Thursday, August 9, 2012

Specific Accessibility References

There is often a temptation to go beyond the text when it comes to code compliance. Many times designers and contractors add a little extra. In most cases adding a bit of margin of error is justified. Wider corridors benefit everyone, not just the wheelchair users. Clearances in restrooms are beneficial to the portly and those with limited use of legs.

Some plan checkers and some inspectors will ask for clearances where they do not apply. Case in point toilet tissue dispensers in accessible stalls, can they project out more than 4"?

ANSI 604.3.2 Overlap. The required clearance around the water closet shall be permitted to overlap the water closet, associated grab bars, paper dispensers, sanitary napkin receptacles, coat hooks, shelves, accessible routes, clear floor space at other fixtures and the turning space. No other fixtures or obstructions shall be within the required water closet clearance.
2010 CBC 111SB.S.4 Toilet tissue dispensers. Toilet tissue dispensers shall be located on the wall within 12 inches (305 mm) of the front edge of the toilet seat, mounted below the grab bar, at a minimum height of 19 inches (485 mm), and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum to the far edge from the rear wall. Dispensers that control delivery or that do not permit continuous paper flow shall not be used. See Figure 11B-1A.


The code language and figures do not mention projection. You do not need a recessed toilet tissue dispenser and its associated costs in order to comply. Now you may want recessed accessories in order to fulfill your design objectives, but don't hide behind a non-existent code requirement.

I am an architect licensed in three states, however everything you read on the internet should be verified with a design professional in your jurisdiction.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Why we have the California Building Code

On March 10, 1933, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Long Beach, California. According to the Department of General Services (department), that earthquake destroyed 70 schools and inflicted major structural damage on another 120.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

We Care

Take a look at what we are doing…
Bits of ribbon or relatively small scraps of wrapping paper, with some creative reuse, they become custom pens and creative pads to give away. We Care is a project headed by the Boys & Girls Club of Costa Mesa in Partnership with Herman Millar and local design firms and Orange Coast College students.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Advertisement



Autodesk tries marketing differently. I watched it in HD. Four stars.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Augmented Reality



Here is a video of what you can do with 3d visualization software. Don't like you surroundings? Build new ones in Revit and wear Augmented Reality Goggles.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Moderation

I read every comment. If your comment is off topic it is marked as spam.

Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow was a service organization within the Boy Scouts of America. It originally had three foci. 1) Brotherhood 2) Service ...