General Education spaces are the basic building blocks of an educational building and can be used interchangeably by a large number of programs for various courses. Qualities such as acoustics, sightlines, flexibility, and plenty of outlets for student use, all contribute to the success of these fundamental spaces.
Ivy Tech Community College is classified as a Title II entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, spaces at Ivy Tech are required by state and federal law to follow the guidelines of the ADA. For additional information about ADA’s Title II requirements, refer to ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments | ADA.gov
GENERAL CLASSROOM / COMPUTER LAB
Classrooms & Computer Labs
-
SPACE DESCRIPTION
The general Classroom is designed to accommodate teaching a wide variety of classes where students are at desks or computers. The ideal classroom size has been determined by its ability to accommodate 24 students in multiple furniture arrangements. Tables and chairs with casters allow for easy spatial reorganization and flexibility for group-based, collaborative, and interactive learning. Educational tools include a Learn Anywhere technology package with audio system and touchscreen TV displays.
The classroom layout can be modified to serve as a Computer Lab, with greater power and data connections to accommodate students working at personal computers.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Acoustic Performance: The primary mode of teaching involves speech and listening; therefore, it is crucial the acoustic performance of the classroom is carefully considered. Acoustics must be considered in terms of background noise as well as speech intelligibility. Decreasing acoustic performance to reduce costs will proportionally impact the efficacy of the classroom itself.
Flexibility: The size shown has been determined to be the ideal size for best accommodating the desired number of students and the largest number of potential furniture arrangements.
Technology: Classroom displays must be clearly legible from all locations within the classroom. The display interface must be intuitive and able to adapt to multiple types of mobile and personal devices.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All perimeter walls shall be full height to deck.
Classrooms should be designed as square as possible to allow for the most flexibility, with a width to length ratio no more than 3:4.
ACOUSTIC
Acoustic ratings for Classroom perimeter walls: STC 50. Special accommodations may be required due to location in the building.
Maximum recommended HVAC Background Noise: 40dBa
Follow the recommended methodologies and best practices for mechanical system noise control in ANSI Standard S12.60; the 2015 ASHRAE Handbook-- HVAC Applications, Chapter 48, Noise and Vibration Control (with errata); and AHRI Standard 885–2008.
Maximum NC Level for VAV’s shall be less than 30 at maximum CFM
MECHANICAL
Window or room unit systems are not acceptable in Classrooms due to poor acoustic performance.
ELECTRICAL & DATA
Classroom
- Place wall outlets at no more than 6’ intervals or as necessary to allow for 30% coverage. When laptops are a requirement for learning, special consideration is necessary. Coordinate with data requirements.
- Provide power and data for standard Learn Anywhere technology package:
- 2 (+/-) 75” touchscreen TVs on the front teaching wall
- 1 (+/-) 75” smart TV and camera on the rear wall for virtual classes
- Instructor station with PC
- Audio/ sound system to include instructor microphone, soundbars and wireless connection to student headsets as needed.
- ALTERNATE: Provide power and data in ceiling for 2 projectors at the front wall, in lieu of touchscreen TVs.
Computer Lab
- Same as classroom, plus:
- For each student, provide data and two AC power outlets with USB at student stations. In new construction, provide floor outlets. Wall outlets or raceway are acceptable in renovations.
LIGHTING
- Provide LED lighting system with appreciable indirect component and good diffusion for maximum visibility from all directions.
- Provide controls for zoning and dimming. Front row shall be switched separately with three preset dimmable levels: low, medium, high. Provide a dimmer switch at the Instructors Station.
- Provide low-brightness luminaires with high visual comfort probability (VCP) in all viewing directions. Average 40fc at 30” A.F.F. Min CRI 80.
- Lighting watts per square foot and controls shall meet the latest requirements of ASHRE 90.1
TECHNOLOGY
- Provide Wireless capability in all classrooms.
- Coordinate equipment for Learn Anywhere technology package, per Ivy Tech specification.
- Provide data outlets at same interval as power in coordination with classroom type.
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
All Classrooms:
- On side walls, provide 8’-0” Tack Strip Mounted 72” A.F.F. and 8’-wide whiteboard with marker tray. Rolling whiteboards may also be used.
In ALTERNATE layout:
- On front teaching wall, provide 16’ wide projectable whiteboard with marker tray. Whiteboard shall be matte white, low-glare, 4.0 gain; and must support 16:9 projection dimensions.
- Two 75” touch screen TVs with web cam and soundbar speakers could be used as potential alternatives to whiteboard with projectors.
FURNITURE
Classroom furniture shall be selected for flexibility and mobility. Provide tables and chairs on casters, coordinating caster type with flooring material.
For Computer Labs, tables shall be stationary with integral power and data connections.
FINISHES
Ceilings
Recommended Height: 9’ to 10’, with special consideration to acoustics when greater than 10’.
Ceilings shall have an NRC of .70 to .85.
In renovations, classrooms without full height perimeter walls shall have ceilings with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) values.
Floors
Carpet tile is preferred for acoustic properties. Hard flooring is preferred where the floors are more susceptible to dirt or liquids.
Countertops
Plastic laminate. Solid surface in wet or chemical areas.
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Classroom doors shall be minimum STC 30 with 6” x 30” Window Lite preferred for most Classrooms.
General Science Lab
-
SPACE DESCRIPTION
AP/Physics Labs facilitate hands-on learning for programs such as Anatomy, Physiology, Ecology, Geology and Physics. Flexibility is key as these spaces need to adapt to various learning exercises with minimal effort.
AP/Physics Labs require a moderate amount of lab safety equipment and are designed for science instruction that does not involve harsh chemicals or high heat. Program requirements will dictate the equipment infrastructure needed in each lab.
ADD ALTERNATE ADVANCED LAB: At some service areas, additional space may be needed for specific department programs such as Anatomy. A separate Advanced Lab may be included adjacent to the main laboratory to house an anatomage table. See Advanced Anatomy Lab standard.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Flexibility: AP/Physics Labs must have the infrastructure needed for all equipment required by A&P, Earth Sciences and Physics programs for flexibility in usage among departments.
Equipment: AP/Physics Labs require ample counter space and storage, several sinks, and lab benches for students and the instructor.
Technology: Instruction wall displays must be clearly legible from all locations within the classroom. The display interface must be intuitive and able to adapt to multiple types of mobile and personal devices.
Safety: Lab layout and equipment must be carefully coordinated and up to code for safety of all users.
Collaborative: Layouts must promote a high level of interaction among students and faculty for both traditional instruction and small group collaboration.
General
1 lab support space for every 2 labs.
All perimeter walls shall be full height to deck.
ACOUSTIC
Acoustic ratings for lab perimeter walls: STC 50. Special accommodations may be required due to location in the building.
Maximum NC Level for VAVs shall be less than 30 at maximum CFM
MECHANICAL
Additional ventilation may be required based on the science materials used during lab times.
PLUMBING
- Single-bowl sinks (min. 3 per lab) with tall faucet and integral emergency eye wash.
- Emergency shower (1/ lab) with integral eye wash and floor drain
ELECTRICAL & DATA
Provide enough outlets for students with multiple devices – (2 min.) outlets per student at work stations + outlets around the perimeter of the room
Provide power and data for the following standard classroom equipment:
- 2 (+/-) 75” touchscreen TVs on the front teaching wall.
- ALTERNATE: provide power and data in ceiling for 2 projectors at the front wall, in lieu of touchscreen TVs.
- Instructor bench with electrical and data connections for PC
- Audio/ sound system to include instructor microphone, soundbars and wireless connection to student headsets as needed.
LIGHTING
Provide lighting system with appreciable indirect component and good diffusion for maximum visibility from all directions.
Provide controls for zoning and dimming. Front row shall be switched separately with three preset dimmable levels: low, medium, high.
Provide low-brightness luminaires with high visual comfort probability (VCP) in all viewing directions. Average 40fc at 30” A.F.F. Min CRI 80.
Lighting watts per square foot and controls shall meet the latest requirements of ASHRAE 90.1
TECHNOLOGY
Instruction wall with projectors and/or whiteboards, or touchscreen TVs
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
Review program requirements at intervals during the design phase. Provide at minimum:
- Gas, Air and vacuum at each workstation
- Upright Rod sockets at Instructor’s bench
- Fire blankets – wall mounted in box
- Fire extinguisher – wall mounted
- Lockable storage cabinets (base and wall cabinets)
- On side walls, provide 8’-0” tack strip mounted 72” A.F.F. and 8’-wide whiteboard with marker tray. Rolling whiteboards may also be used.
FINISHES
Ceilings
Recommended Height: 9’ to 10’, with special consideration to acoustics when greater than 10’.
Ceilings shall have an NRC of .70 to .85.
In renovations, Labs without full height perimeter walls shall have ceilings with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) values.
Floors
Hard flooring such as VCT or epoxy.
Countertops
Countertops must be resistant to high heat & chemicals, with integrated sinks.
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Classroom doors shall be minimum STC 30 with 6” x 30” Window Lite preferred.
-
SPACE DESCRIPTION
Biology/Chemistry Labs facilitate hands-on learning for programs including Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Chemistry. Flexibility is key as these spaces need to adapt to various learning exercises with minimal effort.
Biology/ Chemistry Labs are designed for programs that conduct laboratory experiments involving chemical reactions that may offput gases or waste. Special equipment such as fume hoods will be required.
Chemical Storage Room: Ventilated, secure room with key fob restricted access for the storage of potentially hazardous chemicals.
ADD ALTERNATE ADVANCED LAB: At some service areas, additional space may be needed for specific department programs such as Organic Chemistry. A separate Advanced Lab may be included adjacent to the main laboratory to house additional fume hoods and equipment. See Advances Chemistry Lab Standard.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Flexibility: Biology/Chemistry Labs must have the infrastructure needed for all equipment required by Biology and Chemistry programs for flexibility in usage among departments.
Equipment: Biology/Chemistry Labs require ample counter space and storage, multiple sinks, and lab benches for students and the Instructor. In typical Biology/Chemistry Labs labs, (4) fume hoods are required.
Technology: Instruction wall displays must be clearly legible from all locations within the classroom. The display interface must be intuitive and able to adapt to multiple types of mobile and personal devices.
Safety: Lab layout and equipment must be carefully coordinated and up to code for safety of all users.
Collaborative: Layouts must promote a high level of interaction among students and faculty for both traditional instruction and small group collaboration.
GENERAL
All perimeter walls shall be full height to deck.
ACOUSTIC
Acoustic ratings for lab perimeter walls: STC 50. Special accommodations may be required due to location in the building.
Maximum NC Level for VAVs shall be less than 30 at maximum CFM
MECHANICAL
- Ventilation for (4) Fume hoods
PLUMBING
- Single-bowl sinks at each lab bench, with tall faucet and integral emergency eye wash
- Emergency shower (1/ lab) with floor drain
- Acid piping at all drain locations
- Distilled water system
ELECTRICAL & DATA
Provide enough outlets for students with multiple devices – (2 min.) outlets per student at work stations + outlets around the perimeter of the room.
Provide power and data for the following standard classroom equipment:
- 2 (+/-) 75” touchscreen TVs on the front teaching wall.
- Alternate: provide power and data in ceiling for 2 projectors at the front wall, in lieu of touchscreen TVs.
- Instructor bench with electrical and data connections for PC
- Audio/ sound system to include instructor microphone, soundbars and wireless connection to student headsets as needed.
LIGHTING
Provide LED lighting system with appreciable indirect component and good diffusion for maximum visibility from all directions.
Provide controls for zoning and dimming. Front row shall be switched separately with three preset dimmable levels: low, medium, high.
Provide low-brightness luminaires with high visual comfort probability (VCP) in all viewing directions. Average 40fc at 30” A.F.F. Min CRI 80.
Lighting watts per square foot and controls shall meet the latest requirements of ASHRAE 90.1
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Classroom doors shall be minimum STC 30 with 6” x 30” Window Lite preferred.
TECHNOLOGY
Instruction wall with projectors and/or whiteboards, or touchscreen TVs
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
Review program requirements at intervals during the design phase. Provide at minimum:
- (4) 60” Fume Hoods per lab
- Gas, Air and vacuum at each workstation
- Fire blankets – wall mounted in box
- Fire extinguisher – wall mounted
- Lockable storage cabinets (base and wall cabinets). Microscope storage and glassware storage is required.
- On side walls, provide 8’-0” Tack Strip mounted 72” A.F.F. and 8’-wide Whiteboard with marker tray. Rolling whiteboards may also be used.
- Provide a Student drop-zone, or Storage cubbies/ lockers for students’ belongings.
FINISHES
Ceilings
Recommended Height: 9’ to 10’, with special consideration to acoustics when greater than 10’.
Ceilings shall have an NRC of .70 to .85.
In renovations, Labs without full height perimeter walls shall have ceilings with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) values.
Floors
Hard flooring such as VCT or epoxy.
Countertops
Countertops shall be Lab Grade phenolic resin or equal, with extremely high resistance to heat & chemicals. Countertops shall have integrated sinks.
-
SPACE DESCRIPTION
The Advanced Chemistry Lab is a supplemental laboratory space housing additional equipment needed for advanced instruction. Programs using this space may include Organic Chemistry and others.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Equipment: Advanced Chemistry Labs require (4) 6’-0” fume hoods,
Adjacency: Advanced Chemistry Labs shall be adjacent to a Biology/ Chemistry Lab for direct access and movement between the spaces.
GENERAL
All perimeter walls shall be full height to deck.
ACOUSTIC
Acoustic ratings for lab perimeter walls: STC 50. Special accommodations may be required due to location in the building.
Maximum NC Level for VAVs shall be less than 30 at maximum CFM
MECHANICAL
- Ventilation for (4) Fume hoods
PLUMBING
- Single-bowl sinks at each lab bench, with tall faucet and integral emergency eye wash
- Emergency shower (1/ lab) with integral eye wash and floor drain
- Acid piping at all drain locations
- Distilled water system
ELECTRICAL & DATA
Provide enough outlets for students with multiple devices – (2 min.) outlets per student at lab bench + outlets around the perimeter of the room
Provide power and data for the following standard classroom equipment:
- 2 (+/-) 75” touchscreen TVs on the front teaching wall.
- ALTERNATE: provide power and data in ceiling for 2 projectors at the front wall, in lieu of touchscreen TVs.
- Instructor bench with electrical and data connections for PC
- Audio/ sound system to include instructor microphone, soundbars and wireless connection to student headsets as needed.
LIGHTING
Provide LED lighting system with appreciable indirect component and good diffusion for maximum visibility from all directions.
Provide controls for zoning and dimming. Front row shall be switched separately with three preset dimmable levels: low, medium, high.
Provide low-brightness luminaires with high visual comfort probability (VCP) in all viewing directions. Average 40fc at 30” A.F.F. Min CRI 80.
Lighting watts per square foot and controls shall meet the latest requirements of ASHRAE 90.1
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Classroom doors shall be minimum STC 30 with 6” x 30” Window Lite preferred.
TECHNOLOGY
Instruction wall with projectors and/or whiteboards, or touchscreen TVs
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
Review program requirements at intervals during the design phase. Provide at minimum:
- (4) 6’-0” Fume Hoods
- Refrigerator
- Fire blankets – wall mounted in box
- Fire extinguisher – wall mounted
- Lockable storage cabinets (base and wall cabinets)
FINISHES
Ceilings
Recommended Height: 9’ to 10’, with special consideration to acoustics when greater than 10’.
Ceilings shall have an NRC of .70 to .85.
In renovations, Labs without full height perimeter walls shall have ceilings with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) values.
Floors
Hard flooring such as VCT or epoxy.
Countertops
Countertops must be Lab Grade phenolic resin or equal. with extremely high resistance to heat & chemicals. Countertops shall have integrated sinks.
-
SPACE DESCRIPTION
The Advanced Anatomy Lab is a supplemental laboratory space housing additional equipment needed for advanced instruction. Programs using this space may include Anatomy and Physiology and others.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Equipment: Advanced Anatomy Labs require an anatomage table.
Adjacency: Advanced Anatomy Labs shall be adjacent to an Anatomy / Physiology/ Physics Lab for direct access and movement between the spaces.
GENERAL
All perimeter walls shall be full height to deck.
ACOUSTIC
Acoustic ratings for lab perimeter walls: STC 50. Special accommodations may be required due to location in the building.
Maximum NC Level for VAVs shall be less than 30 at maximum CFM
MECHANICAL
Additional ventilation may be required based on the science materials used during lab times.
ELECTRICAL & DATA
Provide power and data in floor outlet to an anatomage table in the center of the room.
Provide power and data for workstations or general use around the perimeter of the room.
Provide power and data for the following standard classroom equipment:
- 2 (+/-) 75” touchscreen TVs on the front teaching wall. Alternate: provide power and data in ceiling for 2 projectors at the front wall, in lieu of touchscreen TVs.
LIGHTING
Provide LED lighting system with good diffusion for maximum visibility from all directions.
Provide controls for dimming with three preset dimmable levels: low, medium, high.
Provide low-brightness luminaires with high visual comfort probability (VCP) in all viewing directions. Average 40fc at 30” A.F.F. Min CRI 80.
Lighting watts per square foot and controls shall meet the latest requirements of ASHRAE 90.1
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Classroom doors shall be minimum STC 30 with 6” x 30” Window Lite preferred.
TECHNOLOGY
Instruction wall with projectors and/or whiteboards, or touchscreen TVs.
Anatomage table in the center of the room.
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
Review program requirements at intervals during the design phase. Provide at minimum:
- Anatomage table
- Lockable storage cabinets (base and wall cabinets)
FINISHES
Ceilings
Recommended Height: 9’ to 10’, with special consideration to acoustics when greater than 10’.
Ceilings shall have an NRC of .70 to .85.
In renovations, Labs without full height perimeter walls shall have ceilings with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) values.
Floors
Hard flooring such as VCT or epoxy.
Countertops
Countertops must be Lab Grade phenolic resin or equal, with extremely high resistance to heat & chemicals. Countertops shall have integrated sinks.
