SECURITY, ACCESSIBILITY, ERGONOMICS, & ACOUSTICS APPLICATION ANALYSIS SECURITY

The physical site of the building is within a gated plot of land. Diagram 01 demonstrates this. A security building is situated on the Northern entrance to the site. The open concept of the building’s structure results in some initial security issues. These concerns are addressed through the interiors by implementing doors that are kept locked on a routine schedule. Students and faculty may enter the building through the primary entrances only during certain hours. Primary entrances are indicated in Diagram 01- Level 1 Furniture Plan. Each classroom door has a lock as well. To further ensure student and staff safety, cameras are implemented within primary circulatory and mixed use spaces. The points of public access, whether for visitation purposes or community involvement are situated near primary entrances. For example, there is a clear sight-line from the Southernmost primary entrance to the reception/check-in area. This is to minimize confused in tertiary users of the space.

Acoustics

Acoustics are essential to a successful learning environment. Focus, productivity, and learning can not occur in an environment with poor acoustics. As a result, sound-absorbent finishes were a foundational in materal selection. Organization of spaces also played a key role in acoustical solutions of the project. When possible, spaces with collaborative-based functions were kept open to circulatory spaces, while rooms with a focus-based function were walled in. To further reduce noise interference, acoustical wall panels are applied in spaces such as the computer labs. A room designed with a specific emphasis on acoustics was the music room located on the second floor. A series of curved elevation changes allows sound to travel in a designated direction. Students are able to perform better and nearby classrooms are left undisturbed.