Home > History and Archives > Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building > Functional Areas
Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building
Functional Areas
Functional Areas
1 Loading Dock Area
Purpose of Space: A ground- level loading dock will handle the periodic arrival of materials in large trucks and vans (at least 40’ long)
and serve as the exit portal for items being transferred to other locations. The dock area is to be a gated area with sufficient space
within the gates to accommodate delivery trucks at the dock. The area will also accommodate some staff parking. Space will be provided
in this area for garbage and recycling dumpsters, placed so not to jeopardize security or pose a fire or pest threat. There will be a
ramp from the dock level to grade to accommodate hand dollies in the loading/unloading of small vans. The dock should have a minimum of
two bays. Also in this area will be a receiving room sufficient to hold securely materials that arrive late in the day prior to their
transfer elsewhere.
Location:
The dock should be of sufficient depth to handle unloading of large trucks to the inside receiving area. It should provide enough direct line
space for easy maneuvering of trucks in and out of the space and into a street without putting parked cars and other elements at risk. The dock
should also provide for the convenient unloading of smaller trucks and vans.
The receiving room should be adjacent to the archival and non-archival supply rooms, the triage area, the treatment room and a circulation system
that leads to other parts of the building including processing areas and the collections areas.
Electrical Services:
Security cameras, lighting and card access control.
An intercom system to request access.
Telecom support in receiving area.
Plumbing Services:
Drain for outside water runoff in the incline area
Other:
Hard floor.
Two large garage- type mechanical doors for each bay, at least 8 feet high, that enters into the holding area.
An adjacent regular size door.
The entire area outside the loading dock should be gated.
An awning or roof to provide shade and protect against damage from rain.
The receiving room will have space to store a pallet jack, and a desk to fill out forms. Materials in the receiving room are assumed to be
potentially contaminated.
2 Triage Area
Purpose of Space:
Triage is a very temporary storage area for incoming materials where accessions records are generated and decisions are made as to where next
to move incoming materials. From this area, materials will be moved to the holding room, the treatment area, or possibly directly to processing
or other areas of the building. Except for the treatment area, it is assumed that materials being moved further into the building will be free
from infectious contamination. As materials held in triage may be contaminated, the room must be tightly isolated to prevent any potential
spread of contamination by insects, mold, vermin, etc. Materials will be removed from pallets here, inspected, and placed on carts for transfer
to the next site.
Location:
Proximity to the loading dock/receiving room, treatment area, holding room and easy circulation route to processing and collections areas required.
Electrical Services:
Outlets as required
Telecom support
Furnishings:
The room will be mostly open floor with counter-like tables for examining incoming materials. Computers will be used on the counter-like tables
to create accession records of incoming materials. There is need for space to park a number of carts used in moving materials around the building
(two sizes will predominate, one 18"x36", one 24"x36).
Environmental Services:
Regular heating/air conditioning
Other:
Hard floor assumed.
3 Holding Room
Purpose of Space:
A temporary storage area of longer duration for incoming materials. Acquisitions are unpredictable, and the area must accommodate the possibility
of large amounts of incoming material. It is assumed that materials held here are not contaminated, though they may require further inspection
to determine if cleaning or other preservation actions are warranted.
Location:
Materials will be generally moved in/out of this room on carts, though it would be good to have the capacity to move a pallet of material known
to be free of contamination into this room. Wide, tightly sealed doors for easy passage of boxes and moving large objects between areas and through
the corridor system are needed.
Electrical Services:
Outlets as required
Telecom support
Security card access control
Furnishings:
The program assumes 2/3 of the room is shelving. In addition to this, two work tables are assumed with two chairs and potentially a computer.
Environmental Services:
Regular heating/air conditioning
Other:
Hard floor assumed.
4 Communications/Server Area
Purpose of Space:
This area will provide space for the ASLAPR computer servers and work space and storage to support this equipment. The telecom closets will
contain telecom, fire alarm, security, paging and building systems management components.
Area:
4.1 - Machine room
4.2 - Distributed telecom closets
4.3 - Staff work area
4.4 - Secure storage
Location:
The machine room, staff work area and secure storage should all be next to each other while the telecom closets will be located to suit signal
distribution throughout the building.
Electrical Services:
Numerous outlets for computers and electronic equipment. Fiber optic cabling connecting with an outside line is a necessity. Full distribution
of digital services throughout building.
This area should have its own circuit and power panel with, at a minimum, ten to fifteen dedicated 20 amp (110v) circuits, two 30amp (110v) circuits,
and four to six 30 amp (220 v) circuits. It should be connected with the ADOA telecom system and with the Records Management Division. This area should
be on emergency power.
Furnishings:
Work area to have three work stations each including a desk, space for three computers each with articulated keyboard holders, two 2’ x 3’ units of
shelving for other computers and equipment, a letter file cabinet, surface space for computer related equipment (printers, scanners, etc.).
A workbench in the area would be welcome.
The secure storage area is assumed to be fitted with 2’ x 3’ industrial shelving.
Environmental Services:
Because this equipment can generate heat that can be damaging, the machine room and telecom closets should be designed to maintain a constant temperature.
Plan on HVAC designed for computer rooms, 2-3 ton capacity, with possibly a raised floor, supporting 300 pounds per square foot, for blowing air and
dehumidification.
Other:
Raised floor in machine room.
Hard floor assumed.
Machine room need special attention to security.
5 Treatment Area
Purpose of Space:
The "Treatment Area" is made up of three separate spaces, all related to each other. The first is the "Dirty Room" which is a space
with negative air pressure where infested collections can be placed without fear of infecting other collections in the building. It is the place where
materials known to be contaminated are placed as quickly as possible upon learning of their condition. From the Dirty Room, materials are moved to the
Work Room for treatment. The Work Room is where contaminated materials are cleaned and determined to be safe to introduce into the processing/collections
areas. The Work Room will be used for anoxic treatment, in temporary or permanent chambers, and/or deep freezing. The Humidifying Room is used for materials
that require re-humidification prior to processing or use. Other materials will need humidification to change their "set" prior to use
(such as tightly rolled maps that may also be fragile).
Area:
5.1 - Dirty Room
5.2 - Work Room
5.3 - Humidifying Room
Location:
Adjacent to the Triage Area, with convenient access to the building corridor system.
Special Floor Loading:
While some of the larger pieces of equipment could be heavy, standard archives floor loading should be sufficient.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/air conditioning
The Work Room will contain a "blast freezer" with -40° temperature capacity.
A separate ventilation system, an outside exhaust for both the Dirty Room and for the cleaning operations in the Work Room is required. Note that it is
assumed that materials in this area could be contaminated; excellent environmental separation from the rest of the building is required.
Furnishings:
All rooms need to have one wall lined with archival-type shelving. The humidifying room should have two walls of shelving. In the Work Room, there should
be a sink counter with wall-mounted storage above, and two 6’ worktables.
Electrical Services:
Adequate wiring to accommodate the blast freezer and other equipment operation
Telecom support in both the Dirty Room and the Work Room.
Security card access control
Plumbing Services:
Hot and cold water, sink in the Work Room.
Floor drain in the Work Room.
Other:
Hard floors assumed.
Organize water and humidification to minimize potential exposure of other parts of the building to these potentially damaging elements.
6 Supply and Equipment Storage Room
Purpose of Space:
Storage space for office, paper, plastic, records and archives boxes, and museum and miscellaneous equipment used in support of materials processing and in
support of the building in general. There will be a separate janitorial storage closet. The storage of archival materials should be environmentally
separated from storage for non-archival supplies to prevent contamination of the acid-free archival supplies. The rooms should feature wide, locked doors
for the easy passage of supplies and equipment
Location:
The supply rooms should be adjacent to the Receiving Room.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/air conditioning
Furnishings:
Approximately 2/3 of each space is to be outfitted with standard archival shelving; for the archival supply space, this would be represented
by 44 units of single faced shelving; for the non-archival supply room, 22 units would be required. It is assumed that all chemical storage associated
with the conservation lab will be accommodated within the lab. Electrical
Electrical Services:
Each space is to be provided convenience outlets for maintenance. Security card access control
Other:
Hard floors are assumed.
7 Archives Processing
Work Room Purpose of Space:
Archives staff will arrange and describe records, prepare EAD records, indexes and finding aids. Staff, volunteers and interns will work in this space
making the holdings accessible to researchers. Spacious work areas and numerous tables and wall shelving are required for the sorting of large collections.
Note that due to the dust created by paper processing, the photo processing and scanning functions need separate space.
Area:
7.1 – Open work area
7.2 – Storage
7.3 – Photo processing
7.4 – Photo scanning
Acoustical:
Because this is a staff work area, it should not be near the noise of the mechanical rooms.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating and cooling
Windows for staff comfort.
Environmental separation of photo processing/scanning due to need for dust control.
Furniture:
In the open work area, provide for 4 staff stations, 2 special projects areas, and 3 intern/volunteer stations each with the equivalent of a standard desk,
corner filler (30” x 30”), computer workstation, 4-drawer letter file cabinet, 3.5 x 8’ worktable, three units of standard archive shelving, and a desk chair.
For storage, provide 20 units of standard archive shelving. Provide additional fixed shelving as possible at walls.
The photo processing space should have three workstations each with the equivalent of a desk, desk chair, filler corner (30” x 30”), computer station, two
sections of standard archival shelving, 4-drawer letter file. The photo scanning area should have three stations each with the equivalent of a desk chair,
scanner table (3’ x 3’), a computer station, and a large worktable (3.5’ x 8’).
Electrical Services:
Potential for nine computers in open work area, two computers in photo processing, and three computers in photo scanning.
Each workstation should have a minimum of a double quad outlet receptacle.
Ambient/task lighting should be considered. Security card access control
Telecom support
Other:
Hard floor.
8 Consulting/Conference Areas
Purpose of Space:
Private consultation and meeting area for holding small group meetings.
Location:
Adjacent to the Archives Processing Work Room
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Windows for staff comfort
Furniture:
Modular conference table and chairs for meetings of up to ten people.
White-board.
Electrical Services:
One computer workstation. Room should be set up to support future office function if necessary.
Telecom support
Other:
There should be some visual means of determining if room is in use. While flooring should probably
match adjacent space, consider soft floor for acoustic reasons.
Maintain excellent acoustic separation from adjacent spaces.
9 Museum Processing Work Room
Purpose of Space:
Museum staff will process and catalog collections and prepare indexes and finding aids, do minor
mending and cleaning, photo documentation, etc.
Location:
Easy access to receiving room and museum collections area; easy route for moving large furniture from
collection area to this area and to the loading dock area. Occasional use of treatment room and/or
conservation lab anticipated.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Cleaning could generate some dust; environmental separation from other areas suggested.
Furniture:
Two work stations each having the equivalent of a standard desk, desk chair, desk-height corner unit
(30” x 30”), computer station, 4-drawer letter file, three units of archival shelving, and a 3.5’ x 8’
worktable. In addition to this will be two 3.5 x 8’ documentation tables, 8 file cabinets, 8 units of
archival or industrial shelving, and a 3.5 x 6’ worktable in the photo documentation area, which will
also have a backdrop and lighting for photography.
Acoustical:
Because this is a staff work area, it should be removed from the distracting noise and vibration of the
mechanical room
Electrical Services:
Outlets as required
At least 2 computer workstations.
Each workstation should have a minimum of double quad outlets.
Security card access control
Telecom support
Plumbing Services:
A sink with hot/cold water is required, with counter and overhead wall mounted storage.
Other:
Hard floor.
10 Conservation Laboratory
Purpose of Space:
To provide professional conservation care for the collections held by this Agency as well as in support of regional
conservation needs using a variety of equipment and methods, such as washing, deacidification, drying , repairs,
encapsulation, box building, and record keeping. It contains a darkroom (used to produce prints from historic negatives),
a supply storage area, and an enclosed fume-hooded area for cleaning papers and artifacts.
Area:
10.1 – Open lab space
10.2 – Darkroom
Location:
Area should be near the Treatment Area
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
One enclosed flume hood area with two door openings to handle large items, fan and outside vent (this is the Cleaning room).
Plan for a second open fume hood in the general work area for the future.
Windows for staff comfort and good color rendition in repairs.
Separate exhaust to the outside will be needed for fume hoods and darkroom
Furniture:
The list of furniture/equipment for the conservation lab is preliminary, but includes the following:
One supervisor workstation consisting of a special workbench for conservation work (4’ x 6.5’ or larger with flat-file drawers
under for storage of tools and supplies), one desk, one workbench stool, one desk chair, one standard desk, one computer station.
Two staff workstation exactly like the supervisor workstation, but without the desk.
Two oversized storage racks (66” x 46”, accessed from one side).
Vaggelli Board Shears (6’ x 5’, accessed from three sides).
Vaggelli Press on counter (1.5’ x 1.75’, accessed from two sides)
Vaggelli Press on counter (1.75’ x 2.4’, accessed from two sides)
MSC Corp cold suction table (4’ x 5’, accessed from four sides) including 3’ x 4’ support stand, 2’ x 2’ console
with motors, 1’ x 1.5’ humidifier and 4’ x 5’ dome which requires separate storage space.
Minter polyester film welder (4’x 4’, accessed from three sides).
Board creaser (about 5’ x 3.5’, accessed from three sides).
Light table (about 2.6’ x 2.6’, accessed from three sides).
Three drying racks (3’ x 3’, accessed from three sides).
Two worktables (4’ x 6’, accessed from four sides).
Two worktables (4’ x 8’, accessed from four sides).
Map case (4’ x 6’, accessed from one side – note that this case is larger than normal).
Stove - prefer gas powered for better temperature control of paste preparation.
Refrigerator.
Chemical storage cabinet (2’ x 3’). Note that while some of the chemicals used in preservation/conservation treatment can be pretty noxious
stuff, the quantities used are typically very small.
Shrink-wrap station (5’ x 5’, accessed from two sides).
Mobile tool storage (1.5’ x 1.5’)
Two book trucks (1.5’ x 3’ – note that these are larger than most library book trucks).
Two “Artifact” trucks (2’ x 3’).
Counters 36” deep.
Fume hood.
General supply storage cabinet (2’ x 3’).
Archival shelving where possible; assume 12 units.
Electrical Services:
Numerous outlets for special equipment and a kitchenette stove and refrigerator
Excellent low-glare lighting suitable to fine-detail work is required.
Security card access control
Plumbing Services:
Sinks – one 4’ x 6’ for paper washing (accessed from three sides).
One oversized industrial sink (2’ x 3’, accessed from three sides).
Water purification and mixing area (closet of approximately 4’ x 7’ with curb and floor drain – access is from wide side).
Floor drain in “wet” area of lab.
Two large industrial oversize sinks (similar to restaurant use -adhesive residues will be used, so those for home use are unsuitable).
Darkroom sink and floor drain
Would prefer gas powered stove for paste preparation and use.
Computing Services:
1 computer workstation at each workstation – three total. Added computers should be possible in the future.
Telecom support
Other:
Floor covering should be similar to those in chemistry labs to retard chemical spills
Because this is a staff work area, it should be removed from the distracting noise of the mechanical room.
Darkroom should be accessable without going through lab
11 Conservation Consultation
Purpose of Space:
Provides small meeting area for the conservation staff and a place to meet with others to discuss conservation strategy and other issues.
The space is to be arranged to be an office in the future if needed.
Location:
Adjacent to the Conservation Laboratory
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling Window for staff comfort.
Furnishings:
Modular conference table and chairs for eight. White-board.
Acoustical:
Because this is a potential staff work area, it should be removed from the distracting noise of the mechanical room.
Acoustic isolation from adjacent spaces is important.
Electrical Services:
1 work station
Telecom support
Other:
While carpet is desirable for acoustic reasons, hard floor is acceptable.
A vision panel of some kind from the corridor is desired.
12 Rare Book and Document Materials
Purpose of Space:
This area will provide long-term storage for rare materials that are unique or fragile in nature. The environmental conditions
within the storage room will be suitable to assure very long term life of the materials held.
Location:
The area should be a self contained, tightly sealed room. Note that the elevator must not open directly into the stack area.
Furnishings:
Shelving.
Rolling platform—type ladders.
Computer station.
Carts.
Special Floor Loading:
The structural engineer will review the shelving type and materials to determine the floor load capacity required. Floor
deflection and collection moisture issues will be considered.
Electrical Requirements:
The area should contain several outlets for a computer workstation, and emergency equipment.
Security card access control
Environmental Conditions:
For long-term preservation, the storage area should optimally feature a specially designed HVAC system with air filtration, and the ability
to maintain stable temperature at 55 degrees, 30 % humidity with no more than a 3% variable range.
Wall-mounted environment monitoring equipment recording temperature and humidity in each space is required.
Computing Services:
Space for a computer workstation for inventory control.
Telecom support
Plumbing Services:
No floor drain. However, in the event of a sprinkler discharge, the route and method of water removal must be understood.
Fire suppression system to be determined, but a water-based system is assumed.
Other:
Consider compartments to reduce exposure to fire loss.
Hard floor.
13 Archives Collections
Purpose of Space:
The area will provide long-term storage for the State Archives in a variety of paper formats, including those in records boxes, bound records,
rolled and oversized charts, graphs, blueprints, maps, photographic prints and electronic records. The environmental conditions within the storage room
will be suitable to assure very long term life of the materials held.
Location:
The area should be a self-contained, tightly sealed room.
Furnishings:
Shelving.
Rolling platform—type ladders.
Computer station.
Carts.
Special Floor Loading:
The structural engineer will review the shelving type and materials to determine the floor load capacity required. Floor deflection and collection moisture
issues will be considered.
Environmental Conditions:
For long-term preservation, the storage area should optimally feature a specially designed HVAC system with air filtration, and the ability to maintain
stable temperature at 55 degrees, 30% humidity with no more than a 3% variable range. Wall-mounted environment monitoring equipment recording temperature
and humidity in each space is required.
Electrical Services:
The area should contain several outlets for a computer workstation, cleaning and emergency equipment.
Security card access control
Plumbing Services:
No floor drain. However, in the event of a sprinkler discharge, the route and method of water removal must be understood.
Fire suppression system to be determined, but a water-based system is assumed.
Computing Services:
Space and outlet for a computer workstation for inventory control.
Telecom support
Other:
Consider compartments to reduce exposure to fire loss.
Hard floor.
14 Freezer Storage
Purpose of Space:
This storage area will house in freezers the historic photograph negatives and the acetate microfilm master negatives currently held in the Records Management Division.
Environmental Conditions:
Freezers can be accommodated in normally conditioned space but heat gain from the freezers must be addressed.
Furnishings:
The program assumes various freezers for storage.
Electrical Services:
The areas should contain numerous outlets for maintenance, the freezers, and emergency equipment.
This area should be on emergency power
Security card access control
Plumbing Services:
No floor drain. However, in the event of a sprinkler discharge, the route and method of water removal must be understood.
Fire suppression system to be determined, but a water-based system is assumed.
Other:
Hard floor.
15 Museum Collections
Purpose of Space:
This area will be the long-term storage of museum artifact collections. Collections include both art and historical
items of a wide variety of media, shapes and sizes. Since many objects have high value and fragility issues, the entire area is essentially considered
a vault.
Location:
The area should be a self contained, tightly sealed room, adjacent to the museum processing area, and convenient for moving large, heavy objects through
the building corridors.
Environmental Conditions:
For long-term preservation, the storage area should optimally feature a specially designed HVAC system with air filtration, and the ability to maintain
stable temperature at 70 degrees, 40 % humidity with no more than a 3% variable range.
Wall-mounted environment monitoring equipment recording temperature and humidity in each space is required.
Furnishings:
Shelving
Rolling platform-type ladders
Electrical Services:
Outlets as required
Security card access control
Computing Services:
Space and outlet for a computer workstation for inventory control.
Telecom support
Plumbing Services:
No floor drain. However, in the event of a sprinkler discharge, the route and method of water removal must be understood.
Fire suppression system to be determined, but a water-based system is assumed.
Other:
Consider compartments to reduce exposure to fire loss.
Hard floor.
16 Pre-Archival Records
Purpose of Space:
This area will provide long-term storage for pre-archival records from various state agencies that have long-term environmental
storage requirements. These records have potential archival value although they remain in the legal custody of the originating agency
until it is appropriate to transfer that custody to the State Archives.
Furnishings:
Shelving.
Rolling platform—type stepladders.
Computer station.
Carts.
Special Floor Loading:
The structural engineer will review the shelving type and materials to determine the floor load capacity required.
Environmental Conditions:
For long-term preservation based upon accommodating permanent records, the storage area should optimally feature a
specially designed HVAC system with air filtration, and the ability to maintain stable temperature at 55 degrees, 30 % humidity
with no more than a 3% variable range.
Wall-mounted environment monitoring equipment recording temperature and humidity in each space is required.
Computing Services:
Space for 1 computer workstation for inventory control
Telecom support
Electrical Services:
The area should contain several outlets for a computer workstation, cleaning and emergency equipment.
Security card access control
Plumbing Services:
No floor drain. However, in the event of a sprinkler discharge, the route and method of water removal must be understood.
Fire suppression system to be determined, but a water-based system is assumed.
Other:
Consider compartments to reduce exposure to fire loss.
Hard floor.
17 Consultation Room/ Area
Purpose of Space:
This space provides for the need of a researcher or group or family to consult privately with a staff member about accessing
or researching material and creating a search strategy. It essentially is a small meeting room separate from the main reading
room. Separate from this enclosed room are public lockers for accommodating objects that are not allowed into the reading room.
Area:
17.1 – Public lockers
17.2 – Conference room
Location:
Adjacent to the Secure Reading Room; accessed off a public corridor. The lockers should be located near the reading room entrance.
Furniture:
Conference room to have a modular table, conference chairs for six people and a computer work station with chair.
The locker area will have 40 lockers, sized to take back-packs or brief cases.
Larger items will also need to be accommodated.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Acoustical:
Because this is a public area, it should be removed from the distracting noise of the mechanical room.
Acoustic isolation of the conference room is important.
Computing Services:
1 computer workstation
Telecom support
Other:
Soft floor.
18 Secure Reading Room
Purpose of Space:
All original material will be consulted in this reading room. It should have an attractive, dignified appearance
befitting the value of the materials examined there and because it will represent the State of Arizona and its heritage
to the public. If possible, windows or outside lighting would enhance human comfort.
The principal functions of this space are to provide access to the collections through the reference archivist, to provide
assistance to the researcher, and to provide a proctored reading environment in which use of the materials is in keeping
with their value and fragility. The room will provide reference service, finding aids and reading space for up to twenty-five researchers.
The separate space for cart parking is to accommodate readers who have a continuing project (so that the carts can be held for them
in a secure area) and to accommodate readers who have asked for materials in advance.
Area:
18.1 – Open reading area
18.2 – Cart parking area
Location:
Locate adjacent to the AV Viewing Room, Consultation Room, and Vestibule.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Windows are desirable for human comfort.
Lighting:
Any individual with reduced eyesight may need a local source of lighting, such as lamps on tables; consider task/ambient lighting.
Furnishings:
The program assumes the following –
Six units of library shelving or file cabinets housing paper-based finding aids.
Six computer stations providing access to digital finding aids.
One counter for sign-in.
Two reference desks, each with a computer station.
Four units of library shelving to accommodate the reference collection.
A full workstation for the receptionist/secretary including a desk, a computer station, a 4-drawer letter file, and a work counter/desk return.
Parking for ten carts near the reference desks. Cart parking at each reader station.
Twenty-five reader stations, each being a 30x72” table, one chair per table.
One large 42x84” worktable for viewing oversize materials.
Electrical Services:
Floor outlets are required throughout the room for onsite computers and researchers bringing their own computers. Research tables for
examining original sources need to be in the middle of the room in full view for security purposes. There should be numerous electrical
outlets for computers, photocopy, fax, scanning equipment, etc.
Acoustical:
Because this is a public research area, it should be removed from the distracting noise of the mechanical room.
Computing Services:
Capability for numerous public computer workstations
Telecom support
Other:
Soft floor
19 Audio-Visual Viewing Room
Purpose of Space:
This space will accommodate viewing or listening of audio-visual or microform materials for individuals or small
groups in an area that does not disturb other researchers. An equipment storage space will hold specialized
equipment for use in this room or the secure reading room. This area will support A/V stations and microform
stations made up of reader/printers, fiche and film readers, video equipment, film projectors, reel to reel and cassette
tape players and other miscellaneous equipment.
Area:
19.1 – Viewing stations
19.2 – Microform reading
19.3 – Equipment storage
Location:
Locate adjacent to the Secure Reading Room. The room should permit observation from the Reading Room for security.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling, taking into consideration the heat gain from equipment as well as people. It is assumed
that for light control and noise control, the viewing stations and microform stations will be in separate spaces
(microform stations work well in less light).
Electrical Services:
Numerous outlets for various viewing/listening equipment; A/V stations (which may include computers) and microform
stations. Reduced or reducible lighting in the microform area. Depending upon the furnishings layout, floor outlets
may be required.
Security card access control
Acoustical:
Because this is a public area, it should be removed from the distracting noise of the mechanical room. Also, the
noise created in this room should be shielded from the adjoining Reading Room Annex. It should feature
sound-absorbing wall and ceiling material.
Computing Services:
Capacity to support computers at each station. The A/V function in the future may be done at computers.
Telecom support
20 Front Entry or Vestibule
Purpose of Space:
To provide a public entry for researchers and for participants in the legislative/agency meeting
room and to provide an area for meeting and/or talking with colleagues prior to entering the archives or
meeting room or to pick up handouts related to special programs. Security control of this entry remains a
concern; it may require a staffed security officer if visual supervision from regularly staffed space is not possible.
Location:
Adjacent to the Legislative/Agency Meeting Room, convenient and clear access to the Secure Reading Room and the Public
Restrooms, easy access from public parking.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Electrical Services:
Telephone shall be available for patrons to place local calls.
Other:
Hard floor.
Drinking fountain.
21 Staffroom
Purpose of Space:
Eating and rest area for staff and volunteers working in the building. The area should include a small kitchenette with
sink, counter and cupboard space, space for two tables.
Location:
Close to restrooms and convenient to other staff areas of the building.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Windows are desirable for staff comfort.
Electrical Services:
Outlets to support a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, etc.
Telecom support
Acoustical:
Because this is a frequented staff area, it should be removed from the distracting noise of the mechanical room.
Acoustic isolation from other parts of the building is needed.
Furnishings:
Staff lockers
Two round or square tables, each with four chairs.
Bulletin board.
Plumbing Services:
Hot and cold water in the kitchenette sink
Floor drain or other consideration to control loose water.
Other:
All finishes must be washable and installed in ways that inhibit the collection of food sources for pests.
22 Legislative/Agency Meeting Room
Purpose of Space:
A public meeting room that is attractive and comfortable. This space will accommodate seating for 140
people facing a hearing desk for fifteen people. This space can also function as a meeting room for many purposes.
The area includes an adjoining private chamber for government officials to gather, to confer around a table, and
enter and exit the hearing room. For security, it should provide for a separate entrance/exit door for these officials
that is not the main public entrance.
The area is to be outfitted with state-of-the-art lighting, a projection screen, and microphone access from different areas
of the audience seating. There will also be a broadcast control booth and storage for furniture and specialized equipment.
Area:
22.1 – Meeting room
22.2 – Private chamber
22.3 – A/V support/storage
22.4 – Broadcast booth
22.5 – Storage – furniture/equipment
Furnishings:
In the legislative/agency meeting room, projection screen, portable public hearing desk for fifteen, podium, fifteen chairs,
space for presentations using easels and other equipment, seating for 140 in the audience area on a flat floor. In the private
chamber, a conference table and seating, a counter with sink. In the A/V support/storage, projection equipment, easels, etc.
will be stored. In the broadcast booth will be controls for video/audio units within the hearing room and storage for portable
cameras. In the furniture/equipment storage will be other chairs and tables.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling, keeping in mind the heat gain from large gatherings of people.
Windows are desirable for comfort in the private chamber.
Note that there may be large blocks of time in the summer and fall when this area may be vacant. Therefore, it should
have monitoring to adjust the HVAC when not in use.
Electrical Services:
Outlets as required
Telecom support
Security card access control
Acoustical:
The meeting room must be designed for superior interior acoustics while being acoustically isolated from other parts
of the building. The acoustic requirements will determine the nature of the floor. The private chamber must be acoustically
isolated from the meeting room.
Plumbing Services:
Hot and cold water at the sink.
23 Restrooms
Purpose of Space:
Men and Women facilities
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Electrical Services:
1 outlet per restroom
Plumbing Services:
Floor drain
24 Custodial Closet
Purpose of Space:
To house the equipment and supplies for custodial service maintaining the building
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Electrical Services:
Several outlets
Plumbing Services:
Hot and cold water
Custodial sink or tub
Floor drain
25 Security Administration
Purpose of Space:
To house the controls for the various building security systems; card access, cameras, motion detectors, etc.
Location:
Locate adjacent to front entry so security guard (if staffed) can monitor security systems and provide physical security at entry. Room
located away from sources of electromagnetic interferences.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling
Electrical Services:
Outlets as required
Telecom support capabilities for security system control workstations
Security card access control
26 Mechanical Administration
Purpose of Space:
To house the controls for the building mechanical systems.
Environmental Conditions:
Regular heating/cooling but possibly the lower temp and RH of the storage areas for optimum equipment operating environment.
Electrical Services:
Minimum of two dedicated 15Am 100 VAC duplex outlets on separate circuits.
Outlets as required
Security card access control
Telecom support capabilities for mechanical system control workstations
27 Circulation and Unprogrammed Space
Purpose of space:
This allocation of space accounts for corridors, elevators, duct shafts, stairs, structure, and other elements that fall
outside of assigned space.
Area:
15 - 20% of the total programmed area
28 Mechanical Rooms
Purpose of Space:
To house the HVAC and other mechanical systems maintaining the building. Part of this space shall be a workroom with a workbench.
Area:
15 - 20% of the total programmed area
Location:
Locate to have an outside entrance for maintenance. Direct access from the Mechanical Rooms into other parts of the
building is undesirable.
Environmental Conditions:
Needs will be determined by the design team. The route and method of water removal must be understood.
Electrical Services:
Needs will be determined by the design team. An emergency generator for support of critical element; such as telecom, security, fire
protection, life/safety and freezer storage, is required.
Acoustical:
The distracting noise generated in this area should be shielded from the staff and public areas of the building.
Plumbing Services:
Floor drains or other means of loose water management.
Parking
This area should serve staff, volunteers, public researchers and legislative/agency meeting room visitors. It is desirable
to have some staff parking near the loading dock as noted earlier.
top of page
