U.S. Courts Design Guide
Security
Each judges' conference room has at least one duress alarm device, easily accessible
from any point in the room. Doors to the judges' conference rooms must have key
locks or electronic access control device.
which acoustically absorptive finishes should be used in the room. See Table 6.3 for
specific acoustic criteria. The wall isolation requirement in the table implies
slab-to-slab partitions and acoustically-rated, gasketed doors.
Acoustic Privacy Requirement. Confidential
Noise Reduction. Pipe penetrations required for the service units must be treated to
ensure a high transmission loss; design must minimize plumbing noise. HVAC ducts
serving the spaces must be lined with acoustically-absorptive material at least two
inches (50 mm) thick for a minimum distance of 12 feet (3700 mm) from the diffusers.
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
System Description and Control. Judges' conference rooms may be served by the
same HVAC system serving judges' chamber suites and associated courtrooms. The
system must facilitate off-hours use.
Air Distribution. Air distribution systems to judges' conference rooms must provide a
high degree of individual control and acoustical privacy. Return air must be ducted
directly toward the return air shaft for a minimum distance of 15 feet.
Lighting
If excessive brightness can be avoided and privacy/security maintained, natural
lighting is recommended. When natural light is used, a means of darkening the room
for audio-visual presentations should be provided.
Electrical lighting of the judges' conference room should be switch-controlled, direct
fluorescent and incandescent units. See Table 6.4 for specific criteria.
Emergency lighting on a battery back-up system must be provided.
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12/19/97
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