Sharkitecture.NET » Test Plans

Name 10 potential accessibility issues that are likely to arise (historic building)

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:09:05 +0000

1. elevator access
2. bathroom accessories (grab bars, mounting heights)
3. ramps to front entry, if stairs are present
4. signage
5. clearances at doors and in restrooms
6. strobe lights
7. accessible countertop heights
8. door thresholds
9. door hardware (levers, kickplates, closers)
10. contrasting stripes on stair treads

a) Restrooms dimensions
b) Corridor width
c) Width of doors
d) clearances at doors
e) means of access and egress
f) ht. of door knobs
g) ht., location and clearance around of water fountains
h) Projection from the ceiling
i) Clearance in the lounge
j) Ht. of the kitchen counter in the lounge

Which type of specifications would be most appropriate for this project?

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:08:03 +0000

Public projects require Open Specifications but Descriptive Specifications are more appropriate for a Historic Building and still comply with the open specification requirements.

The mechanical engineer tells you that he can’t comply with Title-24 requirements with the existing operational ductwork. How do you respond?

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:59:46 +0000

While historic buildings do not require T24 compliance its beneficial to conform as closely as possible. Consider supplemental mechanical systems to offset the needs of the building.

A new ramp is required to get into the front entry that damages the historical fabric of the building. What steps do you take?

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:56:24 +0000

I would document the situation with photos, and present them at a meeting with the building department prior to plan check. I would present a few alternatives, after coordinating with the code consultant, at the meeting that would preserve the character of the building. I would attempt to provide a solution as close to the code as possible, but would try to obtain a hardship waiver for this portion of the building.

What specific aspects of the design will the structural engineer need to focus on?

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:55:27 +0000

The SE will need to design to a higher importance factor when designing for the elevator. Assistance and coordination would be needed for the transformer, switchgear, emergency generator, and telecommunication equipment anchorage and support. Any new openings in shear walls would need to be addressed.

A new elevator needs to be installed. Name the specific consultants who need to coordinate this work.

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:53:07 +0000

structural engineer, mech/plumbing engineer, electrical engineer, elevator consultant, code consultant, architectural historian consultant

the owner wants you to provide programming as part of the design contract

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:35:22 +0000

As the B101 is being written, the owner wants you to provide programming as part of the design contract. What steps from now to bidding do you take?

Programing is typically provided by the Owner, therefore…

Increase the fee, & adjust the front end of the schedule accordingly. After signing the contract, I would observe the current facility, conduct interviews with the users & have workshops to understand their needs & adjacency relationships. I would use spreadsheets to document the square footage requirements, and present them to the owner for approval. If modifications needed to be made, we would work them out. Following this, adjacency diagrams would be made proposing how the spaces and circulation would relate. this would lead to a schematic design, which would be given a QA/QC review to verify it meets the agreed upon program, then presented to the owner, w/cost estimate, to approve. ditto DD & CD

How would CEQA likely evaluate this project?

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:32:17 +0000

[Renovation of a Historic Building] Because there is no added square footage, or change to the environment created by the project, it would likely be exempt, or a negative declaration.

What consultants would you seek for your design team?

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:30:03 +0000

What credentials would you look for?

S, M, E, P, Historical preservation consultant, code consultant, elevator consultant, cost estimator. I’d look for each to be licensed and insured, and experience with similar project & construction types.