessibility.html
1.3. METHOD
1.3.1. The classroom standards are a working tool for the design process, to be used in conjunction with 1) consultation with instructors for the given department and 2) facilities management & planning department designates
and 3) the Information & Instructional Technology Services (I&ITS).
1.4. SPECIFIED PRODUCTS / PROCUREMENT
1.4.1. Any specific products or manufacturers listed herein can only be purchased within the confines of University of Toronto procurement policy.
1.5. CODES & STANDARDS
1.5.1. All standards assume the consultant/architect has ensured compliance with the Ontario Building Code and all applicable codes and standards.
1.5.2. These design criteria to work in conjunction with other UTM standards including, but not limited to, Accessibility standards, I&ITS standards, Electro-Mechanical standards, Security Design Considerations and other
different UTM design considerations.
1.6. WARRANTY
1.6.1. All classroom furnishings are to come with a minimum 10-year warranty.
1.7. UNIVERSITY STANDARD SYSTEMS
1.7.1. All classrooms are to be “support capable”, that is, the systems installed will not be proprietary but among those recommended and supportable by the Information & Instructional Technology Services (I&ITS) department
and the department of Facilities Management & Planning of the University of Toronto Mississauga.
7. PLACEMENT OF CLASSROOMS
2.1. TRAVEL BETWEEN ROOMS AND OCCUPANT TURNOVER:
2.1.1. Students have a ten-minute window to get from one class to another (10-minutes turnover) including travel times between buildings. Classrooms must be designed with exits, crush space & circulation corridors to allow for
easy movement of large number of students. Also, classrooms should be located with good access to building entrances.
2.2. ENTRANCES AND EXITS
2.2.1. To conform with Ontario Building Code (OBC)
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
2.3. VISION PANELS
2.3.1. Doors to all classrooms are to have narrow vision panels that allow individuals (including persons using a wheelchair) to look into the room to see if the room is occupied prior to opening the door.
2.3.2. Alternate is to use a tall narrow window beside the door.
2.3.3. Vision panels shall not be opaque and shall not have any blinds as they are to provide view in/out of room for security and accessibility purposes. Please refer to UofT Accessibility Standards for additional information.
2.4. CRUSH SPACE
2.4.1. Crush space is required outside of classrooms to facilitate 1) change of occupants and 2) students waiting outside for next class; for example, a 100 seat lecture hall during class changes (which occur many times a day)
will have 200 persons in the vicinity of the main entrances.
2.4.2. Guideline for crush space is 50% of room size. Immediate corridor space can be counted as part of crush space. Consultants are warned that reduction in crush space shall be avoided as it significantly reduces building
performance.
2.5. BINS & WATER FOUNTAINS
2.5.1. Waste and recycling containers are to be located outside of classrooms
2.5.2. Water fountains / bottle filling stations ideally located close to large lecture halls and theatres
2.6. WASHROOM FACILITIES
2.6.1. Washrooms to serve the classrooms are ideally located adjacent to the crush space.
2.6.2. There will be sufficient fixtures to accommodate the peak load on these facilities within the class turnover period. This fixture count will be considerably higher than that specified in the building code. What appears to work
for classroom situations is one fixture per 30-40 seats (the larger number of fixtures in female dominated faculties); this concentration of fixtures adjacent to the classrooms, however, will not reduce the number of fixtures
that will be available in other areas of the building.
2.6.3. The proportion of male to female fixtures will reflect the proportion of the anticipated users of the rooms, if known.
2.6.4. Universal Single user accessible washrooms are to be provided in a strategically located public area of each building
2.7. SECURITY
Locking and unlocking of classrooms is part of a centralized security system.
2.8. FUTURE PROOFING
The intent is to organize the instructional areas so that maximize the ability to retrofit classroom spaces to accommodate future demand on specific type or size. A Cost-benefit analysis to be under taken by consultant to ensure
the effectiveness of such type of future proofing. The following to be taken into consideration:
2.8.1. No services in walls
2.8.2. Drywall partitions
2.8.3. Services from floor
2.8.4. Raised floors (where applicable or practical)
2.8.4. Low-profile raised floors to enable more flexibility in wiring
and connectivity (connections) distribution (If used, it should be
designed and constructed in such a way that allow for adding
other technology infrastructure in the future while keeping its
profile as low as possible). The use & design of raised floors to
conform to the applicable codes and to be approved by UTM
FM&P designate.
2.8.5. Operable walls between rooms (Its use should be restricted
to specific reasonable needs, as it could be unpractical from
scheduling point of view and/or time consuming to open and
close)
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
8. SOUND
3.1. INSIDE ACOUSTICS
3.1.1. Doors are to be acoustically rated and sealed; door closers and any existing hardware are to be operationally ‘silent’.
3.1.2. Room entrances to be located at the back of the room or on the side away from instructor AV control location to minimize audio disturbance from entrance traffic. In large halls mid-hall entrance is preferred with corridors
separating seating from doors. In 50+ capacity rooms the client may specify a short corridor entrance to buffer entrance/exit noise
-
3.1.3.
3.1.3. Using more sound absorbent materials to reduce internal
noise
- Low pile non static carpet tile flooring
- Acoustic wall/ceiling tiles, if required
3.2. SOUND TRANSMITION
3.2.1. Partitions required to extend through finished ceiling to the slab. Where this is not possible, the architect is to propose an alternate solution which will produce similar results
3.2.2. Recommended STC and wall assemblies to follow UTM FM&P requirements and standards (please refer to the wall assemblies matrix currently under development)
3.2.3. 60 STC minimum for classroom partition
3.2.3. 60 STC minimum for classroom partition
3.2.3. 60 STC minimum for classroom partition (higher value might
be required especially in adjacent ALCs as ALCs generate
larger noise)
3.3. MECHANICAL NOISE
3.3.1. Ambient noise levels (including all HVAC) is not to exceed NC rating of 25, measured at four feet (1,219 mm) from the floor at all points in room.
3.3.2. Mechanical services to be located away from classrooms
4. ROOM PLAN
4.1. ROOM TYPES
4.1.1. Capacity of 25-49 seats, flat floor with movable furniture
configured as lecture or seminar styles
4.1.2. Capacity of 50-99 seats, tiered floor with continuous surface
furniture configured as U shape style
4.1.3. Capacity of 100-249 seats, tiered floor with continuous surface
& fixed swivel chairs furniture configured as lecture style
4.1.4. Capacity of 250+ seats, tiered floor with continuous surface &
swivel chairs furniture configured as lecture style
4.1.1. Design specific capacity, flat floor with movable furniture
configured as Traditional (lecture or seminar) or ALC styles
4.1.1. Design specific capacity, low-profile raised flat floor (typically
six inches (152 mm)) with movable furniture configured as ALC
style
4.2.1. Squared dimensions with bias towards rectangular or wideshallow shaped rooms. If used as a traditional setting, additional
screen(s) may be required to ensure that 100% of students are
within viewing range
4.2.1. Rectangular shaped with high preference for narrow-deep
shaped rooms
4.2. ROOM PROPORTIONS
4.2.1. Tend all classrooms of all capacities towards square. This will
provide greatest immediate performance and best long-term reuse capability.
4.2.2. Recommend proportion ratio should not exceed 3:4 (either
width:depth or depth:width).
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
4.2.3. Maximum proportion ratio should not exceed 2:3 (either
width:depth or depth:width).
4.2.4. Narrow-deep rooms should be avoided.
4.2.5. Wide-shallow rooms can be effective if (a) screen viewing
cones are correctly adhered to (usually requiring two cloned
screen images) and (b) consideration is taken in the difficulty of
hearing unamplified instructor voice in the front wings of the
room.
4.3. SCREEN VIEWING CONE
4.3.1. 100% of students to be within the viewing cone which based
on view line not less than 30 degree from sides
4.3.2. Students looking up to the top of the projected image should
be looking up at no greater than 40 degrees
4.3.1. Tolerates view line of less than 30 degrees from sides as
long as other measurements are taken to ensure clear view for
all students (ie adding another screen, …)
4.3.2. Students looking up to the top of the projected image should
be looking up at no greater than 40 degrees.
4.3.1. Does not require viewing cone of a main projection screen as
students are grouped at tables with a monitor for each table
4.3.2. Students looking up to the top of the projected image should
be looking up at no greater than 40 degrees.
4.3.3. If main projection screens are to be used, the distribution of
these screens should guarantee that 100% of students are
within viewing range
4.4. PROJECTED IMAGE SIZE / WIDTH
4.4.1. Image width is minimum ¼ of room depth.
4.4.1. Image width is minimum a quarter (¼) of room depth.
4.4.2. Bottom of image minimum 4’6” (1370 mm) from floor (so
students at rear can see image over heads of students seating in
front); more than five feet (1524mm) preferred
4.4.2. Bottom of image minimum 4’6” from floor (so students at rear
can see image over heads of students seating in front); more
than five feet (1524mm) preferred
4.4.1. Image width is relative to the area of each group of
students/table, as groups may have multiple projected images
4.4.2. If larger screen(s) are to be used, then the image size to
depend on the location of the screen(s) (screens could be
located in the middle of the room, side wall, room corners or
ceiling hung at different locations
4.4.3. Bottom of image minimum four feet six inches (4’6”) (1370
mm) from floor
4.5. SCREEN LOCATION
4.5.1. Architect should provide simple room front drawings showing
location of image with dimensions showing clear ceiling height,
image size and distance from floor.
4.5.2. Typically the screen is offset to one side to allow maximum
available blackboard with screen down (six feet (6’) (1829mm)
minimum wide of visible blackboard with screen down; eight feet
(8’) (2438mm) preferred).
For example, a regular seminar room with 16” of blackboard
should have the screen offset to one side, showing eight feet (8’)
(2438mm) of blackboard when the screen is down.
4.5.3. If the room entrance is at the front, the AV control should be
located away from the door, and the screen offset towards the
door to allow the instructor working space between the image and
the AV control area.
4.5.1. Preferred front screen location to be set-up; however,
multiple screens might be provided instead
4.5.2. blackboard/whiteboard expanding on all or some of the walls
4.5.3. screen offset to be designed on case by case
4.5.1. Wall and/or standalone screens may be provided:
4.5.2. Basically, a monitor is provided for each table
4.5.3. Monitors to be fitted so that whiteboard/writing surfaces are
utilizing the maximum possible wall areas and
minimizing/eliminating the interference between these monitors
and the writing surfaces
4.5.4. If main projection screens are to be used, the number and
sizes of these screens will be determined based on the room
size & layout.
4.5.5. No computer to be provided for tables (students uses their
own)
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
4.6. AISLES
4.6.1. Departments may have different preferences for mid-room or
side aisles.
4.6.2. Side aisles make it easier to get the viewers within the screen
vision cone
4.6.3. Mid-aisles can provide better student access to seating
4.6.4. Center aisles are usually specified in computer labs for
instructor/TA access to student desks.
4.6.5. Recommended maximum number of students for middle rows
is 16 and side rows is 6 or as per code whichever more stringent.
4.6.6. Aisle width to conform to all applicable codes and to be verified
for each project
4.6.1. If required by code
4.6.1. If required by code
4.7.1. Not applicable
4.7.1. Not applicable
4.7. TIERS
4.7.1. Any classroom with more than 7 rows must be tiered/sloped.
4.7.2. Adequate clearance for wheelchair turnaround to be provided
between fixed Teaching Stations and the screen wall (as per
code).
4.7.3. Optimal number of wheelchair accessible seating areas to be
provided and to be located in convenient locations as much as
possible based on the room layout.
4.8. TEACHING AREA
4.8.1. The simplest possible teaching area is preferable, meaning a
large, open rectangular area.
4.8.2. Avoid the following:
- Chamfering of walls (angled walls) around teaching area as it
complicates an area that may need movable equipment or be
reconfigured.
- Lecture halls in a trapezoid shape (in order to have the room
shape conform to the vision cone) as they reduce the width of
the teaching area.
4.8.3. Depth of Teaching Area should be greater than the width of the
projected image and to exceed the following minimum depths:
Lecture style rooms:
Room Capacity
25
50
120
250
500
4.8.1. Conform to traditional classroom criteria, unless otherwise
specified. However, the infrastructure for a future ALC teaching
station should be included
Central teaching area/podium for the teacher in the middle is
the typical setting for ALC. In some cases, based on the size of
the room and other considerations, teaching area could be
located on the side/front of the room
Fixed vs. mobile type of podium and the size/shape of
podium to be decided based on the classroom size
Minimum depth of teaching area
8’
(2.4m)
10’
(3m)
11’ 6”
(3.5m)
13’
(4m)
18’
(5.5m)
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
Horseshoe/case style rooms:
Room Capacity
‘box’ teaching area, width x depth
50
4m x 4m
100
5m x 5m
4.9. CEILING HEIGHT
Ceiling heights indicated are clear space between finished floor and finished ceiling, with no obstructions including light fixtures. If there is difficulty maintaining the minimums across the whole room, it may be possible to
have the ceiling from the projector to the screen be higher than the rest of the room, so that a lower ceiling does not interfere with the projection image height. Screen housings are approximately six inches by six inches
(6”x6”) (152mm) in height and width; ceiling plan should call for a custom screen housing inset in the ceiling, with (preferred) gap of one foot (304.8mm) between the screen wall and the drop ceiling to allow for the mount of a
standard screen housing above finished ceiling level.
Minimum Clear Ceiling Heights (front of room):
Capacity
Screen housing inset
Screen housing not inset
25
9
9’ 6”
40
9
9’ 6”
60
10
10’ 6”
80
11
11’ 6”
120
12
12’ 6”
350
20
n/a
Absolute Minimums for ceiling height:
9’ at room front
8’ at back of tiered room
4’ 6” clear under projected image
Care should be taken by the architects that medium capacity rooms (80-150) are not squeezed into the same ceiling heights and room depths as 25-60 capacity rooms.
This is a typical fault in new classroom buildings. Medium sized classrooms are programmed into the same areas as smaller rooms and are therefore made subject to like corridor-to-window and floor slab-to-slab distances.
Important Note: Ensure that rooms with capacities of 80 to 120 meet teaching area depth, ceiling height and room proportion standards.
Halls over 200 capacity are usually not subject to this fault, as their high ceilings dictate their having their own program block in the overall building plan.
-
4.10.
SEATING & FURNISHINGS
-
Capacity
Seating capacity is to be listed on room data sheets.
Typical minimum classroom space allocation are shown in
the table below. These numbers are affected by room shape
and seating type and are used for general area calculations:
Seminar or Horseshoe (Case)
Workshop (group tables)
Lecture Style, fixed or
loose
Tablet Arm
2.4 m2/station
2.4 m2/station
1.7
m2/station
1.5 m2/station
-
Design specific
-
Design specific
0.4 stations/m2
0.4 stations/m2
0.59 stations/m2
0.67 stations/m2
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
Row Depth
- Clear row space between furniture:
Loose
30” minimum gap between rows
desks
Fixed
30” minimum gap between rows (loose
continuous
seating)
30” minimum gap between rows
(radius-arm seating)
Fixed
15.75” absolute minimum (per Ontario
Tablet Arm
building code)
18” recommended minimum gap
(tablet/seat retracted)
Ontario Building Code requires 400mm / 15.75” clear between rows of
fixed seating for fire egress (OBC 3.3.2.3 (2)), with the seat and
tablet/table in ‘closed’ or folded position. Loose seating is not subject to
this requirement.
-
Conform to traditional classroom criteria as applicable
-
Not Applicable
-
Not applicable
-
Not applicable
-
Conform to traditional classroom criteria as applicable
-
Not applicable
Tier Depth
-
Ideally tier depth is designed to allow changes in seating
type. Functionally a 36” tier depth is the minimum (Tablet
arm seats), 48” tiers will allow any of the current types of
lecture hall seating. Design for 4’ tiers, if possible.
Otherwise, typical tier depths:
Horseshoe/Case
1100mm (43” full tier depth)
46” (16” table depth+30” clear)
47” (as above with more clear
distance due to curve)
Radius-Arm fixed seating
47” - allows clearance for exiting
behind seated persons
Fixed Theatre tablet arm seats
Fixed tables with loose seats
Tablet Arm Seating
-
-
Seat Width: minimum 22”; Include as many 24”+ wide seats
as possible
Tablet size: min. 160 square inches (approx. 10” deep by
16” wide) (tending to rectangular). Small pie-shaped tablets
are not acceptable.
Left-Hand tablets: Last seat on right (when facing back of
room) on all rows to be left- handed (no-predetermined fixed
number required)
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
Fixed Continuous Writing Desks
-
Continuous writing surfaces are to be cantilevered from
support along the front edge rather than supported on
intermittent gables (posts not to determine placement of
loose seating).
Depth
minimum 15” / 400mm deep
Width
minimum 26”, prefer 30” per station
-
Not Applicable
-
Not Applicable
-
Conform with traditional classroom criteria as applicable
-
Not applicable
36” wide for accessible stations
Length
Maximum 16 students in a row before aisle (aisle both sides)
Maximum 8 students in a row before aisle (aisle one sides)
Modesty
required for first 2 rows, optional on later rows
panel
Finish
Light colored laminate (to keep room looking bright)
Uneven grain (to hide marking)
Power Typically not required unless otherwise specified by users
Modules located under desk edge, facing student (not on
surface)
Data
Wired data connection not required due to UofT wireless
Loose Classroom Tables
Exam
Typical 20”x30”+
Individual
Typical 24” x 36”
Student station
Depth 18” minimum
Width 24” minimum/student (not to exceed
6 students in a row)
30” Recommended
Typical classroom tables are 60” wide for each pair of students (either 24
or 30” deep); 48” (x24”) for areas where capacity is a premium.
Group tables
Round - 5’ diameter for 6 persons
30”x60” - can be used for 4 persons (assumes 2
persons per 60” side)
36”x72” – 6 person (assumes 2 persons per 72”
side plus single person on each 36” end)
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
Fixed Tables
-
Not applicable
-
Not applicable
-
Default: 5’ six seating round fixed tables
Other table sizes and shapes could be used on case by
case basis.
-
Whiteboards are the standard specification for ALCs
because of the following:
Preferred for interactive learning setting
Safe for high sensitive electronic equipment used in
ALCs as they do not generate dust
Whiteboards could be replaced with specially painted
wall surface where applicable (up to the approval of UTM
furniture coordinator in consultation with users)
Writing Surfaces
-
-
-
-
Chalkboards (black) are the standard specification for
classrooms because of the following:
Preferred by many (but not all!) faculty
Supply of chalk is easier to maintain than markers.
Typically Math instructors will require blackboards and
Management groups will expect whiteboards.
Chalkboards are typically 4’ high in 8’ wide sections;
seamless when joined. Preferred minimum length
chalkboard:
16’ width Small classroom
24’+ width Large classroom
Generally speaking, more is better (for the instructors)
Refer to point 4.5.2 for screen/blackboard offset
requirements
To prevent chalk dust from interfering with electronic
components in the room, the room ventilation is to be
designed to draw air directly away from the chalkboards
without passing over any other part of the room.
In the case of tiered classrooms, chalkboards are to be
multi-tiered (triple-hung). Stacked
Chalkboards are to be in no more than 10’ sections, to
prevent mechanical difficulties in raising/lower long sections.
All chalkboards are to have a chalk tray all along the lower
edge.
Mount blackboards 36” from the finished floor
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Conform with traditional classroom criteria as applicable.
Other Loose Seating/Tables
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Other loose seating & table options may be considered in coordination with UTM Furniture coordinator to adapt to different users’ needs and classroom settings requirements including the following types:
Chairs
Basic classroom seat: i.e. comfortable, economical, compact, stackable sled base chair
Upholstered classroom seat: i.e. professional, nesting flip-seat, stackable chair on castors
5-point with height adjust seat: i.e. ergonomic, swivel task chair on castors; glides could be used for added stability, if required
Adjustable work surface seat: i.e. ergonomic, swivel chair on castors with under-seat storage; best for ALC & group work settings
Tables:
Standard classroom table: Loose table with glides, ‘Y-leg’ design
Flip-top: Loose table on castors, ‘Y-leg’ design with flip-top for nesting
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
Height adjust: Manual
Height adjust: Powered
5. POWER
5.1. Power outlets:
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
5.1.5
(duplex) by entrance for caretaking staff
General - around room perimeter at 10’ intervals
Refer to UTM Classroom Design Criteria (Part 2) – I&ITS for A/V outlets requirements
Floor monuments are to be avoided unless required for specific furniture, furnishings or equipment. (Also, see Classroom Design Criteria (Part 2) – Classroom Technology & AV Design Specs Guide)
Refer to UTM Electrical Design Standards for additional outlets requirements
5.2. At student stations
5.2.1 Typically, electrical power is not provided at students stations
unless otherwise indicated in the Room Data Sheets (RDS)
5.2.1 Not applicable
5.2.1 Not applicable
5.3.1 Not applicable
5.3.1 Not Applicable
5.3.2 Electrical power for other locations (i.e. Tables) to be
specified in the RDS
5.3. Alternate options for fixed seating:
5.3.1 If power cannot be done at all stations, option to provide power
at front row only, or power at aisle seats.
5.3.2 Electrical power for other locations (i.e. Tables) to be specified
in the RDS
9. LIGHTING AND LIGHTING CONTROLS
6.1. GENERAL
6.1.1. A combination of two or more of the following lighting zones to be provided in each classroom based on the classroom type and size:
- Blackboard zone
Dimmable lighting
- Students zone
multi-levels lighting which could be 3 levels/staging (i.e. 0%, 50% & 100%) or 4 levels/staging (i.e. 0%, 33%, 66% & 100%) based on the room type and size
- Instructor zone
Dimmable or multi-levels lighting in teaching area
- Perimeter zone
Dimmable lighting
6.1.2. Aisle lighting to be provided as per code
6.1.3. To achieve multiple light levels in a zone, it is preferred to have multi-lamp fixtures with lamps on different switches. for example, fixture with 3 bulbs can have 2 bulb on one switch and two bulbs on another switch which
will provide either 33%, 66% or 100% lighting level depending on which switches are turned on
6.1.4. The use of LED lighting fixtures is preferred to maximize energy saving and lower maintenance cost where applicable.
6.1.5. A combination of two or more of the following lighting controls shall be strategically situated in the following locations:
- Full manual control switches on wall which shall be provided by AV control area (switches 4’ from floor). Screen control switch in same vicinity.
- Full electronic controls from Teaching Station in addition to any AV podium controls
- Simple master on/off at main room entrance; duplicate full control, per client request.
- Simple master on/off at other room entrances, per client request.
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UTM Standards: Renovations & New Construction
Design Criteria for Classrooms (Part1)
Planning & Design (Architectural) Criteria
Traditional
ALC Ready
Fully ALC
6.1.6. Simplest controls are better. Label if more than 2 switches. Electronic switch systems should have clear-to-read integrated labels or wall mounted diagram of switches
6.1.7. Electronic lighting systems can now have individual IP addresses allocated to each fixture, for full remote digital control and programming through the building automation systems. In such configurations ensure (through
testing) that the switches themselves are as simple to understand as conventional light switches. Classrooms can have automatic on/off features to save power.
6.2. LIGHTING ZONES
6.2.1. Small rooms (25-49 students):
- Blackboard zone
Dimmable lighting
- Students zone
3 levels/staging
6.2.1. Full perimeter zone
- Dimmable lighting
6.2.2. Students zone
- 4 levels/staging
6.2.1. Full perimeter zone
- Dimmable lighting
6.2.2. Students zone
- 4 levels/staging
6.2.2. Medium rooms (50-99 students):
- Blackboard zone
Dimmable lighting
- Students zone
4 levels/staging
6.2.3. Large rooms (100+ students):
- Blackboard zone
Dimmable lighting
- Students zone
4 levels/staging
- Instructor zone
Dimmable lighting or 3 Levels/staging
6.3. LIGHTING CONTROLS
6.3.1. Full lighting control at the main door
6.3.2. Full lighting control at the teaching station (TS)
6.3.3. Night lights to be provided as per code and to be designed to the minimum possible density to avoid distracting students. Having the night lights as separate fixtures is preferred and to have it located next to the doors is
recommended unless otherwise required by code.
6.3.4. If the switches are on the side wall, have the Blackboard switch
located on the end closest to the blackboard.
6.3.4. Where applicable, if the switches are on the side wall, have
the Blackboard switch located on the end closest to the
blackboard.
6.3.4. N/A
7. OTHER
7.1. SPECIFIC BUILDING SYSTEMS
7.1.1. Central (built-in) vacuum are recommended in large tiered room with a capacity over 200.
7.1.2. Voice assistive technology and push button / door opener shall be provided in at least one classroom of each capacity range in each building for accessibility purposes, in addition to fulfilling all code requirements. The
locations and distribution of these systems shall be done in consultation with both of the UTM Office of the Registrar and FM&P department designates.
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