CHAPTER 7: INTERIOR SPACE DESIGN
providing clearance once in a shared toilet room, the same clearance must
be provided twice in separate ones. This is not an economical use of built
space.
Cubbies that are lined up facing into the classroom: this condition wastes
precious classroom wall space and creates a chaotic visual impression.
Solid interior doors that do not allow for necessary supervision.
Inadequate or improper storage, creating crowded, chaotic-looking
classsroom environment. Note that large central storage rooms will not
solve the center's storage problems alone. Instead, wall-mounted cabi-
nets and closets close to children's activity areas in the classroom are
essential.
Diapering areas that face walls and do not allow supervision while dia-
pering.
Undimmable, ceiling mounted institutional troffer-type fluorescent light
fixtures with poor color rendition, such as those typical of office space,
together with a lack of other light sources for task lighting.
The use of 90 degree or acute angled walls (in plan) where an obtuse
angle would be safer and easier to negotiate.
Windows mounted too high for children to view out (or in existing space,
with no risers to allow accessing the view).
Long Dead-end Corridors. The designer should strive to maximize effi-
ciency and not devote unnecessary, precious area to solely utilitarian
circulation. Corridors that must be lengthy because of site configura-
tion, for example, need stopping, cuing and socializing areas along the
way.
Inadequate natural light.
Misuse of color. Either overly stimulating, overly bright, or dark and
oppressive wall colors. These mistakes usually result from over reli-
ance on sample color chips. All colors should have large-scale samples
completed and approved before final color decisions are made. Avoid
primary red and orange particular.
1
HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC PLAYGROUND SAFETY, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission
Ibid
2
HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC PLAYGROUND SAFETY, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
3
mission
7-22
PBS-140 - July 2003
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