Planning Rationale
The Design Guidelines are intended to provide programming information for each space in the school, as well as outline the design goals. It provides examples of how these requirements may be achieved, using the prototype elementary and high schools as the basis. It is the responsibility of the AOR/EOR to use and or formally request to modify these guidelines based on applicability to specific project programs, site conditions, building conditions, context, and availability of materials.
Building Module
The Design Guidelines have been developed using a standard building module to better enable the AOR/EOR to bring building program spaces together in a logical and standardized manner. The typical school building shall be planned so that the school population circulates the building by means of a double loaded corridor. Program spaces have been designed to connect to this double loaded corridor on a standard dimensional module. The standard module is for a 25’-0” (or 12’-6”) bay parallel to the central corridor with a 30’-0” (or 15’-0”) bay perpendicular to the corridor. All program spaces outlined in these guidelines follow this dimensional standard.
Usage
The guidelines are written in a manner to reduce duplication of information and to provide ease of use.
In order to locate all requirements about a particular space or general information that is applicable to all rooms in a section can be found at the beginning of that section. Any additional requirements are found within the room’s specific narratives and room data sheets. Thus, one shall look first in the section overview, and then in the room write-up and room data sheet.
Specific room requirements are meant to illustrate prototypical designs. In cases in which a unique school does not follow a typical prototype in its overall design or individual spaces due to its program requirements or site constraints, the Design Guidelines shall still provide a basis for general intent. The room components are intended to function as a kit of parts which can be arranged to suit specific school projects.
Individual Sections on program spaces provide detail on the design and requirements of the spaces by providing a room narrative, room data sheet, and floor plans.
Room Narrative: A room narrative is provided to give the planning rationale on the specific program space. This narrative provides guidance on where the specific program shall be located within the building, relevant adjacencies to other program spaces, insight into what programs and activities occur in the space, and how the room shall be laid out, planned, and organized.
Room Data Sheet: Room data sheets are provided to communicate specific room requirements in the following categories:
- General room information (size and capacity)
- Finishes and features
- Equipment and Fixtures
- Casework
- Furniture
- HVAC systems
- Plumbing
- Fire Protection
- Electrical
Plans and Elevations
Plan diagrams accompanying each programmatic section are intended to be illustrative, and are based on typically used prototypes and have been extracted from specific project drawing sets. In the case of a conflict or confusion within the document, CPS shall be contacted for clarification.
Code Compliance
If the Guidelines are found to be in conflict with local codes, the codes shall be followed and CPS shall be notified. As licensed professionals, it is the responsibility of the architect and their consultants to know, understand, and implement the required codes.
Deviations to The Guidelines
The CPS Design Guidelines and Construction Document is intended to be a “living” document that changes when new materials, or more efficient construction practices become available. All proposed deviations from the guidelines to be approved by the appropriate authorized administrative CPS personnel prior to implementation on a project. When changes are required, CPS will provide updates in writing. In order for CPS to approve requested changes, it is essential that the AOR make thorough submissions substantiating their position in a timely manner.
The Design Guidelines are intended to normalize design outcomes across the entire CPS system. They are not intended to supplant sound architectural or engineering judgment, or common sense. If in the opinion of the designer of record a deviation should be considered, then a written/formal request should be made to deviate from the design guidelines.
If at any time the Architect, Engineer of Record, Contractors or any Others propose to defer from the Design Guidelines, the following must occur:
- A written request for variance must be submitted either in the form of a Request for Clarification or a Request for Variance to the Design Manager using the Substitution Request Form.
- The request must detail the reasons why the application would either: violate code, result in a misapplication of the technology, result in long-term maintenance issues, result in significant energy use larger than an equal-performing alternative, or violate the professional standard of care owed by the Architect/Engineer.
- Acceptance of a variation by CPS is based on the current best practices.
- Provide supporting documentation for the request.
- Obtain written approval from CPS for the variance in advance of implementing any such variation.