CHAPTER 5: PLANNING FOR SPACE AND LOCATION
to ensure that classroom space faces south if possible, so that the maxi-
incinerator exhaust, mists from cooling towers, or other similar sources.
mum amount and warmth of light is available to the children during their
Avoid placing centers near exhausts from food processing, waste han-
day. Classrooms without windows MUST have full spectrum, indirect
dling operations, loading docks, or similar sources of unpleasant odors.
lighting as per Chapter 10 of this Guide and must have a variety of light
Locate the center at a site with desirable natural features, such as trees,
south facing slopes, and views of natural and pleasant man-made fea-
When locating a center within an existing building, in no case should
tures or interesting urban vistas.
classrooms have a window to the exterior area less than 8 percent of
Locate the center adjacent to other Federal employee services in the
the floor area. Artificial light cannot substitute for the quality of natural
building for convenience of the parents, provided that the location is
light. If artificial lighting is needed to enhance natural lighting, it should
deemed secure from threats.
include a variety of fixture and lighting types with high color rendition.
Consider the microclimate when choosing a center location, including
See Chapter 10 for artificial light requirements.
wind patterns and solar angles. The selected location should allow out-
The designer should strive to have natural lighting coming from at least
door play yard orientation appropriate for local climatic conditions.
two directions. Window seats also are an effective way to maximize the
Consider proposed major future construction projects within the build-
effects of natural light.
ing and adjacent to the site. If possible, avoid these locations due to
The daylighting strategy used in the building design should be carefully
extended disruptive high noise levels and poor air quality.
studied, including analogue, physical modeling (at 3/4" scale), or digital
modeling where appropriate, to achieve the technical requirements listed
5.6 Health and Safety
in section 10.7
Design for good indoor air quality using low- or non-toxic finishes (see
The building structure must comply with area limitations, mixed-use
section 9.1) and using acceptable ventilation levels and system design
separation, and construction requirements in PBS-100 and other Federal,
(see section 10.9.2). Furthermore, studies suggest that the use of many
state, or local codes and standards which apply.
types of indoor plants may improve indoor air quality by filtering pollut-
The location must allow for the safe arrival and departure of children.
ants out of the air. Certainly, indoor plants contribute to creating a more
The location must be free of hazards including fountains, wells, open
"home-like" atmosphere, and have been shown to positively affect the
pools, unprotected edges, drop-offs and cliffs, and dangerous equip-
behavior and mental well-being of both adults and children, which is the
ment. Play areas must not have open drainage ditches or openings to
subject of LEED Commercial Interior credit item currently under devel-
storm sewer systems. The center location must minimize exposure to
sources of Legionella Pneumophilia.
The location must be free of rodents, hazardous insects, vermin, and
Acoustical measures are necessary as discussed in Chapter 10. The
center should not be located near noise sources such as major high-
ways, street intersections, railroad lines, or airport flight paths without
mitigation. If proximity to high levels of noise is unavoidable, acoustical
The location must meet requirements established by the GSA Building
measures are necessary as discussed in Chapter 10 in order for the
Security Assessment which is available through GSA's Federal Protec-
RCCC to approve the site.
tive Service (FPS). Refer to the most recent FPS directives.
Maximum acceptable noise levels are dependent upon the area of the
The center location must be readily identifiable and accessible to emer-
center subjected to the noise and whether the sound is continuous or
gency response personnel.
intermittent. Children, and especially infants, are sensitive to noise par-
If the FPS security assessment indicates the need for immediate ac-
ticularly unexpected or intermittent loud noise. See Chapter 10 for guide-
cess to building security guards or FPO's, they must be provided. The
lines on maximum acceptable noise levels.
means of assistance in case of emergency must also be accommo-
The center must not be exposed to fumes or dust emissions from in-
dustrial enterprises and operations, transportation vehicles, furnace and
PBS-140 - July 2003