Blog 11

 Data and Telecommunications

Phones and the internet are a very critical part of our world today. This makes telephone lines and wiring necessities in the interior design industry. Many clients need these things in their homes and often request wireless service as well. This requires a designer to strategically place routers throughout a building or home. This is also seen commonly in office buildings. Internet lines are very important, as well as spaces dedicated to video conferencing. This requires a designer to think about where to put LED projectors and phone jacks. A designer must also think about light within the space. Including shades or window screening can help reduce the glare from the sun.

For theaters or auditoriums, it’s important to think about seating placement to ensure each person can see the screen or stage. The closest person should be no closer than 2 times the height of the screen. The top of the screen should form an angle of more then 30 degrees from the horizontal sight line of the viewers. Acoustics is also very important in these spaces. The size and shape of the space, as well as the materials used in the space will influence people’s ability to hear clearly. 

Security is another very important aspect of designing. Not only physical security, but also privacy. Designers can use space planning and sight lines for visual control. Retail stores require lines of sight to the exits and cash registers to ensure things don’t get stolen. Stores also use scanner alarm systems by the doors to ensure people don’t steal merchandise. Alarm systems and keycard systems can also be used for entrance security. Healthcare facilities require alarm control systems as well as visual security, such as security cameras. There are more intense security options such as lockdown systems. This is usually seen in facilities that need to be secure after hours or during emergencies. They are seen in some prisons, malls, and schools. 

Metal detectors are also seen in many buildings for safety purposes. They are seen in governmental buildings, airports, schools, and some entertainment facilities. The metal detector will set off a pulse that identifies pieces of metal. This is helpful for identifying items that could pose a risk to people inside the facility, such as guns and other weapons. Some buildings that host larger numbers of people will use wand scanners as well. They are used after a metal detector alarm goes off to further investigate for any dangerous objects. 

It is also very important for an interior designer to convey vertical circulation throughout a building. It is important to know and communicate how people will move from floor to floor. This can be by stairs, elevators, escalators, ladders, etc. Building codes provide some rules about standard sizes for these. For stairs, there are standard heights for risers and lengths for treads. There are also standard materials used. Guard rails and handrails are also very important to include. There are standard heights for both of these. Handrails must be between 34-38”. Guard rails must be 42” high. Guard rails are required anywhere where there is a change in floor height of more than 30”. 

There are 2 main types of elevators: hydraulic and electric. Electric elevators require a rooftop mechanical room for the cable traction system. This system is in charge of pulling the elevator. Electric elevators are faster and used in high-rise buildings. Hydraulic systems require a piston and space under the elevator to push the elevator to the next floor. They are mainly used in buildings with only a couple of floors. 

Escalators are a mechanical stair. They run on a continuous belt with standard widths: 24”, 32”, and 40”. The geometry of an escalator should not exceed 30 degrees. Although ladders are a less common way to connect floors, they are commonly seen in residential spaces such as attics or lofts. They are also seen in bunk beds. Some commercial buildings have them to reach a rooftop. Ladders are not considered a public form of vertical circulation. Building codes require ladders to have a 5” tread depth and a 20” minimum tread width. 

Benching Systems vs. Traditional Cubicles

Benching systems are long, shared work surfaces that are designed for multiple employees. They often have multiple dividers or an open configuration. They’re supposed to create collaborative tech environments. Benching systems maximize floor area and encourage teamwork. It allows for quick and easy conversations. It also allows for flexibility and is less expensive. Traditional cubicles allow for more privacy and focus. They also allow employees to make a workspace their own through decorating and customizing it. They also allow for more acoustic privacy because of the multiple fabric panels. Cubicles provide physical separation, which reduces the spread of germs and sickness in the workplace. Benching systems are a great alternative that encourages collaboration within the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic made people much more concerned about the spread of germs. People also began to work from home more, which causes separation within the workplace. I think benching systems would be a great way to encourage and connect people in the workplac,e now that people are beginning to be in the office again. I think there should be a balance of both in the workplace. There should be areas where employees can work privately and focus, and there should be areas for connection and collaboration. Having a good balance of both would provide a successful work environment.