Planning Rationale
Planning
Circulation arrangement is typically based on double loaded corridors to maximize efficiency. Corridors shall maximize areas for student lockers and accommodate display on both sides of the corridor on all walls without fenestration. Wall display area (tack surfaces) shall not exceed the code allowed maximum 10% of wall area. Display cases shall be provided in strategic areas within the public corridors with preference in main entrance/ lobby area. Surface mounted tack boards are to be provided intermittently in public corridors in order to showcase student generated work. Corridors, circulation and non-program areas such as MEP/FP spaces shall be in total no more than 40% of gross building square feet.
Life Safety and Code
Corridor width shall be 5’ minimum clear width excluding door swings into the corridor to conform with code requirements. Egress widths shall account for open doors from classrooms and locker doors into the corridor. The AOR shall ensure that exit widths are code compliant and that all exit pathways address fire and life safety, accessibility, dead end corridor conditions, horizontal exits, and all other requirements.
Daylight and Views
Fenestration shall be incorporated into locations along the corridors, minimally at the ends of straight runs, to allow for some natural light and views into the space.
Doors
Doors shall typical be recessed in order to not impede traffic flow in the corridor. Doors shall be arranged so as to maximize wall runs for lockers and display.
Security
Circulation paths shall allow for unobstructed visual line of sight through corridors and avoid blind pockets. Clear separation of public areas from the back of house areas shall be provided, as well as double doors within corridors to lock off portions of the school, such as the auditorium, library or the athletic wing, to minimize security needs during after hours events.
Finishes
As circulation spaces will endure a high level of daily usage, durable materials are concentrated in these areas.
- Walls: Walls may be either VHI over one (1) layer of Type X gypsum board or Solid Surface over two (2) layers of Type X gypsum board. Refer to 2.3.1 Standard Finishes for more information.
- Very High Impact (VHI) Gypsum Board: Shall be installed for outer layer of gypsum walls in corridors and delivery corridors. Height of very high-impact-resistant board shall be limited to 8’-0” AFF to reduce cost, similar to typical wall construction. Portion of wall directly behind lockers to be two (2) layers of Type X gypsum board.
- Solid Surface Wall and Corner Protection: Shall be 1/2-inch thickness and trim with integral flush solid surface base and chamfered top edge. The height shall extend to the top of the lockers or align with the top of the door frame as determined with consultation with CPS. Solid Surface materials used for wall protection shall be laid over two (2) layers of Type X gypsum board. Refer to CPS Specifications 10 26 01 Wall and Corner Protection.
- Protective Wall Covering: Engineered Protective Wall Covering in lieu of Solid Surface Wall Protection at Pre-K Annexes in Building Entries, Corridors and Multi-Purpose Rooms. Protective Wall Covering used for wall protection shall be laid over two (2) layers of Type X gypsum board. Refer to CPS Specifications 10 26 03 Protective Wall Coverings.
- Ceilings: Access panel locations shall be fully coordinated between all MEP disciplines where needed in all ceilings.
- Lockers: Optimal configuration is to recess the locker face flush with the corridor wall. Lockers shall be mounted on a non-corrosive platform with water proof membrane. Install solid surface or resilient vinyl base at finish face of locker platform. Typical CPS cleaning protocol and migration of water should be considered when determining finish for locker base. Provide required number of accessible lockers evenly distributed. See 2.3.4 for more information.