Physical and electronic security design features at
The USCDG contains detailed information on specific
vulnerable areas that will decrease risk of attack to
requirements for the use of carpet and other floor finish
occupants or escape of prisoners.
materials under each category of functional space. The
USMS-RSSPSSM contains the very stringent requirements
Level 4 classification of the DOJ Vulnerability Assessment
for the USMS in all detention-related areas of their
and the Medium level protection of the Interagency
facilities.
Security Criteria.
Interior Wall Systems
Floor Systems
An important issue in the design of GSA-owned
Interior Partition Systems. Most interior wall partitions
structures has been the evaluation and selection of an
will be composed of gypsum board on metal studs with
appropriate floor system, especially with the potential of
the exception of USMS detention spaces. (There may be
using the plenum below for the horizontal distribution of
instances in the general building construction where
power, data, telecommunication, and low-voltage system
concrete masonry is used if building elements, including
cabling; plus the related flexibility in position of connec-
elevator or plumbing shafts, are stacked systematically
tions above the floor. Accessible flooring systems can be
floor upon floor.) Refer to the USCDG for further
defined as a suspended floor plane above the structural
information related to recommended interior partition
slab with relocatable modular components. Chapter 3
construction.
outlines appropriate dimensional characteristics of access
floor systems for Federal facilities, describing the use of a
Ceiling Systems
600 mm by 600 mm (2-foot by 2-foot) grid, having a clear
Chapter 3 outlines the general parameters for selection of
raised depth, below floor supporting construction able to
a ceiling system in typical office spaces and recommends
accommodate building system distribution below the
the use of a standard 600 mm by 600 mm (2-foot by
floor. Access flooring shall be used in appropriate areas in
2-foot) suspension system with a commercial quality,
courthouses, which include courtrooms, chambers,
acoustic ceiling tile. The use of this system allows future
offices, conference rooms, etc. See GSA RF/UFAD
flexibility in partition arrangement and corresponding
Guidelines for details.
relocation of mechanical diffusers, lights, sprinklers, and
It is extremely important to take in to account the height
components of other systems such as speakers and fire
of the accessible floor system in the determination of
alarm notification appliances.
floor-to-floor dimensions.
There are several types of spaces with custom ceiling
Standard floor finishes within each function of the Courts
system requirements, which may include courtrooms
facility need to be selected primarily on the basis of
public spaces, office and conference spaces of the courts
acoustic enhancement and general durability.
or other agencies, and detainee areas. In historic
buildings, satisfy acoustical requirements using removable
finishes and features so that original ornamental surfaces
may be maintained.
271
DESIGN
STANDARDS
FOR
U.S.
COURT
FAC I L IT I E S
9.3
Architectural and Interior Design
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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