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The Business of Standards Never Stops

Standards for a Kitchen Symphony | November/December 2024

ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of products, systems, and services. These standards are used by manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and of high quality.

In the field of measurement science, ASTM plays an important role in developing standards and guidelines for measurement techniques and practices. These standards cover a wide range of topics related to measurement science, including the calibration of instruments, the characterization of measurement systems, and the validation of measurement results. They are used by researchers, engineers, and other professionals in academia, industry, and government to ensure that measurements are accurate, precise, and reliable.

ANSI Public Review

 

ASTM standards for measurement science are developed through a process that involves input from experts in the field, including researchers, industry professionals, and regulatory bodies. These standards are updated regularly to reflect advances in measurement science and technology, as well as changes in industry and regulatory requirements.  This is a far better way to discover and promulgate leading practice.  In fact, there are regulations intended to restrain the outsized influence of vertical incumbents in legislative precincts where market-making happens.

Federal Participation in Consensus Standards

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Building Environment Design

I don’t build in order to have clients.

I have clients in order to build.

— Ayn Rand

Google Data Center

 

“Détruire est facile ; construire est difficile.”

— Victor Hugo

 

The highest level of standardization for the building interiors on the emergent #SmartCampus originates in ISO TC 205 — Building Environment Design.  This committee is charged with standards setting in the design of new buildings and retrofit of existing buildings for acceptable indoor environment and practicable energy conservation and efficiency. Building environment design addresses the technical building systems and related architectural aspects, and includes the related design processes, design methods, design outcomes, and design-phase building commissioning. Indoor environment includes air quality, and thermal, acoustic, and visual factors.  The business plan is linked below:

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN ISO/TC 205

Some of the key ideas in the scope of this project are listed below:

– the design of energy-efficient buildings
– building control systems design
– indoor air quality
– indoor thermal environment
– indoor acoustical environment
– indoor visual environment
– radiant heating and cooling systems
– heating and cooling systems
– building commissioning planning
– moisture in buildings

We see many of the foregoing ideas in the catalog of ASHRAE International — ANSI’s US Technical Advisory Group Administrator in this project, as well as a number of others (CLICK HERE).   There are 31 Participating member and 28 Observing member nations.

Generally speaking, ISO consensus products are performance standards and contrast sharply with prescriptive standards in the energy-related domains in the United States.  Prescriptive standards are easy to enforce but difficult to write.  Performance standards are easy to write but difficult to enforce.

Facility managers that oversee building automation units in education communities in the United States are encouraged to participate in the development of ISO 205 by communicating directly with Brian Cox at ASHRAE (bcox@ashrae.org).  We keep all ISO standards on the standing agenda of our periodic Global and AEdificare standards colloquia.  We also maintain this committee’s catalog on the standing agenda of our Mechanical colloquium.  See our CALENDAR for the next online meetings; open to everyone.

Issue: [10-30]

Category: International, Mechanical, Energy, Facility Asset Management

Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Richard Robben, Larry Spielvogel

More

Bygningsinformasjonsmodellering

 

Architectural Billings

Architectural Record July 23, 2025 

AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design

Selecting architects for designing large educational campus buildings typically involves a structured process that ensures the chosen architect meets the project’s functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:

1. Defining Project Goals and Requirements

  • The institution or client identifies the purpose of the building, the estimated budget, sustainability goals, and any specific design or functional needs.
  • A detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is prepared, outlining project objectives, scope, timeline, and submission requirements.

2. Public Announcement or Invitations

  • The RFP/RFQ is distributed through professional networks, industry publications, or procurement platforms.
  • Invitations may also be sent directly to pre-identified firms with expertise in similar projects.

3. Initial Submissions

  • Interested architectural firms submit their qualifications or proposals. These typically include:
    • Firm portfolio: Highlighting past projects, especially in educational architecture.
    • Design approach: How the firm plans to address the project goals.
    • Team composition: Key personnel and their relevant experience.
    • References and certifications.

4. Shortlisting Candidates

  • A committee reviews submissions and shortlists firms based on criteria such as experience, design philosophy, project understanding, and compatibility with the client’s goals.

5. Interviews and Presentations

  • Shortlisted firms are invited for interviews to present their ideas, discuss their approach, and answer questions.
  • Some institutions may request preliminary concept designs to gauge creativity and alignment with the campus’s vision.

6. Evaluation of Proposals

  • Proposals are evaluated based on:
    • Design capability: Innovation, sustainability, and functional design.
    • Experience: Success in similar projects.
    • Cost efficiency: Ability to meet the budget without compromising quality.
    • Cultural fit: Alignment with the institution’s mission and values.

7. Final Selection

  • The committee selects the architect based on scoring, deliberations, and sometimes a voting process.
  • Contract negotiations follow, detailing scope, fees, and deliverables.

8. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

  • In some cases, stakeholders, including faculty, students, and local communities, are involved in providing feedback or participating in design workshops.

9. Formal Approval

  • The governing board of the institution or a similar authority often gives final approval.

This process ensures transparency, accountability, and the selection of the most qualified architect for the project.

 

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Architecture and Aesthetic Education

Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures

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Snow Load

CLICK IMAGE

 

 

Stata Center

Financials and Endowment 2024: Investments returned 8.9 percent 2024; endowment $24.6 billion

Named after its major donor — co-founder of Analog Devices — this Frank Gehry designed holds the top spot for highest absolute cost per square foot of any US university research — just shy of $500 million in today’s dollars.

The project replaced a “temporary” structure from World War II known for fostering innovation, particularly through the MIT Radiation Laboratory. The new center was intended to continue this legacy by housing the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration through its innovative design.


The donations were driven by MIT’s goal to consolidate its computer science, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence departments into a state-of-the-art facility to encourage the exchange of ideas and technology. The project, completed in 2004, faced challenges, including cost overruns and a subsequent lawsuit against Gehry and contractor Skanska USA for alleged design and construction flaws, such as leaks and drainage issues. This lawsuit was amicably resolved in 2010. Despite these issues, the Stata Center remains a landmark of MIT’s campus, celebrated for its bold architecture and role in fostering innovation.

 

Other major contributors:

  • Bill Gates, who donated $20 million through the William H. Gates Foundation, resulting in one of the center’s towers being named the Gates Tower.
  • Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. (MIT class of 1954), who gave $15 million, leading to the naming of the Dreyfoos Tower.
  • Morris Chang of TSMC and Charles Thomas “E.B.” Pritchard Hintze (an MIT graduate associated with JD Edwards, now Oracle), who also provided significant funds.
  • Steven Kirsch, founder of Infoseek, who contributed $2.5 million specifically for the construction of the center’s auditorium.

Modular Classrooms

Complete Monograph International Building Code

Note the following proposed changes in the transcript above: E59-24, F62-24, Section 323

Modular classrooms, often used as temporary or semi-permanent solutions for additional educational space, have specific requirements in various aspects to ensure they are safe, functional, and comfortable for occupants.  Today we will examine best practice literature for structural, architectural, fire safety, electrical, HVAC, and lighting requirements.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Structural Requirements

  1. Foundation and Stability: Modular classrooms require a stable and level foundation. This can be achieved using piers, slabs, or crawl spaces. The foundation must support the building’s weight and withstand environmental forces like wind and seismic activity.
  2. Frame and Load-Bearing Capacity: The frame, usually made of steel or wood, must support the load of the classroom, including the roof, walls, and occupants. Structural integrity must comply with local building codes.
  3. Durability: Materials used should be durable and capable of withstanding frequent relocations if necessary.

Architectural Requirements

  1. Design and Layout: Modular classrooms should be designed to maximize space efficiency while meeting educational needs. This includes appropriate classroom sizes, storage areas, and accessibility features.
  2. Accessibility: Must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other relevant regulations, ensuring accessibility for all students and staff, including ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
  3. Insulation and Soundproofing: Adequate insulation for thermal comfort and soundproofing to minimize noise disruption is essential.

Fire Safety Requirements

  1. Fire-Resistant Materials: Use fire-resistant materials for construction, including fire-rated walls, ceilings, and floors.
  2. Sprinkler Systems: Installation of automatic sprinkler systems as per local fire codes.
  3. Smoke Detectors and Alarms: Smoke detectors and fire alarms must be installed and regularly maintained.
  4. Emergency Exits: Clearly marked emergency exits, including doorways and windows, with unobstructed access paths.

Electrical Requirements

  1. Electrical Load Capacity: Sufficient electrical capacity to support lighting, HVAC systems, and educational equipment like computers and projectors.
  2. Wiring Standards: Compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) or local electrical codes, including proper grounding and circuit protection.
  3. Outlets and Switches: Adequate number of electrical outlets and switches, placed conveniently for classroom use.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Requirements

  1. Heating and Cooling Systems: Properly sized HVAC systems to ensure comfortable temperatures year-round.
  2. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation to provide fresh air and control humidity levels, including exhaust fans in restrooms and possibly kitchens.
  3. Air Quality: Use of air filters and regular maintenance to ensure good indoor air quality.

Lighting Requirements

  1. Natural Light: Maximization of natural light through windows and skylights to create a pleasant learning environment.
  2. Artificial Lighting: Sufficient artificial lighting with a focus on energy efficiency, typically using LED fixtures. Lighting should be evenly distributed and glare-free.
  3. Emergency Lighting: Battery-operated emergency lighting for use during power outages.

By adhering to these requirements, modular classrooms can provide safe, functional, and comfortable educational spaces that meet the needs of students and staff while complying with local regulations and standards.

Related:

Related:

Occupancy Classification and Use

Student Build Relocatable Classrooms

Granite School District

Utah

Modular Classrooms

Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools

About Portable Classrooms

From a school district’s perspective, the two advantages of portable classrooms are low initial cost and short time between specification and occupancy. They are intended to provide flexibility to school districts, enabling quick response to demographic changes and providing the ability to be moved from one school to another as demographics change. In reality, portable classrooms are seldom moved and become permanent fixtures of the school.

Creating a Healthy School Environment

A Modular Control Lab Equipment and Virtual Simulations for Engineering Education

A Modular Control Lab Equipment and Virtual Simulations for Engineering Education

Vanessa Young, et. al | Kennesaw State University Department of Mechanical Engineering

Abstract: Hands-on experiences in engineering education are highly valued by students. However, the high cost, large size, and non-portable nature of commercially available laboratory equipment often confine these experiences to lab courses, separating practical demonstrations from classroom teaching. Consequently, mechanical engineering students may experience a delay in practical engagement as lab sessions typically follow theoretical courses in subsequent semesters, a sequence that differs from mechatronics, electrical, and computer engineering programs. This study details the design and development of portable and cost-effective control lab equipment that enables in-class demonstrations of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for the trajectory and speed control of a DC motor using MATLAB Simulink, as well as disturbance control. The equipment, composed of a DC motor, beam, gears, crank, a mass, and propellers, introduces disturbances using either propellers or a rotating unbalanced mass. All parts of the equipment are 3D printed from polylactic acid (PLA). Furthermore, the beam holding the propellers can be attached to Quanser Qube lab equipment, which is widely used in control laboratories. The lab equipment we present is adaptable for demonstrations, classroom projects, or as an integral part of lab activities in various engineering disciplines.

Standards Georgia

 

American Vitruvius

University of Michigan North Quad

Robert A. M. Stern is an American architect, educator, and author known for his contributions to the field of architecture, urbanism, and design. Stern has been particularly influential in shaping the aesthetics of educational campuses through his architectural practice and academic involvement. Here are some key aspects of his approach to the aesthetics of educational campuses that attract philanthropic legacies:

  1. Pedagogical Ideals:
    • Stern’s designs for educational campuses often reflect his understanding of pedagogical ideals. He considers the spatial organization and layout of buildings in relation to the educational mission of the institution.
    • Spaces are designed to foster a sense of community, encourage interaction, and support the overall educational experience.
  2. Traditional and Classical Influences:
    • Stern is known for his commitment to classical and traditional architectural styles. He often draws inspiration from historical architectural forms and traditional design principles.
    • His work reflects a belief in the enduring value of classical architecture and its ability to create a sense of timelessness and continuity.
  3. Contextual Design:
    • Stern emphasizes the importance of contextual design, taking into consideration the existing architectural context and the cultural or historical characteristics of the surrounding area.
    • When designing educational campuses, he often seeks to integrate new buildings harmoniously into the existing campus fabric.
  4. Attention to Detail:
    • Stern is known for his meticulous attention to detail. His designs often feature carefully crafted elements, including ornamental details, materials, and proportions.
    • This focus on detail contributes to the creation of visually rich and aesthetically pleasing environments.
  5. Adaptation of Historical Forms:
    • While Stern’s work is firmly rooted in traditional and classical architecture, he also demonstrates an ability to adapt historical forms to contemporary needs. His designs often feature a synthesis of timeless architectural elements with modern functionality.

Hammurabi

Group A Model Building Codes

 

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