Proposed URI Classroom Standards

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URI Classroom Standards

The classroom standards below are based on the Classroom Design Manual, 3rd edition, 1996, a Consortium Approach by Pennsylvania State University, University of Georgia, University of Maryland, Ohio State University, University of Illinois, Kent State University, and Iowa State University, and the experience and expertise of URI staff in OIS, Enrollment Services, and Facilities Services.

These Standards were accepted in 2006 by the Instructional Space Advisory Group (ISAG). In 2007, the Faculty Senate approved the establishment of the Joint Classroom Steering Committee (JCSC), which absorbed the functions of the ISAG.

Classroom Standards Components: Site and Spatial Relationships; Building Entrances; Doors; Locks; Networking and Telephones; Signage; Floors; Equipment Storage; Finishes; Seating; Lecture Halls with 75 or More Seats; Dimensions; Entrances to Lecture Halls; Windows; Furnishings and Equipment; Pencil Sharpener; Lighting Systems; Video Projection

Classroom Inventory Components: Inventory of Instructional Spaces (Classrooms); Room Attributes; Room Condition Assesment; Services; Design Criteria; Issues

Classroom Standards Components

Site and Spatial Relationships

Classrooms should be situated on lower floors of buildings.

Building Entrances

Buildings should have at least two sets of doors.

Doors

Minimum of three feet wide with a vision panel. Glass area not to exceed 100 square inches

Locks

Locked doors should be card-activated or have centrally controlled locking devices and a simple closing procedure.

Networking and Telephones

Teacher's location: 2 data, 1 voice, 1 video and 1 fiber
Wall Telephone:

A telephone with campus access service should be located inside each general assignment classroom on the right wall adjacent to the main door.

Auditoriums with projection booths should have a phone extension located in the booth.

Signage

Room identification number and capacity plates should be placed on the wall near the main door and secured to the wall using tamper-proof hardware.
Signage should be ADA compliant. Local security and classroom support phone numbers should be included. Where permanently installed assistive-listening systems are required, specific signage is required.

Floors

Industrial grade vinyl or rubber tile, or carpet tiles (due to wear patterns).

Equipment Storage

Adequate and secure equipment room should be located in or near all general assignment classrooms.

Finishes

Painted surfaces should be a light color, durable, non-glare eggshell finish to allow for cleaning. URI colors are a good choice for these areas.

Seating

Tablet arms should have a minimum of 150 square inches of writing surface.
For classrooms in excess of 75 stations, the following are desirable:

a lecturer's platform of 6-15 inches

fixed seating

upholstered furniture (if not fixed - then carpet) for appropriate acoustics

a minimum of 10% left-handed seats in each room

Lecture Halls with 75 or More Seats

Lobby area should be designed to accommodate large groups in a reception-style setting.
Seating in the lobby area should be placed away from the entrance/exit to avoid noise interferance.

Dimensions

To provide good sightlines and acoustics, lecture halls should be a modified, fan-shaped design. Seating can be arranged up to 45 degrees off the center axis. The depth of the room should be no greater than 1.5 times the width of the room measured at the mid-point of the seating area. The slope of the room should be no more than 1:12.

Entrances to Lecture Halls

At-grade access should be provided to the front area of large lecture halls, which have sloped or tiered floors, to accommodate wheelchair access.
Primary entrances for large lecture halls should be in the rear section whenever possible. Each entrance should have double doors, a minimum of three feet wide. Whenever possible, doors should be recessed into the room.

Windows

The lecture hall should be completely free of windows. There are options for treating windows, as needed.

Furnishings and Equipment

Media needs dictate the installation of a master control center for the room. Instructors in wheelchairs should be able to access these controls. The control center should provide access to a variety of communication capabilities, including:

-electrical outlets,
-voice, video and data outlets,
-controls for the lights and projection screen,
-controls for the voice amplification system, including a microphone,

and controls for all equipment built into the room, projection booth, or equipment closet.

Pencil Sharpener

One or more pencil sharpeners should be securly mounted with tamper-resistent screw in the front of the room and within easy access for students.

Lighting Systems

Lecture halls must have a full range of lighting capabilities - from a comfortable reading level to a minimum level of light needed for note-taking.
The lighting in student and instructor areas should be on separate zones.
Controls for house lights are needed at every entrance.
A complete set of controls should be located at the instructor area and a second set should be located in the projection booth if one exists. If lighting controls are preset then a manual override should be available.

Video Projection

25-40" displays can be appropriate for seminar rooms; classrooms should have LCD projection.
Conduit sound and video from projector to instructor station.
Two screens at the front of the room if possible, and access to at least 6 feet of chalkboard space.
Screen fabric should be matte white finish.
Screens should be video format size (3H:4W). Recommend screen ratio 1:4 (distance of farthest viewer/4) where ceiling height permits. Americans with Disabilities Act requires that ceiling-hung or wall-mounted objects hang no lower than 80" above the floor if they are above a walkway. Lower is OK if protected by rail or cabinet.

Classroom Inventory Components

Inventory of Instructional Spaces (Classrooms): Building Name and Number (if applicable)
Room Number
Size of Room in Square Feet
Location or Zone on Campus
Room Capacity

Room Attributes: Floor: Flat, Sloped, or Tiered
Linear Feet of Chalkboard
Windows: Number
Window Darkening Capability: Type
Projection Screen(s): Number and Size
Computer Equipment
AV Equipment
Audio/Video Connections
Data Connections: Type, Number, and Location
Telecommunications: Voice
Lighting: Zoned, Dimmable, Incandescent vs. Fluorescent
Electrical Outlets: Number and Location
Tackboards
Map Hooks
Projection Booths/Equipment Closets
Handicapped Accessibility
Air Conditioning
Seating: Number and Type

Room Condition Assesment: Lighting of Room
Window Coverings, if applicable
Sound Controls
In-room Sound Amplification
Acoustical Surfaces
External Noise
Thermal Conditions
Temperature Control
Air Conditioning
Heat source
Air Flow
Teaching Surfaces
Chalkboard Linear Footage
Markerboards Linear Footage
Tackboard
Map/Chart Rail Above Chalkboard
Demonstration Bench/Table/Desk
Services: Power, Natural Gas, Compressed Air, Vacuum,
Water, Sink
Projection Screen(s)
Equipment
Slide Projector
Overhead Projector
Film Projector
Video Camera
VCR
CD Player
Video Disc Player
LCD Panel
Easel or Chart Stand
A/V Cart
Teaching Equipment Storage
Lectern with Controls
Fixed Equipment
Student Coat Hooks or Book Racks
Sink with Hot and Cold Water
Projection Booth
Window Shading Type: Drapes, Translucent Rollers, Opaque Rollers,
Venetian Blinds, Black-out Shades, Other
Projection Screen(s): Number, Size, Condition, Location
Teaching Material Storage
Furniture
Student Seats: Type, Arrangement
Student Tables: Type
Teaching Station
Lectern
Desk
Chair
Waste Receptacle
Room Surfaces
Floor Material
Ceiling Material
Teaching Wall Material


Services: Power: 120V, 220 V
Multi-phase Data Outlets
Voice Outlets
Video Outlets
Access and Circulation
Access to Room
Aisles Free Width
Location: 1st floor, etc.
Elevator Access
Front to Back Aisle Clearance
Space Allocation
Space Per Student
Teaching Station
In-Room Circulation

Design Criteria: Sightlines
Lighting
Acoustics
Quality of Life Issues
Space for Computers, Coat Hooks, Name Cards, Movable Seats

Issues: Safety
ADA
Technology
Lighting
Noise Isolation
Consistent Interface