9.1 Summary
The USCDG makes reference to technical information
related to performance criteria in order to help illustrate
the rationale for the design requirements and to establish
the standard for level of quality.
The following complementary documents provide
comprehensive programming and design criteria for
Chapter 9 refers to program and design issues in an
United States Courts facilities.
effort to relate the design intent directly to the technical
requirements for the building systems and finishes.
U.S. Courts Design Guide: (USCDG)
Focuses on the functional program requirements; the
Chapter 9 does not cover issues related to selection of
departmental and interdepartmental adjacency relation-
audio-visual, data, or telecommunications systems. (This
ships; finish materials; and the specific performance
criterion is developed in the U.S. Courts Courtroom
criteria for environmental systems including heating,
Technology Manual.) Reference is made to these systems
cooling, and lighting. It also addresses acoustic, security,
in Chapter 9 only with regard to the electrical service
telecommunications and audio/visual design
requirements in the areas where they are being installed.
requirements.
Complementary documents to both the USCDG and
Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose
Chapter 9 are the USMS-RSSPSSM standards. These
and Support Space Manual including all volumes and
documents establish, in detail, the environmental,
addenda: (USMS-RSSPSSM)
security, functional, and technical requirements for the
Provides the finish criteria for USMS functional pro-
USMS spatial accommodations within U.S. courthouses.
gram requirements; spatial relationships; electronic/
They include: information regarding secure environments
physical security plus hardware standards and special
for prisoners being held in preparation for a court
HVAC requirements within the U.S. Courts and Court-
appearance; USMS staff facilities; and general building
related spaces.
security requirements. (The building perimeter and site
specific security issues are the responsibility of the GSA.)
The USCDG includes a tabular comparison of funding
GSA is responsible for power to the electronic security
responsibilities for all components of the courthouse and
devices, but it should be understood by the design
court functional space. (This information is organized
consultants that the USMS security contractor provides
into budget requirements for: GSA; Judiciary; and the
detailing and environmental requirements related to
Judiciary-Related Executive Branch Agencies.)
security within the functional area dedicated to the
The USCDG and USMS-RSSPSSM speak directly to the
courts. Chapter 9 will indicate general requirements, but
functional requirements of the user and tenant. Chapter 9
the USMS-RSSPSSM is the standard to follow.
presents the most cost effective and efficient building
systems, and materials to achieve the appropriate
environment from the perspective of the building owner
(GSA); by reference to: applicable technical standards;
security standards; life-safety and accessibility
requirements.
265
DESIGN
STANDARDS
FOR
U.S.
COURT
FAC I L IT I E S
9.1
Summary
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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