Training and Conference Rooms
entering the building at high volume entry ways. Build-
ings located in areas with severe weather conditions will
These areas should be finished at levels of quality
require more elaborate entry mat and drainage systems to
equivalent to but differentiated from the adjacent office
prevent the tracking of melting snow and rain. Buildings
areas. The material choices and spatial configurations
located in more moderate climates may require only a
need to be appropriate for the use of the space. In
natural or synthetic fiber floor mat. The entrance vesti-
addition, the application of tackable acoustic wall panels,
bule may also have a hard surface flooring surrounding
whiteboard wallcoverings and rails for the display of
the matted area that would be part of the adjoining main
presentation materials within these spaces is appropriate.
entrance area.
Coordinate all lighting, audiovisual, communication and
technology requirements with the building systems.
Doors. Doors at building entrances and vestibules should
be glazed to facilitate orientation and safe movement in
Internal Corridors
these high traffic areas.
Corridors within general office areas should receive the
Elevator and Escalator Lobbies
same finishes as the office areas themselves. Color and
material changes compatible with the overall palette may
These elements are functionally related to the public
be useful in these areas for orientation.
entrance and lobby areas and, therefore, should be treated
with the same level of finish and compatible materials as
Entrances and Vestibules
those spaces. It is appropriate to introduce special floor,
wall and ceiling treatments, and distinctive lighting that
Entrance lobbies and atria are the focal point of the
should be repeated on the upper floors for continuity.
Federal building. They are the landmark to which all
other spaces in the facility relate. They should be an ex-
Floors. Elevator and escalator lobbies should harmonize
tension of the exterior of the building and the point
with the finishes used in the entrance lobby or atrium.
of transition to interior spaces. These spaces have high
Because of their importance in orientation and
levels of visibility and public use and warrant the highest
movement, floor treatments in these areas should be
degree of visual detail and finish.
similar throughout the building.
It is desirable to integrate the exterior and interior
Walls. Use durable, high quality surfaces, and coordinate
building design in these areas. Materials shall relate and
wall finishes with elevator door and frame finishes.
be of high quality. Choose durable, moisture-resistant
materials since these areas are typically exposed to
Ceilings. Special treatments are appropriate to visually
weather. The depth of vestibules should be no less than
distinguish elevator lobbies. Provide either high-end
2100 mm (7 feet) to minimize air infiltration.
accessible ceiling systems or integral access panels to ease
access to elements above the ceiling.
Floors. All entrance areas require a means to prevent dirt
and moisture from accumulating on the entrance lobby
floor. It is desirable to have permanent entry way systems
(grilles, grates, etc.) to catch dirt and particulates from
95
ARCHITECTURAL
AND
INTERIOR
DESIGN
3.6
Interior Finishes
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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