property services design standards briefmams.rmit.edu.au/ub8ai54g12hl.pdf · 2.6.1 cleaners'...

Property Services

Design Standards Brief Section 2 — General Planning and Design Standards

Issue 6 2009

Section 2 — General Planning and Design Standards

Design Standards Brief Section 2 Issue No. 6, 2009 ©Copyright | RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia 1997 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2 CONTENTS

2.1 MINIMUM STANDARDS.....................................................................................................................5 2.1.1 University-Approved Materials and Components..........................................................................7 2.1.2 Building Design.................................................................................................................................7 2.1.3 Maintainability ...................................................................................................................................7 2.1.4 Designing Buildings and Structures...............................................................................................8 2.1.5 Heritage Buildings — Heritage Conservation ................................................................................8 2.2 SPACE ALLOCATION GUIDELINES AND PRINCIPLES.................................................................9 2.2.1 Current Guidelines............................................................................................................................9 2.3 Teaching Areas..................................................................................................................................9 2.3.1 General Teaching Facilities..............................................................................................................9 2.3.2 Special Teaching Spaces .................................................................................................................9

2.3.2.1 Laboratory Spaces...............................................................................................................9 2.3.2.2 Studios/Drawing Rooms ....................................................................................................10

2.4 Office and Administrative Areas....................................................................................................10 2.4.1 Principles .........................................................................................................................................10 2.4.2 Office and administrative area guidelines....................................................................................11 2.4.3 Second Offices ................................................................................................................................12 2.4.4 Access to meeting / interview room space – open plan areas...................................................12 2.4.5 Meeting and conference room guidelines ....................................................................................12 2.4.6 Staff Rooms .....................................................................................................................................13 2.4.7 Standard of Finish...........................................................................................................................13 2.4.8 Arrangement of Rooms ..................................................................................................................13 2.5 general design considerations ......................................................................................................13 2.5.1 Health and Comfort .........................................................................................................................13 2.5.2 Water Conservation ........................................................................................................................13 2.5.3 Building Materials ...........................................................................................................................13 2.5.4 Building Materials Recycling .........................................................................................................14 2.5.5 Bird Nesting Mitigation and Protection.........................................................................................14 2.5.6 Child Safety......................................................................................................................................14 2.5.7 Ducting — Communication Cabling..............................................................................................14 2.5.8 Life-Cycle Costing...........................................................................................................................14 2.5.9 Colour Schedule..............................................................................................................................14 2.5.10 Internal Finishes..............................................................................................................................15 2.5.11 Supply and Installation of Furniture..............................................................................................15 2.5.12 Ergonomics......................................................................................................................................15 2.5.13 Lecture Theatres — Specific Requirements.................................................................................15 2.6 GENERAL FACILITIES ....................................................................................................................16 2.6.1 Cleaners' Rooms/Stores.................................................................................................................16 2.6.2 Tea-Making Facilities ......................................................................................................................16 2.6.3 Rubbish Removal ............................................................................................................................16 2.6.4 Notice Boards ..................................................................................................................................16 2.6.5 Display of Building Permit Notification.........................................................................................16 2.6.6 Assignment Boxes..........................................................................................................................16 2.6.7 Storage Units ...................................................................................................................................16 2.6.8 Roof Mounting of Services Plant...................................................................................................17 2.6.9 Building Communication Room and Cupboard...........................................................................17 2.6.10 Access for Engineering and Maintenance Services....................................................................17

2.6.10.1 Plant Rooms ......................................................................................................................17 2.6.10.2 WC Fit-out & Fittings..........................................................................................................18

2.6.11 Design for Access and Mobility.....................................................................................................19 2.6.11.1 Evaluation Criteria:.............................................................................................................19

2.7 FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES............................................................................20 2.7.1 Public Telephone.............................................................................................................................20 2.7.2 Lifts...................................................................................................................................................21 2.7.3 Lecture Theatres .............................................................................................................................21



2.7.4 Walking Safety.................................................................................................................................21 2.7.5 Doors ................................................................................................................................................21 2.7.6 Signage ............................................................................................................................................21 2.7.7 Evacuation Systems .......................................................................................................................21 2.7.8 Ramps ..............................................................................................................................................21 2.7.9 Amenities .........................................................................................................................................22 2.7.10 Laboratory Design and Construction............................................................................................22 2.7.11 Safety Stations ................................................................................................................................22 2.7.12 Safety Showers................................................................................................................................22 2.7.13 Emergency Eye-Wash Stations .....................................................................................................23 2.7.14 First Aid/Rest Rooms......................................................................................................................23 2.7.15 Wall Fitments ...................................................................................................................................23 2.7.16 Flammable Liquid Stores ...............................................................................................................23

2.7.16.1 Flammable Liquid Indoor Storage Cabinets ......................................................................23 2.7.17 Gas Cylinder Storage......................................................................................................................23 2.7.18 Radioactive Substances.................................................................................................................24 2.7.19 Radiation Control ............................................................................................................................24

2.7.19.1 External Radiation..............................................................................................................24 2.7.19.2 Contamination Control .......................................................................................................24

2.7.20 Security ............................................................................................................................................25 2.7.21 Services Diversions/Interruption of Supplies ..............................................................................25 2.7.22 Microprocessor-Controlled Equipment ........................................................................................25 2.7.23 Provisional and Prime Cost Sums.................................................................................................25 2.8 ACOUSTICS AND VIBRATION IN BUILDINGS - STANDARDS....................................................25 2.9 SITE CONDITIONS...........................................................................................................................25 2.9.1 Survey Bench Marks.......................................................................................................................25 2.9.2 Existing Site Condition Survey......................................................................................................26 2.9.3 Foundation Investigation ...............................................................................................................26 2.9.4 Earthquakes.....................................................................................................................................26 2.10 LOADINGS AND STANDARDS.......................................................................................................26 2.10.1 Notes on Floor Loadings................................................................................................................26 2.10.2 Floor Slabs.......................................................................................................................................27

2.10.2.1 Design................................................................................................................................27 2.10.3 Floor Penetrations...........................................................................................................................27 2.10.4 Slabs with a Bituminous Membrane Surface ...............................................................................27 2.10.5 Floor Wastes....................................................................................................................................27 2.10.6 Expansion Joints.............................................................................................................................28 2.11 GENERAL TRADE STANDARDS....................................................................................................29 2.11.1 Termite Control................................................................................................................................29 2.11.2 Sub-base Membrane .......................................................................................................................29 2.11.3 Anti-Graffiti Protection....................................................................................................................29 2.12 DOORS .............................................................................................................................................29 2.12.1 Pressed Metal Door Frames (other than Fire Doors)...................................................................29 2.12.2 External Doors.................................................................................................................................29 2.12.3 Door Furniture and Keying.............................................................................................................30

2.12.3.1 Specific Requirements.......................................................................................................30 2.12.4 Substation Keying...........................................................................................................................31 2.12.5 Door Closers....................................................................................................................................31 2.12.6 Fire Doors ........................................................................................................................................31 2.12.7 Automatic Doors .............................................................................................................................32 2.12.8 Door Mats.........................................................................................................................................32 2.13 signage.............................................................................................................................................32 2.13.1 Room Numbering System ..............................................................................................................32 2.13.2 Location/Designation of rooms/Spaces — Internally..................................................................32 2.14 Campus SIGNAGE...........................................................................................................................35 2.14.1 General .............................................................................................................................................35 2.14.2 Methodology of Signage ................................................................................................................36 2.14.3 City Campus ....................................................................................................................................36 2.14.4 All Campuses...................................................................................................................................36



2.14.5 Door Signs and Room Numbers....................................................................................................37 2.14.6 External Signage/Directory Boards...............................................................................................37 2.14.7 Evacuation Signage ........................................................................................................................37 2.14.8 Safety/Hazards Signage .................................................................................................................37 2.15 ROOFING..........................................................................................................................................37 2.15.1 Roofs ................................................................................................................................................37 2.15.2 Guttering and Downpipes ..............................................................................................................37 2.15.3 Roof Access Hatches .....................................................................................................................38 2.15.4 Safe Working on Roofs...................................................................................................................38 2.16 SITE AND BUILDING SERVICES....................................................................................................38 2.17 FLOOR FINISHES ............................................................................................................................39 2.17.1 General .............................................................................................................................................39 2.17.2 Flooring Selection Guide................................................................................................................40 2.17.3 Fire Regulations ..............................................................................................................................42 2.17.4 Carpet ...............................................................................................................................................43 2.17.5 Carpet Installation Guidelines .......................................................................................................44 2.17.6 Slab Moisture Content ....................................................................................................................44 2.17.7 Floor Finishes at Entrances ...........................................................................................................44 2.17.8 Floor Coverings for Wet Areas ......................................................................................................45 2.18 LANDSCAPE & SITE PRESENTATION..........................................................................................46 2.18.1 Protection of Trees & Shrubs ........................................................................................................46 2.18.2 Walkway Safety ...............................................................................................................................46 2.18.3 Bicycle Pathways and Parking ......................................................................................................46 2.18.4 Redgum Conservation and Regeneration Policy — Bundoora Campus...................................46 2.18.5 Gardener’s Station ..........................................................................................................................47 2.18.6 Garden Watering Points .................................................................................................................47 2.18.7 Landscaping Drainage....................................................................................................................47 2.18.8 Drainage System .............................................................................................................................47 2.18.9 Site Reinstatement ..........................................................................................................................47 2.18.10 Security Lighting.............................................................................................................................48 APPENDIX 2.A.1: TOWN PLANNING ADVICE – MELBOURNE PLANNING SCHEME PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO RMIT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ...........................................................................................49 APPENDIX 2.A.1: HERITAGE BUILDINGS – HERITAGE CONSERVATION...............................................77 APPENDIX 2.A.2: HERITAGE LOCATION MAP............................................................................................78 APPENDIX 2.A.3: HERITAGE LISTINGS .......................................................................................................79 APPENDIX 2.A.4: GRADING OF BUILDINGS AND STREETSCAPES ........................................................84 APPENDIX 2.B: RMIT ENVIRONMENTAL Guidelines..................................................................................85 APPENDIX 2.C: UNIVERSITY LEADERS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – THE TALLOIRES DECLARATION 87 APPENDIX 2.D: BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN – INTERPRETING WORKSHEETS..............................................88 APPENDIX 2.D.1: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY..................................................................................................89 APPENDIX 2.D.2: WATER ..............................................................................................................................90 APPENDIX 2.D.3: MECHANICAL SERVICES................................................................................................91 APPENDIX 2.D.4: THERMAL MASS ..............................................................................................................93 APPENDIX 2.D.5: NATURAL VENTILATION.................................................................................................95 APPENDIX 2.D.7: FACADE HEAT GAIN........................................................................................................99 APPENDIX 2.E: THEATRES AND TEACHING SPACES DESIGN GUIDELINES.......................................101 APPENDIX 2.F: EXAMPLES OF OFFICE LAYOUT & DEFINITIONS .........................................................131 APPENDIX 2.G: DOOR HARDWARE...........................................................................................................133

APPENDIX 2.H: Method of Measurement (m2

) ...........................................................................................143



2.1 MINIMUM STANDARDS The section listed below describe specific requirements for building and construction works at the University.

Section 1 Administrative and Contractual Procedures

Section 2 General Planning and Design Standards

Section 3 Installation of Lifts

Section 4 Energy Management

Section 5 Mechanical Services

Section 6 Electrical Services

Section 7 Hydraulic Services

Section 8 Fire Services

Section 9 Building Controls

Section 10 Communications

Section 11 Audio Visual

Section 12 Electronic Security

Section 13 Acoustics &Vibrations in Buildings

Section 14 Design of Lighting Systems

Section 15 Instruction to Contractors

Section 16 Occupational Health & Safety

Sections 2 to 16 of this document set minimum standards of work and specifics the selection of materials and components which shall be adhered to on all building works at the University, large or small. Whilst the purpose of this document is to establish a standard for University facilities it is intended not to restrict the Consultants in considering technological changes or to engage in innovative design. Variation from these minimum standards shall be subject to the written approval of the Associate Director, Projects.

Section 15 & 16 details the Contractors responsibility and Occupation Health & Safety obligations whilst engaged to carry out works on RMIT campuses.

The design shall comply with the requirements of the current relevant legislation, including but not limited to Standards, Local Supply Authority, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, Insurance Council of Australia, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Building Act, Building regulations, Building Code of Australia and any other Federal, State, and Statutory Authority having jurisdiction over the works or building during the building works.

The requirements of the current relevant Standards and Codes of Practice shall be deemed to be the minimum standards for the design. Notwithstanding any of these requirements, safety shall be paramount.

Preference is to Australian manufactured products.

As part of its commitment to being a good corporate citizen, RMIT will seek to ensure that its activities are undertaken in a manner consistent with best environmental practice. The environmental policy was approved by RMIT University Council in August 1994 and is recognized as one of the University’s prime initiatives in environmental design and sustainability.



Specifically, RMIT, with the efficient and effective delivery of its teaching and research programs, will:

Minimise consumption of water, energy, paper and other natural resources and manufactured products;

Promote the maximum recycling and re-use of goods and materials used by and within the University;

Design and manage building to maximise the use of natural sources of heating and lighting and to promote the use in buildings of other materials to maximise durability and minimum environmental impact;

Recognise and protect the heritage value of its buildings;

Where generation of waste is unavoidable, ensure that all waste is disposed of regularly in a safe and efficient manner, consistent with best international practice;

Encourage the planting and protection of indigenous species, especially to protect the natural environment of the Bundoora Campuses;

Reduce greenhouse emissions from its vehicles and develop transport options that are energy efficient.

Specify materials that do not contain formaldehyde & products that are detrimental to the health & safety of the Contractor and occupants.

In addition, comprehensive Bioclimatic Design Guidelines have been developed for consideration and recommendation in the design of the project as detailed in Appendix 2.D.1 to 7 Reports as Appendix 2.D.1 to 7 are to be completed at the various phases of the project design with cost analysis and recommendation for submission to the University Council for consideration. A copy of the Bioclimatic Design Guidelines document is available from the RMIT Project Manager.

This Brief does not set out to describe or compromise in any way the normal requirements and provisions for specifying materials or services. If the requirements of the Brief are at variance with the requirements of good construction or engineering practice and/or the requirements of the various statutory authorities, then the requirements of the Brief shall be superseded accordingly. It endeavours to inform on, standards established by the University in an operating environment and to co-ordinate and unify materials, plant and equipment types to permit interchangeability of spares and simplify maintenance and operation within the University confines.

Where brand names are specified, these indicate the University’s preference. However, Consultants should permit suppliers to offer alternatives where such are considered to be superior.

All service systems shall be designed in SI units. All specification and contract drawings, calculations, instructions, etc. shall embody SI units only.

All services shall be constructed of materials complying to SAA standards where such materials are available.

All building and services shall be designed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and building regulations. Codes of practice and/or design guidelines not covered by the above shall be approved by the University.

All shop drawings shall be issued to the Service RMIT Project Manager and University’s Engineering and Maintenance Branch Managers for comment prior to construction.

Any design changes made during construction shall be issued to RMIT’s Project Manager, Project Manager Services and Engineering and Maintenance Branch Manager for information and comment.



2.1.1 University-Approved Materials and Components In all trades there are materials and components which are approved by the University, as outlined in the relevant sections of this document. These items shall be used unless prior approval is obtained from the RMIT Project Manager as to alternatives.

Equipment shall not be used unless spare parts are currently available within Australia and such supply may reasonably be expected to be on going.

Subject to compliance with the above criteria, the Consultants shall specify Australian-made products.

2.1.2 Building Design Important considerations for building design shall be:

The design and construction of each building shall be economical and eliminate the wasteful use of space.

Expensive exterior and interior finishes shall be avoided; however the RMIT identity shall be a consideration in the external facade elements where appropriate.

The placing of protruding building services and equipment on building facades and rooftops shall be avoided, or shielded from view.

Flexibility of future use of building spaces is to be considered as an important design parameter and the probable effect on the building and services requirements is to be assessed in relation to future change of use.

Pipes and services are to be concealed yet accessible where possible.

Performance based solution may be adopted under the BCA providing the solution identifies any maintenance cost impost.

Access for persons with disabilities.

Promotion of sustainable design and minimisation of waste.

Ventilation and exhaust systems height or fresh air exhaust and intakes shall consider adjoining buildings and air flow conditions.

2.1.3 Maintainability Simple maintenance procedures throughout the building are vital, and shall be reviewed with the University before going to tender.

The design and construction materials shall reflect low maintenance considerations. All fabric, structural and service components shall be readily accessible and shall not be labour intensive at the repair stage.

Buildings greater than three floors in height shall be designed to include or accommodate an approved building access systems for maintenance and cleaning of the external facade.

Note: The University will not accept certain materials and products that are social and economically non-beneficial.



2.1.4 Designing Buildings and Structures When designing buildings and structures or part of a building or structure for RMIT University, the designer of a building or structure or part hereof should consider this to be a workplace. Therefore under section 28 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (the Act), the designer of the building or structure or part hereof, must ensure that hazards and risks that may exist in the design of the building and structure or part thereof are eliminated or controlled at the design phase so far as is reasonably practicable, and that it is designed to be safe and without risks to the health of persons using it as a workplace for a purpose for which it was designed.

2.1.5 Heritage Buildings — Heritage Conservation RMIT has twenty-seven buildings on its current Heritage Listing. These heritage buildings are either on National/State Heritage Registers or are considered by RMIT to have sufficient architectural and/or historic significance that they should be retained and restored. Any alterations or total restoration works proposed for these heritage buildings must be approved by the relevant authorities and all work shall comply with the ICOMOS Burra Charter, as revised. When alterations are required within Historic/Registered buildings, solutions have to be found which do not impinge detrimentally on the heritage elements and spaces of such buildings, e.g. surface mounting of conduits or services is to be avoided and routes are to be discussed with the RMIT Project Manager and prior to documenting.

Details of the buildings together with a Higher Education Campus plan locating the registered buildings is included in Appendix 2.A.

The Project Architect and Secondary Consultants must provide design proposals which are in context with, and sympathetic to, their immediate surroundings and comply with the University’s planning principles.

The Associate Director, Projects is responsible for conservation of heritage buildings and the Project Architect or Primary Consultant shall not undertake any design work without reference to the Building Conservation Plan.



2.2 SPACE ALLOCATION GUIDELINES AND PRINCIPLES

2.2.1 Current Guidelines

In 1988 the University adopted the planning and design standards for teaching space as contained in the Australasian Association of Higher Education Facilities Space Planning guidelines. These Guidelines were updated in 2003 and are now known as the Tertiary Education Facilities Management (TEFMA) Space Planning Guidelines, Edition 2. The RMIT University Space Allocation Guidelines and Principles, version 1.6 dated 9 December 2005, was approved by the VCEM on 2 February 2006, version 1.6 dated 9 December 2005, was approved by the VCEM on 2 February 2006.

The ESOS Act requires that new or refurbished flat floor classrooms used by international students must have a minimum of 2 m2 per student. In line with this requirement the table below has been amended from the TEFMA Space Planning Guidelines to reflect this requirement.

2.3 TEACHING AREAS

2.3.1 General Teaching Facilities Teaching Space m

2 Net/ Person

Flat Floor Classrooms AV1 – AV2 2.00

Flat Floor Classrooms AV3 - AV4 2.00

Lecture Theatre (tiered with lectern) up to 120 0.90

Lecture Theatre (tiered with lectern) for 120+ 0.90

2.3.2 Special Teaching Spaces

2.3.2.1 Laboratory Spaces

Teaching Space m

2 Net/ Person

Wet Laboratory (eg. Chemical / Biology) 5.00

Dry Laboratory (eg. Physics / Electrical / Engineering / Chiropractic)

5.00

Psychology / Social Science / Social Work Rooms 3.00

Heavy Machinery/Equipment, Machine Tools, Robotics 8.50

Sports science Laboratory, Gymnasium 10.00



Specialised space requiring more than 10m2 per student

station

TBD based on case by case analysis

Language Laboratory 2.00

General Computer Laboratory 2.30

Specialised Computer Laboratory 3.00

2.3.2.2 Studios/Drawing Rooms

Teaching Space m2 Net/

Person

Design (Graphic/Industrial Design, Sculpture, Fine Art) 2.80

Painting (Sculpture general, Printmaking, Fashion, Fine Art) 5.00

Workshop (Pottery, Photographic, Gold & Silversmithing, Architecture, Industrial Design)

5.00

Drawing Room requiring boards for drafting 2.20

Drawing Room requiring boards and reference tables 2.80

Exhibition Space 10 to 35

2.4 OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS

2.4.1 Principles

In allocating space the functional requirements of the occupants will be considered and will have a bearing on the actual allocation of space, as well as the size and location of any available space/s. Office and administrative environments should be designed to accommodate the type of work to be undertaken. Typical office and administrative layouts should be as generic as possible, with a mix of enclosed and workstation based layouts designed to maximise flexibility, improve work flow, reduce occupancy costs and minimise the costs of relocation churn. New capital works projects will consider utilising flexible office layouts rather than traditional fixed walled offices for a range of academic and administrative staff, where appropriate, using the overall

space allocation guideline of a maximum average of 15m2 of office and administrative space per

EFT staff member. Where fixed wall offices, either fully or semi-enclosed, are required they should be constructed in such a way as to allow light into the central and circulation areas of the building. Where possible these offices should be constructed adjacent to the core of the building and not on the perimeter.

The University will aim for an overall space allocation guideline of a maximum average of 15m2 of

office and administrative space per EFT staff member. This target will be based upon:

a) UFA (Usable Floor Area) as used by the University in assigning space and shall take into account all areas classified as being: Non-Teaching (all office space, reception, staff rooms, meeting rooms, resource and administrative support/storage areas) including common areas, access and circulation space.



b) EFT (Equivalent Full Time) staff numbers.

Property Services shall undertake an annual audit of the University’s office accommodation, by organisational unit, measuring performance against the University’s overall maximum average

allocation of 15m2 of office and administrative space per staff member.

The use of office space for storage should be minimised. Appropriate policies should be in place to appropriately identify records and/or equipment that need to be stored. Records and/or equipment in excess of these requirements should be disposed of in line with the University’s disposal policies. In implementing these guidelines the functional needs of any specialist duties, equipment required and existing building configuration need to be taken account of. Given the existing building stock occupied by RMIT it is recognised that in some instances, particularly in older buildings, the layout of space is such that the shape of available spaces may be irregular. In these circumstances some flexibility will be provided in applying these guidelines.

2.4.2 Office and administrative area guidelines University Portfolios, Schools, Groups and organisational units should adhere to the following space allocation guidelines:

Occupant Space allocation recommended

Senior Executive staff member: (eg. DVC, PVC, Executive Director)

Senior staff member: (eg. Head of School, Innovation Professor)

Fully Enclosed Office 16 - 20m2

Academic staff: level B and above TAFE Senior Educator and above Administrative Staff - HEW 10A and above Full time Research Officer

Fully Enclosed/Semi-Enclosed/Shared Office

8 – 14 m2

Where a shared office environment is used - a guideline of 2 staff

per 14m2 as a minimum is recommended.

Academic staff: level A

TAFE Teacher

Shared Enclosed or Semi-Enclosed Office/Open Plan

8-10m2

Where a Shared Enclosed Office or Semi-Enclosed Office is used

- a guideline of 2 staff per 12m2 as a minimum is recommended.

or

Where Open Plan is utilised attention is drawn to the requirement to provide adequate access to meeting/interview space – section. 3.4.1



Part time Research Officer

Research Assistants

Administrative staff

Open Plan 8-10m2

Where a Shared Enclosed Office or Semi-Enclosed Office is

utilised due to availability - 2 staff per 12m2 as a minimum is

recommended.

Sessional / Casual staff (per EFT)

Open workspace – time shared workstation 6m2

Post-Graduate research students

Open workspace – time shared workstation 4m2

2.4.3 Second Offices Senior Executive staff member: The allocation of a second office on more than one campus and/or site is allowed where there is an ongoing requirement for the staff member to work from more than one campus and/or site for a significant period of time. Where this is the case an office area will be allocated on the primary site equivalent to the appropriate recommended space allocation. The space allocation for office accommodation on the secondary site should reflect the specific use to be made of the office but should generally be less than that allocated for the primary site office space. Staff below the level of Senior Executive staff member: The allocation of second offices for staff, i.e. dedicated offices on more than one campus and/or site, is not allowed. Where a staff member is required to work from more than one campus and/or site an office area will be allocated on the primary site occupied by the staff member. Access to a bookable office or ‘hot-desk’ is to be made available to the staff member at the secondary campus and/or site as determined by the Head of School, Executive Director or Pro-Vice Chancellor. The space allocation for office accommodation on the secondary site should reflect the specific use to be made of the office but should generally be less than that allocated for the primary site office space. It is recommended that these areas be located close to administrative/support areas that can provide support to the visiting staff.

2.4.4 Access to meeting / interview room space – open plan areas

The allocation of support spaces, such as meeting / interview rooms, associated with open plan areas should be based on operational requirements. As a guideline a maximum of one interview room, of 12

m2, for each 10 EFT staff members in an open plan area should be used.

2.4.5 Meeting and conference room guidelines

A Meeting Room is defined under these guidelines as a meeting space planned for a maximum of 20 or fewer people. Meeting Rooms are to be provided in the immediate vicinity of shared work environments, eg. open plan or shared office, to be accessible for quiet work, small discussions and interview space. The size and number of Meeting Rooms to be provided will depend on an assessment of the number of staff requiring access to the space and their specific needs.

A Conference Room is defined under these guidelines as a meeting space planned for greater than 20 people.



Conference Rooms are to be accessible for use by the University as a whole and will be placed for bookings on the University booking system unless specifically assigned by Property Services, in consultation with the relevant PVC, as being for a single purpose.

2.4.6 Staff Rooms

Provision of staff rooms will be considered in the immediate vicinity of large staff office and administrative areas. The size of these areas is subject to availability of space. The allocation of space and the fitout of the area will be negotiated between Property Services and the area concerned..

2.4.7 Standard of Finish It shall be noted that the scale and style of accommodation is based on functional requirements. There is a degree of grading of room size according to status.

2.4.8 Arrangement of Rooms The detailed arrangement of rooms shall be discussed with the User(s) and RMIT Project Manager. Generally, it is desirable, in any vertical arrangement of accommodation, to locate the most populated rooms (usually undergraduate areas) at ground floor and quieter less populated spaces, at higher levels.

2.5 GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

2.5.1 Health and Comfort Construction materials, in both design and building operation that are all environmentally benign and non-allergenic are to be addressed in the design.

2.5.2 Water Conservation Approaches such as low flow devices taps and showers and dual flush toilets and multiple use options will be envisaged. Innovative approaches to recapturing and re-using water should also be investigated and used where feasible and economically viable. Also approaches that retain water run-off on site through landscaping strategies should be considered.

2.5.3 Building Materials The building materials should be characterized by their recyclability, durability and low impact environmental performance to best achieve the University’s environmental policy.

RMIT is a signatory to “The Tallories Declaration” a copy of the declaration is included as Appendix 2.C.



2.5.4 Building Materials Recycling The building Contractor will be encouraged to organize the recycling of building waste materials (and other materials used during the project), including scrap metal, wood, paper, glass, plasterboard and concrete. RMIT Environmental Policy is included as Appendix 2.B

2.5.5 Bird Nesting Mitigation and Protection The design of the project is to address and mitigate the potential of birds to nest in, or perch on, the building fabric. Large highly, reflective glass windows should not be used in building projects. The Project Architect is to provide to the University an environmental report on the building envelope design confirming compliance/minimization for consideration by RMIT Environmental Unit.

2.5.6 Child Safety Public areas shall be designed with child safety in mind. Stairs and balconies will need special attention. The distance between vertical railings shall be no more than 125mm. Horizontal railings shall not be used where they allow a child to climb to a dangerous situation. AS 4226-2008 Guidelines for safe housing design may assist.

2.5.7 Ducting — Communication Cabling Adequate future provision shall be made for both vertical and lateral ducting to accommodate computer cables and telephone cables. This also applies to cabling for audio-visual equipment.

Ducts shall be easily accessible so that the covers can be easily removed and reinstated.

Where possible, new buildings should be connected to adjoining buildings by crawl culverts or tunnels for the distribution of services.

See Section 10 for further specification of computer cabling and ducting.

2.5.8 Life-Cycle Costing The University aims to achieve the optimum balance between capital and operating costs for buildings, consistent with a constant level of quality and service throughout the lifetime of its buildings.

Whilst the question of any financial return on the capital outlay and final disposal value of these facilities cannot be considered, all other principles governing the construction of a commercial building shall be given critical consideration. These principles shall be discussed with the Associate Director, Projects in consultation with the RMIT Project Manager and Associate Director, Facilities Services at an early stage in each project.

2.5.9 Colour Schedule After discussion with the Associate Director, Projects, the Project Architect shall submit a colour schedule and sample board for approval of all applied finishes, including recommendations for carpet, upholstery, curtains and blinds. The colour boards will be required to the stakeholders and approved prior to implementation and may necessitate a presentation to the Capital Investment Review Board. This schedule shall be submitted in sufficient time to enable the construction and furnishing of a prototype room as requested in the Project Brief. The prototype room can be incorporated as part of the final project.

The Project Architect shall limit choice to standard ranges of readily available materials which shall be clearly identified on the sample board.

The sample board, once approved, shall remain the property of the University.



2.5.10 Internal Finishes Internal finishes shall generally be designed for low maintenance with acoustically absorbent finishes where practicable. Whilst it is desirable that surfaces be easily cleanable, they shall not be durable to the extent that they appear punitive.

2.5.11 Supply and Installation of Furniture Arrangements for the supply and installation of loose furniture and equipment shall be discussed with the RMIT Project Manager. It may be necessary for the Contractor to remain on site to receive delivery of loose furniture and to ensure that it is located in the designated area and fitted to Building Services where necessary. This requirement shall be included within the project specification.

The University will arrange for the supply and installation of loose furniture and equipment and may also provide free of charge to the Contractor, some items of furniture, equipment or components, such as workstations, shelf stripping or the like to be built in as part of the contract. The University shall nominate such items prior to the preparation of contract documents.

All materials, furniture, equipment or components, supplied by the University free of charge to the Contractor which are lost, stolen or become wet, stained, burned, torn, dented or otherwise damaged or defaced, shall be removed and replaced with approved new materials of identical type at Contractor’s expense.

The Project Architect shall refer to the RMIT Project Manager for information on the levels of office furniture and fittings to be expected in a building. The Project Architect shall ensure that the amount of shelving, filing cabinets and other fittings for offices is clearly ascertained with the Users and access the use of existing furniture and equipment for inclusion in the project.

2.5.12 Ergonomics It is the responsibility of the Project Architect to include appropriate building design features where manual handling will be a regular component of the building users activity. Out-fitting the building is to be similarly planned.

All ergonomic furniture and associated equipment must comply with the relevant section or Australian Standard AS3590.2, Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4442 Office Desks, AS/NZS 4443 Office Panel Systems Workstations, Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and applicable regulations guidance material. RMIT ergonomic Furniture and Assessment or Workstation Policy and Procedures obtained from the RMIT Project Manager shall be read in conjunction with above.

2.5.13 Lecture Theatres — Specific Requirements The Project Architect shall refer to Appendix 2.E or the University's Theatres and Teaching Spaces Design Guidelines Issue dated 10 April, 2000.



2.6 GENERAL FACILITIES

2.6.1 Cleaners' Rooms/Stores A small store shall be positioned on each floor for the storage of cleaning materials and appliances. The room shall contain a hopper sink and power point. A network point is to be provided in selected rooms. Cupboard space sufficient to store reserve supplies of cleaning materials, overalls etc. shall be provided.

2.6.2 Tea-Making Facilities Tea-making facilities may be necessary in common rooms etc or alternatively a central tea-making facility may be required. When provided in carpeted areas, such as common rooms, sink benches shall be surrounded by an area of impervious flooring.

2.6.3 Rubbish Removal Easy removal of rubbish and waste from the building is mandatory. An adequate storage space shall be provided for refuse bins near the service entrance and for one on each floor if there is no lift.

All bins/skips must have a tarpaulin fixed overnight for prevention of theft.

The University has a separate system to collect waste paper and other recyclable waste materials for recycling and adequate provision is required for recycle bins. Consideration should be given to environmentally sustainable waste management systems as appropriate.

2.6.4 Notice Boards Notice boards or pin boards shall be provided where required in passages and rooms. Pin boards of A4 size are to be located at each lecturer’s office or as advised by the RMIT Project Manager. Display boards may be necessary in common rooms in addition to lecture and seminar rooms. Refer to Section 2.7.6 for signage and University approved materials.

2.6.5 Display of Building Permit Notification A display board/cabinets shall be located near the main entrance for display of Building Permits & Certificates together with an explanatory floor plan. The size and type of board shall be advised by the RMIT Project Manager.

2.6.6 Assignment Boxes Assignment boxes and mailboxes may be required in locations to be decided in consultation with the Users Subcommittee.

2.6.7 Storage Units Accommodation for books, documents, instruments, notice and whiteboards and laboratory benching, where applicable, is to be built-in and standardized throughout the building. These items will require design considerations after detailed discussion with the University. Built-in furniture is to be part of the main building contract and will not be supplied by the University.

Where needed, the Project Architect shall fully assess the size and fitment/shelving of all units, and specify for inclusion in the building contract.

Floor loading capabilities shall be fully determined prior to sizing the storage units.



2.6.8 Roof Mounting of Services Plant The design and location of services plant on roof areas is to be carefully considered and discussed with the University at an early stage. Refer also to Section 2.6.10 for access.

2.6.9 Building Communication Room and Cupboard. A separate communications room, risers and cupboards shall be provided for housing network equipment etc. Refer to Section 10 for details.

2.6.10 Access for Engineering and Maintenance Services Consultants shall ensure that they indicate:

how each item of plant is to be installed initially;

how the University’s routine service personnel will reach each plant item;

the method to be used in changing the largest item of plant in any plant room or plant area.

"Adequate access" for routine servicing means the sufficient space for a plant mechanic, irrespective of working age, to reach all items requiring routine service safely and without undue stress. In lift shaft/stairwell allow provision for hoisting heavy material/equipment — identify points with safe working load.

Any equipment installed in a trafficable ceiling space, or on the roof, shall have a permanently fixed ladder and easily openable trap door complying with Occupational Health and Safety regulations. The design and location shall be approved by the RMIT Project Manager.

Mechanical and Electrical plant and equipment, particularly those requiring manual operation such as electrical control panels, or routine maintenance such as pump, fans etc. shall have safe and comfortable access. A "loose" fit is essential to enable work to be carried out around them.

Wherever possible in the design of the building electricity substations, main switchrooms and mechanical services plantrooms, external access for maintenance staff is to be secured by the University's external plantroom lock systems not the building’s lock system.

The Project Architect shall ensure that there is coordination between the Structural Engineers and Service Engineers to allow incoming underground services, in the form of pipes and cables, to pass through the building footings.

Adequate spare conduits to allow for future growth of services shall be allowed. Where as electrical, data and telephone cables may be too big and heavy to be pulled around conduit bends; straight access, without bends or obstructions, shall be provided.

2.6.10.1 Plant Rooms

The Project Architect shall request from Consultants the range of sizes for all items of mechanical and electrical plant. The Project Architect shall ensure that the final selection of mechanical and electrical equipment will not require additional space.

Plant rooms shall be fully integrated both aesthetically and functionally into the building design. Plant rooms are required to provide protection for mechanical plant and equipment from mechanical damage, weather and tampering by unauthorized personnel.

Stairway and/or full door access shall be provided to upper level plant rooms. Roller door and/or full door access shall be provided to ground level plant rooms. All accesses shall enable existing and future equipment to be removed and installed.

Full maintenance and service access is to be provided to all plant and equipment. Plant in ceiling spaces or confined spaces would only be permitted with RMIT approval.



The plant room layout at the design stage shall provide for future expansion where appropriate.

Direct access from corridors to roof areas, plant rooms, tunnels etc. shall be provided where possible to enable the independent control of these areas by the Property Services.

Plant rooms shall be located convenient to the most direct point of vehicular access which can be achieved without the introduction of extensive service road connections.

It is preferred that plant rooms be located at roof top or basement level rather than in the body of the building. Provision shall be made in elevated plant rooms for hatches and lifting equipment to facilitate conveyance of equipment to ground. Where plant rooms are built in tier fashion within the building, access ladders shall be provided between levels within the plant room.

Plant room floors shall be graded to drain and provided with floor outlets not less that 80mm diameter and have coved upstands to the perimeter walls 100mm high to permit hosing down. Floor surfaces are to be sealed against spillages and flooding by approved building methods and painted with an epoxy paving paint.

Plant rooms shall be designed so that the noise level measured with all the equipment operating under full load will not exceed the current exposure standard, less 3dbA. Where this cannot be achieved the Manager, Engineering and Maintenance shall be consulted.

Basement plant rooms shall be approved by RMIT and shall be designed to minimize the possibility of flooding. A pump pit shall be provided to facilitate pumping, should flooding occur, and be alarmed to BAS.

Plant rooms shall be provided (where required) with mechanical exhaust ventilation.

Plant rooms shall be well lit with fluorescent lighting to Australian Standard, and provided with single and three phase SSO's for maintenance use.

A sign indicating plant room shall be provided on the face of the plant room door.

Emergency and exit lighting shall be provided in all plant rooms. (Refer Electrical Services section for type of lighting).

Full concrete plinths shall be provided under all floor mounted equipment. Partial concrete pads are not permitted.

All plant rooms shall be fitted with visual warning equipment connected to the Emergency Warning Intercommunications System or Fire Indicator Panel as appropriate.

All plant and equipment is to be positioned to allow easy access for all maintenance requirements.

Appropriate chemical storage facilities suitably marked are to be provided in all plant rooms.

No variation from these requirements shall be implemented without authority from the RMIT Project Manager.

2.6.10.2 WC Fit-out & Fittings

WC areas should be designed to align for hygienic and serviceable facilities with floor and wall finishes to ensure ease of maintenance and cleanliness.

Toilet cubicle doors shall be in hold open position. Hinges shall allow for the ability to remove shut doors (Cubicle occupied) in an emergency situation where the occupant becomes incapacitated.

Coat hook with buffer shall be provided to the inside of toilet doors.

Soap dispensers and needle bins may be required. Locations are to be discussed with the Project Manager.

Recessed multi roll toilet tissue dispenser, stainless steel finish and mechanism similar to Bobrick B4388 shall be specified.



Alternatively in existing facilities where it is not practical to install recessed fittings a surface mounted unit similar to Bobrick B4288 shall be provided.

Air dryers are to be specified as to McDonald Manual Start, Touch Dry 1AWHDTD1, White Enamel Finish (Energy Factor 4 & 5 Star)

A shelf shall be provided in the wash-up area on which to rest books or bags.

Mirrors shall be provided and shall be properly copper-backed and ventilated. Mirrors shall not be fixed over wash basins if possible.

2.6.11 Design for Access and Mobility The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) requires access to be provided to all areas of buildings, facilities and services operating from those premises to which the public has a right of access, unless to do so would impose an unjustifiable hardship.

Central to RMIT's efforts in the area of disability access should be to ensure the objectives of Safe, Dignified and Equitable Access are achieved for staff, students and the general public.

2.6.11.1 Evaluation Criteria:

The following reference documents should be applied in the preparation of RMIT Disability Design Standards.

Disability Discrimination Act (1992)

Advisory Notes on Access to Premises (1997) produced by Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission.

Building Code of Australia (BCA) in conjunction with the DDA, applies to new buildings or buildings undergoing significant refurbishment or alteration.

AS 1428.1 (2001) Design for access and mobility - General requirement for access - New building work and AS 1428.4 Design for access and mobility - Tactile ground surface indicators for the orientation of people with vision impairment which are directly referenced under the BCA and therefore includes mandatory requirements, which impact on new building design.

Note: Compliance with the requirements of AS 1428.1 alone may not meet the needs of all individuals and hence opportunity for complaint under the DDA is still possible.

-Part 2 of AS 1428 is not mandatory however it is recommended as it contains information regarding preferred requirements for providing improved access for people with disabilities.

-Draft Update to AS1428.1:200X which is intended to incorporate the circulation requirements of AS1428.2 into a revised AS1428.1.

-Draft Access Code for Buildings, the Schedule of requirements to be incorporated into the Disability Standards for Access to Premises 200X, the document to be referenced under the DDA.

-Draft Update AS2890.6:200X - Off Street Parking Facilities for Persons with Disabilities.

RMIT has noted that a range of documentation pertaining to the proposed Premises Standard (to be referenced by the DDA) including changes to the Building Code of Australia, and draft updates of AS1428.1, AS1428.4 and AS2890.1 have been released for public comment. Although the final content of the Premises Standard and the changes to the AS1428 suite of standards has not yet been decided.

However the draft documents indicate that the circulation requirements of AS1428.2 will be adopted in the new standards as AS1428.2 is the document referenced by HREOC in their Advisory Notes on Access to Premises. Therefore this brief supports recommendations in line



with the Draft AS1428.1:200X for circulation dimensions. Increased circulation space is particularly important to accommodate the increased use of larger wheelchairs, scooters, etc.

2.7 FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES The building elements to be considered for people with disabilities include the following:

doors (automatic doors shall be installed at all public entrances);

ramps;

kerb ramps;

width of corridors and doorways;

location and types of fittings — taps, door handles etc.;

location and type of signs;

toilet and bathroom facilities;

flooring and paving surfaces;

lifts;

desks and seating;

Reception and Information desks

Visual & Physical Impairments

Audible Messages

Drinking Fountains

The provision of disabled facilities within projects, both new and refurbishment’s is to be included by the Project Architect. The Project Architect is to ensure that the difficulties encountered by such persons are catered for in the design details and is referred to the requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Providing Equity in Access to Tertiary Institutions (First Edition 1996), relevant regulations and codes and the current edition of Australian Standard. This shall be in consultation with the RMIT Disability Liaison Unit and Deputy Director, Projects.

The following shall be considered in the building design

A ramped entrance, in accordance with AS1428

In multi-storey buildings provided with lifts, at least one lift shall have capacity to accommodate an injured person on a stretcher. The lift shall be sufficient size to accommodate the moving of furniture and equipment between floors.

Access through doorways, corridors and between fixtures shall be such that mechanical aids can be used for materials handling, in accordance with the relevant codes.

Safety identification such as tactile indicators, coloured stair nosings etc.

2.7.1 Public Telephone At least one public telephone should be accessible to people in wheelchairs in the building. The receiver should not be more than 990mm above floor level.



2.7.2 Lifts Where lifts are provided in the Building, they should be accessible to and useable by disabled persons including those in wheelchairs, both at entrance level and all other levels normally used by the public. The ground floor level button of the lift is to be marked with a raised symbol. The lift installation shall comply in all respects with the current edition of Australian Standard. Lifts shall be fitted with an audible system capable of indicating the floor level at each stop and that the lift should not be used upon the activation of a fire alarm.

2.7.3 Lecture Theatres In designing tier-floored lecture theatres, provision should be made for a proportion of the seating to be accessible to disabled persons. Where possible, space should be provided so that wheelchair users need not leave their wheelchairs.

Consideration in the design is also to be made for disabled lecturers to be provided with uninterrupted views of the lecturing facility.

Audio Loops in theatres and tutorial rooms shall be provided in consultation with the Managers, Audio-Visual and Disability Liaison Unit.

2.7.4 Walking Safety In areas that are carpeted, the use of durable low pile carpet is preferred, to allow maneuverability for people using wheelchairs for mobility.

2.7.5 Doors Automatic sliding doors are the preferred option. For manual doors, additional clearance is required to allow access to door handles, and maneuverability around opening doors etc.

2.7.6 Signage Adequate signage detailing such issues as access, facilities etc. shall be incorporated into the design in consultation with the Disability Liaison Unit. Tactile finishes shall be incorporated where necessary to assist visually impaired persons.

2.7.7 Evacuation Systems Emergency and evacuation systems shall contain visual and audible alarms within their design.

Refer to Section 8 for emergency provisions.

2.7.8 Ramps Ramps shall be designed as an integral part of the main building entrance, the facade overall, and the existing and finished levels in the surrounding area.

Handrails shall be provided on both sides of the ramp.

The design shall comply with the current Victorian Building (Building Code of Australia) Regulations, and AS1428.1 as a minimum requirement. The RMIT Project Manager shall be consulted on specific requirements for each project.



2.7.9 Amenities Access to and the facility of disabled toilets is to be provided in accordance with Australian Standards.

Each building shall have a disabled W.C. compartment with shower to each group of toilets, with a minimum of one unisex compartment at ground level.

Lift access for disabled persons shall be provided to each level of the building, unless otherwise instructed by the RMIT Project Manager.

Design shall cater for mobile electric vehicles.

Door kick plates are to cater for wheel impact (and relief air grilles) to be located above impact points.

2.7.10 Laboratory Design and Construction AS2982 Laboratory Design and Construction, AS2243 Safety in Laboratories, AS4332 The Storage and Handling of Gases in Cylinders and the Victorian Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Building Code of Australian & Regulation set down the MINIMUM requirements for laboratories at this University. The Project Architect shall consult with the Manager, Maintenance, the University's People and Culture, Health and Safety team and the appropriate departmental representatives to establish the requirements for each project. Consideration in design shall include access for people using wheelchairs, both to the Laboratories and to equipment benches.

Compliance Certificates shall be provided by the Architect certifying that the design has satisfied all relevant legislative requirements.

2.7.11 Safety Stations In addition to the safety equipment held in the laboratory, an area at the entrance to each main laboratory, or laboratory complex, shall be reserved for a safety station containing the following safety equipment, each item clearly labelled with its name and safety function:

safety glasses and face shields;

safety helmet;

disposable clothing;

fire extinguishers (suitable for electrical and chemical fires);

fire blanket manufactured in accordance with AS3504;

Absorbent material for chemical spills;

Protective glove e.g. heat resistant, chemical resistant;

Torch of appropriate type. A flameproof type is required where flammable vapours are released;

Hearing protection;

Properly maintained self-contained breathing apparatus, where appropriate.

2.7.12 Safety Showers Safety shower shall be installed where chemical, corrosive or flammable substances are used. NOTE: this may be a drench type shower, a hand-held spray, or other type as appropriate to the hazards of the particular laboratory. There shall be not more than 10m travel distance to such devices from any point in laboratory. These devices, and their actuating mechanisms,



shall be located so that the approach to them is unobstructed. Safety showers shall be alarmed to Security for emergency response.

2.7.13 Emergency Eye-Wash Stations Eye-wash facility of appropriate type as required by the relevant codes shall be installed in each room where chemical, corrosive, or flammable substances are used, or handled. A permanently fixed aerated type, which can be foot operated without using hands, is preferred. Provision shall be made to drain or restrain any excess water from these devices. Water pressure testing is to be carried out to ensure the discharge is in accordance with the specific requirements.

2.7.14 First Aid/Rest Rooms The Project Architect shall incorporate adequate first aid facilities, including one such room in each building design. The supply and installation of any necessary safety equipment shall be specified.

If it is intended that the room is to be designated for use as a first aid room, then it shall comply with the Occupational Health and Safety legislative requirements.

2.7.15 Wall Fitments All wall-mounted fitments shall be designed to prevent personal injuries from failure of components. Where shelf units have weight limitations that can readily be exceeded, a maximum loading label shall be displayed. Glass display cabinets, including glass doors, track and locking mechanisms shall comply with all safety standards ensure sufficient & accurate structural backing is provided.

Where Chemicals are to be stored on shelves the relevant legislative and Australian Standards requirements comply.

2.7.16 Flammable Liquid Stores An appropriate automatic fire extinguishing flood system in accordance with current practice e.g. carbon dioxide system, shall be provided. Construction of the flammable liquid store shall be in accordance with the current Statutory Regulations and relevant Australian Standards and approved by appropriate control authorities.

2.7.16.1 Flammable Liquid Indoor Storage Cabinets

Where the use of flammable liquid indoor storage cabinet is specified, they shall be supplied and installed in accordance with AS1940 and Occupational Health & Safety and Dangerous Goods legislative requirements. Attention is drawn to the provision of AS1940 with respect to cabinet separation and ventilation, together with ignition sources requirements.

2.7.17 Gas Cylinder Storage All facilities shall comply with Occupational Health & Safety Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling regulations 2000) and relevant Australian standards and be certified by the Project Architect that the work are acceptable to the Victorian WorkCover Authority.

It is preferred that gas cylinders are stored in a loading bay with one or more sides open to the atmosphere. This storage shall be provided with the necessary segregation of particular gases and means of security cylinders against falling. It will be necessary to safe-guard then from external damage from motor vehicles and to provide protection from sunlight.



Where practicable, gas cylinders which are connected to consuming apparatus shall be located outside the building. “Just in time” delivery and manifolds of cylinders in the storage area shall be investigated and discussed with the Deputy Director Facilities Services during the design process.

2.7.18 Radioactive Substances Design considerations shall be confirmed with the Radiation Officer, People Services and the RMIT Project Manager and include all pertinent details such as:

size of room;

number of people expected to occupy the room;

building construction materials;

type and quantity of each isotope to be used;

details of apparatus producing radiation; including x-ray diffraction units, neutron generators etc.;

furniture and equipment, including details of storage of radioactive material;

requirements for testing and ventilation of air conditioning;

disposal of radioactive wastes;

plumbing details — drainage of sinks, floor wastes, and dilution pits.

2.7.19 Radiation Control The design and subsequent working procedures within buildings shall comply with the provisions of the Victorian Health (Radiation Safety) Act 1994 and regulations as amended from time to time; the appropriate Codes of Practice issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council; and the relevant AS2243.4. The Safety Health & Risk Management Branch shall be consulted during the preparatory planning stages.

Any system capable of emitting ionizing radiation or radioactive materials shall not be used without the specific written permission from People Services. All facilities containing radioactive sources shall be identified by the appropriate design.

Two major hazards as mentioned below shall be controlled when radioactive material, or apparatus capable of emitting ionizing radiations, are going to be used within a building; (detailed control requirements shall be determined by the magnitude and nature of any potential hazard in a given location).

2.7.19.1 External Radiation

Radiation sources (e.g. x-ray unit, sealed irradiation units etc.) shall be carefully located with respect to occupied areas. Consideration shall be given to possible radiation beams or scatter through roof, floor and walls. Suitable shielding shall be used to ensure safe working conditions in adjacent locations. Certification by a radiation expert as to the adequacy of the design is essential.

2.7.19.2 Contamination Control

Cross contamination of equipment is often a problem of greater concern than the radiological protection of personnel, dispensing/preparation and counting areas shall therefore be separated.

Disposal of gaseous waste, either through fume hoods, stacks or general building ventilation shall be so arranged that any exhaust does not re-enter the emitting building or other nearby buildings.



Non-radioactive liquid waste can be disposed of via the normal drainage system. Adequate supplies of sinks and running water shall therefore be provided in radioisotope laboratories.

The storage facilities needed will depend on the nature and quantity of the materials handled. Where highly radioactive sources are to be used, the store shall be included in the building design.

2.7.20 Security The University aims to obtain a safe, secure building in the simplest yet most effective way involving practical and cost considerations. The options of a manual key system or an electronic card access system shall be evaluated for each project with the Manager, Security Branch and where necessary, designed to link in and complement the existing systems. Refer to Section 12 Electronic Security including the application to building design.

Due consideration shall be given to lighting and emergency communication points.

Refer to Section 12 of this Brief for guidelines on security and access control requirements.

2.7.21 Services Diversions/Interruption of Supplies The proposed routing of temporary or permanent services is to be approved by the RMIT Project Manager after consultation with the Manager, Engineering and Maintenance.

2.7.22 Microprocessor-Controlled Equipment The University has strict guidelines for purchasing computer hardware. The advice of the Manager, Engineering and Maintenance Branch and Manager, Network and Communications should be confirmed by the Services RMIT Project Manager before the selection of any microprocessor-controlled equipment for building projects.

2.7.23 Provisional and Prime Cost Sums Recommendations as to the extent of work to be covered by Provisional Sum is required by the Project Architect. It is requested that these sums be kept to a minimum. Ensure that P.C. sums allowed in documents are realistic figures based on known costs or preliminary estimates. P.C. Sums are to include all associated costs. Refer to Clause 8.4.2 and for Provisional allowance requirements for Fire Panels.

2.8 ACOUSTICS AND VIBRATION IN BUILDINGS - STANDARDS Refer to Section 13 for Acoustic Vibration details.

2.9 SITE CONDITIONS

2.9.1 Survey Bench Marks RMIT has established on the site a number of permanent survey benchmarks. A copy of existing benchmarks drawing showing the location will be made available to the Project Architect for use in setting out.



2.9.2 Existing Site Condition Survey Upon receipt of a commission, RMIT shall provide the Project Architect with a feature and level survey of existing ground levels.

The Project Architect shall carry out a joint inspection with the Contractor of existing roads, services and building conditions within the immediate vicinity of the project for the purpose of recording existing conditions and any damage that is apparent. This survey together with photographs etc is to be included in the contract documents after due consultation with the University. Prior to the issue the Certificate of Practical Completion, a further inspection and list of remedial works is required to ensure that the areas in question are returned to their original condition including revegetation and significant landscape features. The Project Architect is to confirm completion of any rectification works co-signed by the Contractor.

2.9.3 Foundation Investigation The Project Architect shall arrange unless otherwise agreed for this work to be carried out and provide copies of the results to RMIT for record purposes.

The costs associated with these investigations will be paid by RMIT.

A copy of this report shall also be included in the Contract documents.

Copies of the results of test bores and investigation reports are to be forwarded to the Property Services for record purposes.

2.9.4 Earthquakes All new buildings shall be designed in accordance with the current Australian Standards AS2121.

2.10 LOADINGS AND STANDARDS

2.10.1 Notes on Floor Loadings (i) The University buildings should be designed for floor loadings generally in conformity with those

specified in the loading code A.S1170 of the Standards Association of Australia.

(ii) The University will not support proposals for floor loads heavier than these standards unless there are specific reasons for doing so. These reasons should be fully documented in any request to vary from the standards.

(iii) The adoption of 3.0 kN per m2 for academic areas, lecture rooms and generally in laboratories will avoid unnecessarily heavy and expensive structure and at the same time ensure flexibility of room use.

(iv) The loading for stack areas in libraries is defined in the code A.S1170 as 3.3 kN per m2 for each clear metre of height of room. Measurements of real situations suggest that the figure is high when applied to the University. Provided the consent of the Building Surveyor/Certifier is obtained, the University would accept an appropriate floor loading for university libraries in which the height of shelves does not exceed 2.3m subject to approval in writing be the Associate Director, Projects.



2.10.2 Floor Slabs

2.10.2.1 Design

Floor slabs shall be designed for the most economical construction and flexibility of use with due consideration to long-term deflections and the need to provide for penetrations both initially and during the course of the building's life. The need to core holes up to 200mm diameter or to provide penetrations up to 1200mm square in selected areas at a later date should be taken into account during design. All floors are to be finished within a maximum tolerance of ± 3mm in a 3,000mm straight edge.

Provision shall be made for the installation of compactus shelving in all general office areas and in other areas where specifically nominated.

2.10.3 Floor Penetrations With particular reference to laboratory type buildings, all floor penetrations and associated service pipes are to be fully sealed with a flexible material to control water penetration between levels and fire separation requirements between compartments. As a general rule all floor penetrations are to include for a sleeve or be finished off approximately 25mm above finished floor level. Where wet areas occur within a building, their relationships to specialized areas are to be given consideration in the planning stage including installation of puddle flanges where appropriate.

2.10.4 Slabs with a Bituminous Membrane Surface Fall to be provided in the surface of suspended pavement and roof slabs to ensure that the applied bituminous membrane surface will also have a built-in fall upon completion. As an alternative, a graded screed installed prior to the membrane being laid should be considered. Coving of membrane at junctions with walls, etc. to be included to contain seepage. Levels of drainage outlets to be set to provide a relief point for seepage at the membrane level as well as the normal run off at granolithic level.

Guarantees & warranties for the membrane shall be provided in accordance with RMIT requirements included elsewhere. (Refer to Section 1 Appendix 1.I).

2.10.5 Floor Wastes These are required within all wet areas i.e. laboratories, toilets, plant rooms, tunnels, laundries, etc. and care should be taken to ensure that adequate falls to these points are specified and achieved.

Floor wastes to have a removable chrome plated brass grate. Floor waste risers to be not less than 80mm diameter. All risers shall be fitted with an approved flange and shall be cast into the concrete floor slab. Floor wastes where possible to be charged with a fixture. Provide deep seal (75mm) traps to plant/air handling and laboratories. Floor to be graded to the floor wastes. Any sub-flooring membranes are to be also graded to the puddle flange.



2.10.6 Expansion Joints Particular care to be taken to ensure that adequate expansion joints are specified and provided in the structural design of brickwork, blockwork and concrete etc. As a general rule, the junctions between individual buildings should be tested independently, i.e. a structural separation of 30mm minimum to be maintained. Expansion joints are to continue through the surface finish where necessary.

2.11 GENERAL TRADE STANDARDS

2.11.1 Termite Control Anti-termite treatment shall be provided to all new buildings. All workmanship and materials shall conform to the requirements of the Australian Standard for protection of buildings from subterranean termites.

Consideration shall be given to any disruption to adjacent building users where treatment is required.

All tree roots which have been exposed during excavation, tree stumps, logs and timber shall be fully excavated and removed from the building site. Tree roots from adjacent trees are to be reported to the Associate Director, Projects prior to removal.

2.11.2 Sub-base Membrane All internal ground slabs shall have, as a minimum, a plastic sheet membrane of 300 microns turned up at the perimeter and with all joints taped. Floors and walls shall be fully tanked where below grade or subject to hydrostatic pressure.

2.11.3 Anti-Graffiti Protection Anti-Graffiti application should be applied to brick and concrete surfaces as directed by the University.

2.12 DOORS

2.12.1 Pressed Metal Door Frames (other than Fire Doors) 1.6mm gauge and zinc chromate primed prior to delivery or powder coated aluminium.

2.12.2 External Doors All external entrance doors to be recessed into foyers sufficient to provide protection from prevailing wind pressure when opened. Canopies may be provided for additional protection.

Provision for access and egress by persons with disabilities to be in accordance with the codes.

Glass doors shall be clearly marked, such that they are visible to all users of the building, with either push, pull or sliding signs and include and intermediate safety bar to avoid people walking into them. Embossed design to clearly identify doors may be a consideration.

The majority of RMIT University’s Electrically operated doors are to be on ARES Swipe card access. However in the event that an Electric key switch is required then this must be keyed up to the relevant Restricted Master key system (TWIN / Status Six) as directed by RMIT Locksmiths.

External timber doors shall be solid core doors faced with waterproof ply and have solid top and bottom edge strips. Top and bottom edges shall be fully treated with primer before painting. A painted finish is preferred for external doors.



2.12.3 Door Furniture and Keying A complete lock and hardware schedule shall be prepared by the Project Architect in conjunction with the RMIT Project Manager, University Locksmith and the User.

Lockwood construction keyed system compatible with the University master key system shall be fitted during construction.

LOCK CHARACTERISTICS TABLE

Location Lock Type Characteristics

Academic Offices } General Staff Offices } Conference Rooms }

3572 Series Cylinder lock fitted to outside of door. Handles both sides. When locked by key, outside handle is inoperative, inside handle remains free to open doors.

Lecture Theatres } Seminar Rooms } Laboratories }

3572 Series Cylinder lock fitted to outside of door. Handles both sides. When locked by key, outside handle is inoperative, inside handle remains free to open doors.

Exit Doors 3572 Series Opening Out.

Service Cupboards 3572 Series Opening Out.

AV Cupboards 3572 Series Opening Out.

Plantrooms, Main Electrical Switchboards

3572 Series Opening Out.

Swing Doors 3572 Series

Laboratories Refer to Project Co-ordinator before preparing specification.

Cupboard Locks 693ASC Series Refer to Project etc. (as above)

Fire Alarm/EWIS Panels CL-003 Refer to Project etc. (as above)

Service Cupboards CFS-PL Refer to Project etc. (as above)

2.12.3.1 Specific Requirements

a) Only Lockwood 3572SC D/L series cylinder mortice locks with satin chrome finish are to be used. No other lock will be acceptable unless specifically approved by the RMIT Project Manager and University Locksmith.

b) Only Lockwood 1800/1900 series plate door furniture must be used with a 90 Lever Square handle. The most common applications are:

1801/90SC – Exterior Handle with Cylinder Hole.

1805/90SC – Exterior Handle Plain.

1904/90SC – Interior Handle with Snib.

1905/90SC – Interior Handle Plain.

c) All RMIT University locks must be egress escape from the inside as per Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Requirements. Lever handles are also mandatory for single action egress purposes. i.e. Accessible to persons with a physical disability. The Contractor is to ensure that these locks are correctly set prior to installation.

d) All locks to be keyed in accordance with an identified status six or TWIN master key system. A letter will be issued by RMIT to Lockwood Australia (Assa Abloy) authorising the Project Architect and/or Contractor to liaise with RMIT University Locksmiths to order and install the cylinders to the required specification. All RMIT status six or TWIN Master Key Systems are to be controlled and maintained by RMIT University Locksmiths.



e) Master keying on all projects for maintenance and services areas will be determined by the RMIT Locksmith for applicable codes. Cylinder(s) will be supplied to the Contractor complete with construction keying if required.

f) FCS-IT Key Code lock is to be used for floor communications rooms. FCS-PBX Key Code is to be used for main building communications rooms (larger 4 rack rooms accommodating MDF and routers).

g) The relevant electrical supply authority will provide special lock cylinders for high tension electrical substations where applicable.

h) All external and internal fire hose/hose reel cabinets shall be fitted with D handles and roller catches only with 90 or 180 degrees hold-open arms and chains. Doors to cabinets shall be painted and sign written to comply with the latest relevant Australian Standard, and AS1319 and other adjacent signage in consultation with the RMIT Project Manager.

i) All automatic door controls, control locks to lifts and roller grilles to be Lockwood TWIN Keying System.

j) When using 1904/90SC Snib handle, the snib bar must be cut to the correct size so it is flush with the turn-snib.

k) Keys for cylinders on delivery shall be provided to the RMIT Locksmith for final distribution.

l) The Contractor is to ensure that cylinder holes are drilled out properly during installation e.g. The hole must be big enough

m) Correct strike plates and strike boxes shall be fitted to all frames. The Contractor is to ensure that Strike holes are completely drilled/filed out, e.g. Drilling/filing out only a sliver of a hole where the Strike is to rest will not allow the lock to dead latch.

n) Directory and Notice Boards are to be keyed alike where possible.

o) The Contractor is to ensure that mortice locks are installed to specification.

All locks shall be keyed in accordance with the University’s Master Key System. Refer to the University’s Locksmith Supervisor for further information.

Refer to Appendix 2H for information on Door Hardware.

2.12.4 Substation Keying Keyed cylinders for substations are provided by the Supply Authority and are not to be keyed into the RMIT system. The Contractor is to arrange delivery from the Authority to suit the construction programme.

2.12.5 Door Closers "Lockwood" 426 door and Dorma surface mounted or Dorma floor mounted where applicable. All doors fitted with door closers are to be provided with sturdy door stops securely fixed with masonry anchors. Bracket mounted door stops are to be provided at door heads where wind pressures are excessive.

2.12.6 Fire Doors Fire doors shall be installed with approved signage as indicated in the BCA and in consultation with the Fire Services Coordinator, Property Services. Doors shall be provided with fixing points for magnetic closers in addition to normal fixing facilities.

Fire doors shall incorporate a view panel which shall not exceed 65000mm² in area and the location of the opening shall not encroach on any structural framework of the door leaf in which it is placed. A certificate from the fire door manufacturer is required to confirm compliance with the fire regulation.



2.12.7 Automatic Doors See Clause 6.10.3 for specification of Automatic Doors and Actuators.

2.12.8 Door Mats Door mats shall be provided in mat recesses at each access to the building. Mat recesses shall be formed by brass angle set into the concrete. Mat recesses for fire-isolated areas shall be external and shall be adequately drained if exposed to weather.

2.13 SIGNAGE

2.13.1 Room Numbering System The University has an established system for allocating room numbers. The Project Architect shall consult the RMIT Project Manager before allocating room numbers, and shall ensure that the University system is followed from the developed sketch plan stage.

Room/Spaces are to be numbered in a clockwise direction commencing at the major point of entry to a floor or area, working around the perimeter of the floor or area about the central corridor, from the perspective of a person walking around the corridor.

Doors/ entranceways are to be numbered in the order that they appear along the corridor, irrespective of which side of the corridor they may appear.

Subdivision of rooms:

In the instance where there is a room or rooms accessed via a non-circulation space (i.e. a room), the room number should take the next available whole number. Only in cases where there are no more numbers left, or a room is then split into 2 e.g. room 1 would then become room 1A and 1B.

Each service area, duct or access way (corridor, stair, lift etc.) is to be numbered so as to be repetitive vertically, i.e. a duct passing from bottom to top of the building will be given the same number on each floor.

The room numbering is represented by the “room/space’ number and type of usage, and is detailed in Section (iii) below.

2.13.2 Location/Designation of rooms/Spaces — Internally The University’s location designation (or room numbering) system is designed to permit each room to be given a number which is unique to that space and which permits its ready identification on any RMIT campus.

Each space or room number will consist of from four (4) to eight (8) digits. (refer to RMIT Signage Manual).

e.g.: 14-16-21 Computer Laboratory

Thus typical spaces will be numbered with building number, level number and space number as follows:

(i) Building Number Digits: are allocated to RMIT buildings thus:

Numbers 001 – 199 City Campus Numbers 200 – 249 Bundoora West Campus Numbers 250 – 299 Bundoora East Campus Number 401 Fishermans Bend



Number 450 Point Cook Numbers 500 – 539 Brunswick Campus Number 551 Essendon Airport Numbers 600 -619 Hamilton Number 621 Numbers 800-899

East Gippsland Vietnam

e.g.:

Building Level Room Space Designation

14 • 16 • 21 Computer Laboratory

8 • 8 • 01 Centre for Design

512 • 1 • 11 Textile Technology

(ii) Level Number Digits: are allocated to each floor level, commencing with the lowest level in a building as level 1 and proceeding up the building.

Buildings that are joined are considered as a single building for this purpose.

e.g.:



8 • 8 • 301 Electrical Riser

*(iii) Room/Space Digits: represent the “room/space” type or usage, thus:

Buildings that are joined are considered as a single building for this purpose, except in the case of Buildings 56 & 57, where progressively the numbering is being replaced with one set of numbers per floor, rather than floor and building.

001-199 Portfolio & Departmental rooms such as offices, Student Accommodation living spaces, laboratories, classrooms, lounge spaces, bedrooms, staff rooms, seminar rooms, store rooms etc.

301–399 Horizontal and vertical ducts, risers, service shafts.

401-499 Services rooms such as toilets, cleaners’ rooms, rest rooms, change rooms, showers, bathrooms in residential apartments, PABX rooms, plant rooms, store rooms.

201-299 Public circulation spaces such as lobbies, foyers, plazas, corridors, passages, stairways, lifts, escalators, etc.

e.g.:



*(iv) Designation: defines the type or usage of the room/space, such as:

Computer Laboratory;

PABX Room;

Electrical Switchboard;



Plant Room; etc.

(v) Lettering type and size: refer to RMIT signage manual

(vi) Sign content:

The sign will contain the following information in addition to building and level number:

Department Spaces/Offices: room number only unless directed otherwise.

All other rooms: room number and use or purpose.

Service rooms: room number and use or purpose

Duct spaces: room/space number only except items such as Electrical Switchboard where use or purpose is also to be indicated.

Each space is to be identified at the point or points of entry by the building number, floor level and room/space number. Where one “department space” is entered through another “departmental space” off a corridor or room then the entry at the corridor will be numbered with building, level and space numbers followed in brackets, with the level and space number of the inner room, thus:

e.g.

14-16-21 (21A-D) Computer Laboratory

(vii) Residential Apartments:

For Apartment Buildings the numbering of the spaces is much the same as for other university spaces with the following additional guidelines;

Each floor level will dictate the first number of the unit, so units on level 5 of a building would all have 5 as the first number: 501, 502 etc. These are only to be used for signage purposes on the front door. For all other purposes the spaces will be recorded in accordance with the door location, and additional rooms within the unit are numbered in the a,b,c etc convention as per other university spaces. Therefore the second unit, a two bedroom unit with a lounge room, will have numbers 002, 002A, and 002B.

Bathrooms are treated as service rooms, and are part of the 400 series, but have the suffix of the unit number for identification purposes. Therefore, the bathroom in unit 2 will be called 402. These spaces are to be numbered first before other service spaces on each floor to ensure conformity with the unit number. Eg.


2.14 CAMPUS SIGNAGE

2.14.1 General The University has adopted a new visual identity system which visually links the university’s academic/support entities and its commercial entities back to the masterbrand.

A University Signage Manual has been developed to provide RMIT University with guidelines for developing a signage system that will enable the University to display consistent, informative external and internal signage to all buildings and campus grounds. The University Signage Manual will also assist architect, designers and signage manufacturers to design print and fabricate consistent signs for the University.

The signage has been designed to reflect user needs.

Information is provided on an ‘as-needed’ basis in a logical sequence from ‘campus perimeter’ through to ‘destination arrival’.

The guiding principles of the RMIT visual identity must always be maintained to ensure the integrity of the university’s image. The brand identity guidelines as set out in the ‘RMIT University Corporate Identity Guidelines’ document must be read in conjunction with the ‘RMIT University Signage Manual’.

The Signage Manual must be referred to for all signage works, including the following:

Campus Entry, Campus Directional, Building Entry and Internal Signage.




2.14.2 Methodology of Signage The Methodology of the proposed signage is to provide sufficient information at each stage of a student or visitor’s ‘way-finding’ journey from the ‘campus perimeter’ through to ‘destination arrival’.

2.14.3 City Campus Campus Entry

Each major entrance to the main City Campus block, bounded by La Trobe, Swanston, Franklin and Russell Streets, will display a strong ‘branding statement’ and will be given an alphabetical identification for ease of locating the entry and to simplify ‘the journey to one’s destination’.

Heritage Building Entry

The historic Shield Signs (as made by students in the 1930s) in Bowen Street will be retained to assist the student to identify these buildings from a long distance.

2.14.4 All Campuses Campus Entries

At the main entrances, the Directory Information and Campus Map will give the student/visitor the general direction of the building that they wish to find.

Directional Signs

Once in the Campus open space, signs will indicate the direction of buildings as yet out of sight. At each entrance point to a building there will be an external sign, identifying the Building Number, Building Name (where designated) and the major ‘disciplines and activity areas’ within that building.

Building Directories

On entering the building there will be a Building Directory giving the location (Building, Level and room number) of the ‘discipline or activity area’ that the students/staff/visitors wish to find.

Level Directories

On building levels other than the entry level, there will be Level Directories adjacent to stairs and/or lifts giving the level and room numbers of the ‘disciplines or activity areas’ on that level.

Directions to toilets and similar amenities will also be given either on the Floor Directories or separately signposted as appropriate.

Point of Arrival Confirmation

The entrance door to each room will be numbered and student/visitor access rooms will also be prominently named. Major Venues and Activity Areas will have distinctive labelling at point of arrival.

Which signs provide information to disabled users?

RMIT considers all areas accessible to disabled users unless otherwise directed by reference displayed on building entry signs.



2.14.5 Door Signs and Room Numbers Unless otherwise requested, the Project Architect shall prepare a schedule of door signs and room numbers, in accordance with the RMIT Signage Manual. After discussion with the RMIT Project Manager, the Contractor is to arrange manufacture to the University standard. A sample shall be obtained from the RMIT Project Manager.

2.14.6 External Signage/Directory Boards A P.C. sum shall be included in each contract for the supply and erection of lettering to identify the particular building concerned & main Directory Boards.

The location is to be agreed with the RMIT Project Manager during the documentation stages.

Refer to RMIT Signage Manual for detail of building signage, lettering & construction.

2.14.7 Evacuation Signage Floor Plans identifying access points and assembly areas in A3 format are to be located at each access point, lobby areas or non exit corridors as recommended by the Manager Fire Engineering.

A provisional allowance should be included within the project cost or as directed by the Associate Director, Projects.

2.14.8 Safety/Hazards Signage Safety & hazards signage is to be clearly documented and coordinated with the various occupiers of the building as required by People Services in association with the RMIT Project Manager.

All safety equipment and facilities shall be clearly sign-posted in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.

There should be provision of a notice board for highlighting safety issues.

2.15 ROOFING

2.15.1 Roofs Care shall be taken in the design and specification of roofs to avoid rain penetration in strong winds.

Pitched roofs shall be used in preference to flat roof systems. The building Users may, however, require some useable roof area for experimental or other purposes.

All roof spaces shall have permanent, fixed, adequate access; be provided with catwalks and be sufficiently lit to enable the roof space to be traversed without danger 24 hours a day. The chemical reaction of aluminum in contact with other metals in an exposed situation shall be noted and avoided.

2.15.2 Guttering and Downpipes The Project Architect shall discuss the overall proposal with the RMIT Project Manager to confirm initial details and any essential specification requirements.



Internal gutter design shall be avoided where possible but if included shall clearly demonstrate the inclusion of controlled overflow to prevent flooding in the event of blockage. Necessary joints shall be first class quality in design and workmanship, with an inspection opening provided for cleaning.

Gutters are to be sized for a maximum rainfall intensity for a duration of 5 minutes re-occurring once in 100 years. Box gutters, gutters and downpipes shall be fabricated from copper, zinc, stainless steel or P.V.C. and shall be accessible.

Gutters to be a minimum depth of 90mm with a minimum of 25 mm freeboard. Provide removable galvanized mesh type leaf guard across the full area of all box gutter sumps.

For maintenance purposes sumps are to be a minimum width of 450mm and a minimum depth of 150mm. Internal downpipes shall generally be oversized, with no sharp twists and turns and be from Sanitary Plumbing Class PVC.

Downpipes are not to be cast into concrete columns, but enclosed in a suitable duct within the building envelope. Should it prove necessary to cast downpipes into concrete columns, inspection openings are to be located for easy access at maximum two storey locations.

Downpipes are to discharge over grated pits at ground level. In garden areas the grate level is to be at least 75mm above any garden mulch.

2.15.3 Roof Access Hatches Roof access door/hatches including ladder/ stairs access is to be designed to satisfy Occupation Health & Safety Requirement and must be keyed alike to the RMIT keying policy — refer Section 2.11.3

2.15.4 Safe Working on Roofs Architectural and Engineering designs shall conform to the appropriate health and safety legislative requirements and the requirements of the Building Code.

When designing roofs of buildings and structures the designer of the building or structure must take into account ongoing access and work requirements to the roof area upon completion of the building or structure and include in the architectural and engineering designs appropriate measures to allow safe access and work on this area. The designer of the building or structure must consult with the RMTI Manager, Maintenance and the University’s delegated Senior Advisor, Health and Safety with reference to access requirements to the roof area.

During construction works the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 Part 3.3 – Prevention of Falls and all relevant guidance material and Australian Standards must be complied with. Refer to Section 16 Occupational Health and Safety.

2.16 SITE AND BUILDING SERVICES The section listed below describe specific requirements for site and building services to be installed at the University.

Section 1 Administrative and Contractual Procedures

Section 2 General Planning and Design Standards

Section 3 Installation of Lifts

Section 4 Energy Management

Section 5 Mechanical Services

Section 6 Electrical Services



Section 7 Hydraulic Services

Section 8 Fire Services

Section 9 Building Controls

Section 10 Communications

Section 11 Audio Visual

Section 12 Electronic Security

Section 13 Acoustics &Vibrations in Buildings

Section 14 Design of Lighting Systems

Section 15 Instruction to Contractors

Section 16 Occupational Health & Safety

It does not set out to describe or compromise in any way the normal requirements and provisions for specifying services. If the requirements of the Brief are at variance with the requirements of good engineering practice and/or the requirements of the various statutory authorities, then the requirements of the Brief shall be superseded accordingly.

The Brief endeavours to co-ordinate and unify plant and equipment types to permit interchangeability of spares and simplify maintenance and operation within the University confines.

Where brand names are specified, these indicate the University’s preference. However, Consultants should permit suppliers to offer alternatives where such are considered to be superior.

All service systems shall be designed in SI units. All specification and contract drawings, calculations, instructions, etc. shall embody SI units only.

All services shall be constructed of materials complying to SAA standards where such materials are available.

All services shall be designed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and building regulations. Codes of practice and/or design guidelines not covered by the above shall be approved by the University.

All shop drawings shall be issued to the Service RMIT Project Manager and University’s Engineering and Maintenance Branch Managers for comment prior to construction.

Any design changes made during construction shall be issued to RMIT Project Manager Services and Engineering and Maintenance Branch Manager for information and comment.

Ventilation and exhaust systems height or fresh air exhaust and intakes shall consider adjoining buildings and air flow conditions.

2.17 FLOOR FINISHES

2.17.1 General When selecting floor finishes, the Project Architect shall give full consideration to safety, foot noise attenuation, anticipated traffic intensity, appearance retention, cost of cleaning, and the ability of the colour and design to disguise dirt and stains.

As a general rule, RMIT requires the floor coverings in its buildings to be permanently antistatic, very durable and capable of retaining a good appearance over as long a time scale as possible given reasonable maintenance standards. Where appropriate, polished exposed concrete may be acceptable.



However textile floor coverings (carpets) are the preferred finish due to their superior absorption of airborne and impact noise, along with their maintenance, comfort and safety features, vis-à-vis hard (stone and ceramic) and resilient (vinyl and rubber) flooring.

Lecture theatres, classrooms and adjacent circulation and corridor areas require a dense hard wearing loop pile carpet, with a firm cushion to aid in the absorption of impact noise without causing undue resistance to wheeled traffic. For other areas, anticipated traffic intensity, and the pattern of movement of staff, students and visitors will determine whether carpet is the most practical option.

Data sheets for each proposed floor finish detailing cleaning, maintenance and life expectancy information is to be submitted to the RMIT Project Manager for approval.

2.17.2 Flooring Selection Guide This section provides guidelines based on working day foot traffic passages. Areas should first be classified into one of the following categories;

1: Traffic Classification

Light/Moderate Traffic < 1,200 foot traffics per day

Heavy Traffic 1,200 to 2,500 foot traffics per day

Very Heavy Traffic 2,500 to 5,000 foot traffics per day

Ultra Heavy Traffic >5,000 foot traffics per day

Foot traffics are defined as the number of pedestrian movements through the most heavily used part of the area, usually one of the doorways or a corridor accessing several busy rooms.

When working day pedestrian traffic regularly exceeds 5000 passages per day, stock standard carpets, even when rated as Contract Extra Heavy Duty, is probably unsuitable and vinyl, stone, polished concrete or ceramic should be considered. It is possible to engineer a superior wearing carpet, which is referred to in the table as “Ultra Heavy Duty” carpet, and the advice of a professional carpet consultant should be considered in such circumstances.

All floor covering material shall be permanently antistatic to the degree that objectionable body voltage discharges are not experienced under the driest anticipated indoor humidity for the building.

Resilient flooring and carpet for specialized laboratories and mainframe computer facilities may be required to meet the anti-static standards of AS2834.

Carpets for general use shall not generate body voltages that exceed 3.5 kilovolts under the test conditions specified in American Association of Textile Chemists and Colourists (AATCC) Test Method 134. Any prospective carpet should initially be screened in relation to the duty rating it has been assigned by the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS), bearing in mind that the ACCS does not take into consideration the influence of colour and pattern in the masking of soil and stains. Imported carpets that are not rated by the ACCS but carry a duty rating couched in similar terms to the ACCS should be investigated to ensure that the basis of the rating is similar and that warranties and technical support are applicable in Australia.

The ACCS does not accept needle punched and flocked textile floor coverings for grading. For the purposes of considering these alternate forms of soft floor covering, the following rating equivalents shall apply. Note that at the time of publication some of those listed below did not comply with fire regulations for buildings without an approved sprinkler system (See clauses 8.4.1 and 8.6).



Table 2: Carpet Types not ACCS Rated

Product Supplier RMIT Rating

Fire Rated for Class 5, 6, 7 & 9b,

unsprinklered Avondale

Autex P/L Contract Heavy Duty No

Flotex® 200/150 Sheet or Tile

Karndean Australia P/L

Contract ULTRA Heavy Duty

Yes ISO9231-1

Flotex® Govt. Contract

Karndean Australia P/L

Contract Extra Heavy Duty

Yes ISO9231-1

Traxflor

Melded Fabrics Contract Heavy Duty No

Images

Autex P/L Contract Medium Duty

No

Orbit, Starfire, Jalapeno

Melded Fabrics Contract Medium Duty

No

Pedigree UV-tex

Karndean International P/L

Contract Medium Duty

Yes ISO9231-1

Pedigree Smokey Karndean International P/L

Contract Heavy Duty No

Tapisom

Tarkett Australia P/L Contract Extra Heavy Duty

Yes ISO9231-1

Table 3: Carpet Suitability

Traffic Classification

Light/Moderate Traffic

Heavy Traffic Very Heavy Traffic

Ultra Heavy Traffic

Typical Day Traffic Passages

< 1,200 1,200 to 2,500 2,500 to 5,000 >5,000

Carpet Type

ACCS Rating

ACCS Rating

ACCS Rating

ACCS Rating

Nylon Loop Pile Broadloom Carpet.

Contract Heavy Duty

Contract Heavy Duty


NOT SUITABLE1

Nylon Loop Pile Carpet Tiles.

Contract Heavy Duty

Contract Heavy Duty


NOT SUITABLE1

Wool Rich2 Loop Pile Broadloom Carpet.

Contract Heavy Duty

Contract Heavy Duty


NOT SUITABLE

Nylon Cut Pile Broadloom Carpet.

Contract Heavy Duty


NOT SUITABLE1

NOT SUITABLE

Nylon Cut Pile Carpet Tiles.

Contract Heavy Duty


NOT SUITABLE1

NOT SUITABLE

Polypropylene Loop Pile Broadloom Carpet.

Contract Heavy Duty

NOT SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE

Flotex® 150/200 Sheet or Tiles

SUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE

1 Standard ranges are not usually suitable. A consultant should be engaged to specify a suitable non-standard product. 2 Wool carpets must be permanently anti-static to the AATCC comfort standard.



Table 4: Resilient and Hard Flooring Suitability

Note: The slip resisting properties of resilient and hard floor surfaces shall be assessed with reference to Standards Australia Handbook HB197, An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials.




Ultra Heavy Traffic


< 1,200 1,200 to 2,500 2,500 to 5,000 >5,000

Linoleum Sheet. 2.0 mm SUITABLE (if regularly polished)

2.5 mm SUITABLE (if regularly polished)



Non-coated homogenous vinyl sheet or tile.3





PUR Coated homogenous sheet vinyl.4

SUITABLE SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE

PUR Coated heterogeneous sheet vinyl.5

SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE NOT SUITABLE

Ceramic Tile. SOME SUITABLE

SOME SUITABLE

SOME SUITABLE

SOME SUITABLE

Natural Stone. SOME SUITABLE

SOME SUITABLE

SOME SUITABLE

SOME SUITABLE

Terra Cotta Tile (sealed).

SUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE

3 E.g. Armstrong Nylex, , Excelon. Tarkett, Primo. Forbo, Marleyflor Plus. 4 E.g. Armstrong Nylex, Accolade. Tarkett, Eminent, Optima. Polyflor, 2000, Mystique, Finesse. 5 E.g. Armstrong Nylex, Possibilities. Forbo, Smaragd.

2.17.3 Fire Regulations All floor coverings must comply with the fire hazard properties of the current BCA for Class 5, 6, 8, or 9b buildings. The entire flooring system, including any underlay and adhesives, must be tested by ISO 9239-1 to determine its critical heat flux and smoke development rate.

BCA96 Specification C1.10a, Clause 2 (Table 1), which will become the sole deemed-to-satisfy condition when the code is next reviewed, permits use of a floor covering system which has a critical heat flux of not less than 1.2 kW/m2 if the building is protected by a complying sprinkler system.

If the building is not protected by a complying sprinkler system the floor covering system must have a critical heat flux of not less than 2.2 kW/m2 and a maximum smoke development rate of 750 percent-minutes.

Materials used as floor coverings in lift cars must have a critical heat flux of not less than 2.2 kW/m2.

Proof of compliance shall be provided by the architects (current Test Reports) to the Building Surveyor for inclusion in the building permit documentation.



2.17.4 Carpet Carpet shall be used where the average weekday traffic intensity is less than 5,000 passages per day. The choice of carpet shall be made with reference to the Section 2.17.2, where guidelines for performance are given based on the expected traffic conditions. Carpet should not be used in an area where traffic intensity regularly exceeds 5,000 passages a day.

In areas where some small part of a total area is subject to an abnormally high concentration of funnelled or turning traffic, e.g. near busy service counters, consideration may be given to the provision of reserve carpet for interim replacement of the high wear area rather than a change of flooring type.

Tufted broadloom carpet shall be installed by the double bond method over premium 4.7 mm high density SBR foam underlay (e.g. Bridgestone Airstep Slab) or 5.0 mm bonded urethane foam underlay (Dunlop Ultralay2 or UltraTac), unless otherwise approved by the RMIT Project Manager. All seams and cross-joins must be treated as recommended by the manufacturer to minimise fraying of the backing and reinforced with heavy-duty hot-melt carpet joining tape (Roberts 50-340 or equal)

Tufted carpet may be directly adhered to the floor where the application is temporary (less than 5 years) and/or underfoot comfort is not required. In individual rooms less than 20 m2 in area, tufted carpet may be laid by the perimeter gripper method using a Heavy Commercial rated natural rubber or bonded urethane foam underlay complying with AS4288-1999.

Loop pile modular carpet, adhered directly to the floor, shall be used where there is a demonstrable advantage in terms of initial cost and long-term flexibility such as in front of and behind service counters or for very heavy and extra heavy traffic areas. Where additional sound attenuation and underfoot comfort is required, a premium quality 3 to 4 mm thick modular carpet underlay (e.g. Bridgestone Tile Lay or Dunlop Modulay Tactile) may be used.

Where an underlay is used the Project Architect must ensure that the flooring system meets the BCA fire requirements.

Woven Wilton or Axminster carpet may be appropriate where special patterns or effects, which cannot be achieved with tufted carpet, are necessary to achieve a desired ambience, e.g. heritage buildings, function centres, etc. In these cases consideration should be given to the appointment of an independent carpet consultant to comment on the suitability of the proposed carpet specification and the method of installation. Printed nylon pile modular carpet should be considered where durability and design flexibility are paramount.

The Project Architect shall request from RMIT instructions as to whether carpet is to be supplied by RMIT or included as a Provisional Sum in the Contract with the Contractor to supply and lay.

Where carpet is to be supplied by RMIT, the Project Architect shall specify if carpet is to be laid conventionally on underlay, double bonded with slab foam underlay, or direct adhesive fixed. The Contractor shall:

Specify the quantity required including wastage

Supply underlay, adhesives, trims and accessories

Take delivery of the carpet, unload and store safely on and off site

Lay the carpet

Keep the carpet clean subsequent to laying

Supply underlay, adhesives, trims and accessories

Store reserve carpet free of charge for 12 months



Warrant installation workmanship for a period of 24 months

All carpets shall be installed in accordance with AS2455.1 and 2. Carpets installed by the perimeter gripper method in rooms greater than 20 m2 are to be power stretched.

2.17.5 Carpet Installation Guidelines A potentially good carpet can perform poorly through bad installation. Skilled and experienced tradesmen, whose work is guaranteed for at least 24 months, must always be used to carry out installation. Preference should be given to installation companies who have adopted a third party accredited Quality System.

Substrates for the installation of any carpet must be smooth and plane as defined in the Australian Standard AS2455.1. In buildings where the floors are timber, the floor must be sanded back to an acceptable standard or a hardboard underlay installed.

Broadloom carpet shall be installed by the double bond method, using a pressure sensitive adhesive to the substrate and a permanent setting, flexible adhesive between carpet and underlay, unless otherwise directed. All seams and cross-joins must be reinforced with hot-melt carpet seaming tape.

The perimeter gripper method may be used for small rooms less than 20m2 in area and for light/moderate traffic areas where there is to be little use of motorised wheelchairs and the like. Power stretching, to the degree recommended by the carpet manufacturer, is essential when the gripper method is used.

Modular carpet should always be installed by the “full stick” method using pressure sensitive adhesive at the cover rate recommended by the manufacturer.

Movement of timber floors, or installing across concrete expansion joints, can cause seam problems with vinyl or linoleum sheet, and very stable carpet materials like System Six® and Flotex®.

Where carpet tile abuts double bonded broadloom carpet, the floor level under the carpet tiles must be ramped up to counter the difference in thickness to the two systems, and a suitable trim bar installed to protect the edges of the broadloom carpet.

2.17.6 Slab Moisture Content Slab moisture content shall be checked prior to any adhesive fixed non-permeable floor covering being laid.

Where the construction program will not allow for the require moisture limits to be achieved through natural drying of the slab, The Project Architect shall specify the use of an appropriate water-proof membrane or concrete surface treatment.

2.17.7 Floor Finishes at Entrances The areas outside external entry points shall be paved with durable wet slip resistant material to reduce the risk of injury when surfaces are wet. Some form of weather resistant, passive, dirt and water collecting device should be considered. The requirements of AS1428.2, Design for access and mobility, Enhanced and additional requirements – Buildings and facilities, must be followed. In relation to floor surfaces, it should be noted that an abrupt change in level greater than 3mm is not permitted.

Immediately inside main entry points, the proximity of external sources of water, soil, and wind borne debris should dictate the type of floor covering. The floor finish for the first 2 or 3 metres of pedestrian travel within a building shall be a high performance, passive soil barrier material, such as Coral Plus Extra™ from Karndean Australia P/L, or equal.

Soil control is helpful to the maintenance of soft, resilient and hard floor finishes. Non-textile floor surfaces do very little to remove soil from the soles of contemporary footwear



and most of the soil they carry is only effectively removed when a textile floor covering is encountered. If it is not practical to trap soil at the external entry point, soil barriers materials should be placed just prior to the entry onto carpeted surfaces.

These passive soil barriers may be either in the form of mats or affixed to the floor by adhesive. If they are not recessed into the floor, they must have a trip resisting feathered edge and be heavy enough to tightly hug the floor. Less efficient, shorter life, materials may be used where the traffic is less intense and initial cost is important. However, an effective soil barrier will save its cost many times over in longer carpet life cycle and reduced cleaning costs. Recommendations are included in Table 5.

Table 5: Soil Barrier Material Selection Guide




Ultra Heavy Traffic


< 1,200 1,200 to 2,500 2,500 to 5,000 >5,000

Soil Barrier Material

Traxflor6, Decord7, Cordex7, Pedigree UV-tex8

Kencord6, Mr Rugged7, Pedigree Smokey8,

Coral Circulation8, Portico9

Coral Plus Extra8

6 Supplied by Melded Fabrics. 7 Supplied by Autex Pty Ltd. 8 Supplied by Karndean Australia Pty Ltd. 9 Supplied by Spectrum Floors Pty Ltd.

2.17.8 Floor Coverings for Wet Areas The slip resisting properties of resilient and hard floor surfaces for wet areas shall be assessed with reference to Standards Australia Handbook HB197, An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials. The Project Architect shall assess the propensity for the deterioration of slip resistance properties during service and take into account any special maintenance requirements necessary to preserve slip resistance in service.

Due to its durability and good wet slip resistance, the preferred floor covering for occasional food and beverage spillage areas, such as cafeterias, areas around vending machines, and the like, shall be Flotex™ flocked vinyl sheet. Resilient sheet materials may be used if, when tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4586:1999, they obtain Class X or R10 wet slip resistance rating.

Floor coverings for wet areas such as cleaner’s rooms, common rooms at servery counters and isolated basins shall be coved up the walls to a height of 150 mm and all joints welded.

Resilient floor coverings for any areas where bare feet are expected shall have Class W or B wet slip resistance rating.

Rubber floors, although they are resilient and may have adequate slip resistance, are relatively expensive initially but may be more economical in the long term and life-cycle costs should be considered.

Slip resistant vinyl flooring shall preferably be sourced from the Polyflor, Gerflor, Tarkett, Altro, or Armstrong range of products.

Where resilient flooring is to be laid over concrete, the concrete floor slab shall have a steel float finish with the tolerances specified in AS1884.

Exposed concrete Floor finishes shall be sealed to minimise dust and cracking.

Where wet areas occur within a building, their location in relation to specialized areas shall be given consideration in the planning stage.



2.18 LANDSCAPE & SITE PRESENTATION The University endeavors to provide where possible a pleasing landscape environment that considers personal safety.

External works shall comply with the Urban Design Principles detailed in the RMIT Technical Notes – City and Bundoora Campus (June 1996) including the following a copy of the Urban Design Principles can be obtained from the RMIT Project Manager.

Landscape completion Checklist is included in Section 1 Appendix 1.D.9 is to be issued to the RMIT Project Manager with a copy to the Deputy Director, Facilities Services on completion of the works.

2.18.1 Protection of Trees & Shrubs It is essential to retain as many of the existing trees, shrubs & native grasses on site as possible. Trees or shrubs are not to be removed, lopped or trimmed without the approval of the Deputy Director, Projects after due consultation. Any trees or shrubs that are within the Builder’s area will be fenced around and protected, and will not be considered as Builder’s area. The fence will be located to prevent damage to tree roots. Refer also to Section 15 Instruction to Contractors Clause 15.34.

2.18.2 Walkway Safety Concrete paths should be finished in such a way that they have adequate slip resistance and low maintenance. Steel trowelled finish is not suitable.

Lilydale topping is not to be used to areas within 20 meters from buildings.

Trees shall be selected that provide a sound structure that is regarded as a species that do not abort limbs and branches and are located not to inhibit path/street lighting.

Shrubs adjacent to path are to be selected such that the density & height does provide a situation that may threaten personal safety.

2.18.3 Bicycle Pathways and Parking Where appropriate, bicycle paths and parking facilities should be incorporated into the building design and surrounding landscape. Refer to AS2890.3 Bicycle Parking Policy and Aust Roads “Guide to Traffic engineering Practices – Part 14 Bicycles” and Section 4.1 Appendix 4.B for the RMIT Energy Management and Conservation Brief and Strategy.

2.18.4 Redgum Conservation and Regeneration Policy — Bundoora Campus

The Project Architect will ensure the protection of all of the remnant River Redgums at the Bundoora Campus. Six Redgums with scars have been verified as Aboriginal scar trees by the Heritage Services Branch, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. These trees are registered and stand protected as a record of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Bundoora region. All such trees must be protected by way of fencing or hoardings. Location to be approved by RMIT Project Manager.

The University’s revegetation program (of locally indigenous plant species) will provide a more robust eco-system for the Redgums and increase the habitat and amenity value of the Bundoora Campus. Landscape planning is to be discussed with and approved by the Executive Director, Property Services and be in accordance with the overall landscape strategy. Refer to the report Tree Health Management Strategy for the Significant Indigenous Trees of RMIT Bundoora Campus. Appendix 15.D of Section 15 AND RMIT



Bundoora Campus Red Gum Management Review. A copy management review can be obtained from the RMIT Project Manager.

2.18.5 Gardener’s Station A gardener’s station (where appropriate) is to be provided for the storage of small tools and motor mowers, including toilet and lunch room facilities. It is necessary that this area be accessible from the outside.

2.18.6 Garden Watering Points To be installed in accordance with the National Plumbing and Drainage Code AS3500-1 consisting of 18mm vandal-proof Hose Cocks and fitted with hose connection vacuum breakers. Located at intervals of approximately 30m around the perimeter of each building.

Installation of permanent or semi-permanent garden/lawn watering systems should be considered for the establishment and or ongoing watering requirements.

At the University’s discretion they will be mounted:

a) In cast iron ground boxes with hinged lids adjacent to the external face of each building. The pipe work servicing these garden points be a dedicated service and be fitted with a double check valve assembly in accordance with the National Plumbing and Drainage Code AS3500-1.

b) On copper stand pipes 500mm above ground level securely fixed to the external wall. These garden points may be supplied from the domestic service with no further back flow prevention required. Stand pipes shall be fitted with vandal proof taps.

c) Quick action coupling points for specific areas where recommended.

2.18.7 Landscaping Drainage Provide sub-soil drainage to below ground building structures, back of kerbs and landscape areas where excessive ground water may be a problem.

Pipework for straight lengths shall be slotted rigid uPVC pipes and fittings and elsewhere to be slotted flexible corrugated type pipe and purpose fittings. Pipe sizes to be 90mm minimum diameter.

Pipework shall be surrounded in 150mm clean, washed, evenly graded, granular bedding material. The granular material and pipework shall be overwrapped with a geotextile layer to prevent fines entering the drainage system.

Barrier fabric drains and geotextile strip drains can be provided where suitable.

Alternatively surface drainage as a feature of the project landscape design may be considered.

2.18.8 Drainage System The system should be designed to ensure that drainage from planter boxes, gravitates to appropriate local council stormwater drains. Include filter boxes etc, to prevent contamination.

2.18.9 Site Reinstatement Upon completion of the project, all miscellaneous footings, crane bases, and temporary services are to be removed and the areas returned to its original condition.



2.18.10 Security Lighting Security lighting shall be provided in the following areas of the academic buildings:

Concourse, undercroft and outdoor pavements;

Corridors and overall stairways;

Exterior doorway lighting

The lighting shall be controlled by a time lock and a by-pass switch, located in the distribution switchboard cupboard.


APPENDIX 2.A.1: TOWN PLANNING ADVICE – MELBOURNE PLANNING SCHEME PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO RMIT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

2.A.1.1 Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide an outline of the current town planning provisions under the Melbourne Planning Scheme that pertain to use and development within Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 of RMIT University’s City Campus as an update to a report prepared in May 2002.

The overview of planning controls is set out according to various ‘Precincts’ as follows and illustrated in Figure1:

Precinct 1 Main Campus. Properties bounded by Swanston Street, Latrobe Street, Russell Street and Franklin Street.

Precinct 2 Properties bounded by Swanston Street, Franklin Street, Elizabeth Street and A’Beckett Street.

Precinct 3 Former CUB Site. Properties bounded by Swanston Street, Victoria Street, Queensberry Street and Bouverie Street.

Precinct 4 Properties bounded by Victoria Street, Cardigan Street, Queensberry Street and Lygon Street.

Precinct 5 Properties bounded by Victoria Street, Swanston Street, Queensberry Street and Cardigan Street.



Figure 1 RMIT University Precincts

Note: This report summarises the planning controls that are applicable to RMIT University City Campus at the time of publication. The information contained within this report will require periodic updating to ensure this report remains an accurate, useable overview of applicable controls.

2.A.1.2 Precinct 1 - Main Campus

Figure 2 Precinct 1

2.A.1.3 Buildings and Works Permit Requirement

Precinct 1 (as shown in Figure 2) is predominantly contained within a Public Use Zone – 2 Education, with Buildings 19, 20, 21 and 23 contained within a Mixed Use Zone (refer to Figure 3). Under the provisions of the Public Use Zone – 2 Education, a planning permit is not required to construct a building, or to construct or carry our works on land contained



within the zone, provided the use is for the purpose of education and is carried out by or on behalf of the public land manager. The Melbourne Planning Scheme defines a public land manager as: The minister, government department, public authority or municipal council having responsibility for the care and management of public land. IN relation to crown land reserved under an Act and managed or controlled by a committee of management, other than the Melbourne Parks and Waterways or a municipal council, it means the Minister administering the Act and does not include a committee of management. The Public Use Zone provisions require that an application for a permit by a person other than a public land manager must be accompanied by the written consent of the public land manager. We understand that the RMIT administration is considered the public land manager. Nevertheless each title should be checked to ensure there are no restrictions on the capacity of RMIT University to exercise this right.

Within a Public Use Zone, a planning permit is required to construct a building or construct or carry out works associated with any permit-required use, and to subdivide land. An application for a permit by a person other than a public land manager must be accompanied by the written consent of the public land manager. Buildings 19, 20, 21 and 23 are contained within a Mixed Use Zone (refer to Figure 3). Under the provision of the Mixed Use Zone a planning permit is required to construct or extend one dwelling on a lot less than 300 square meters; construct a dwelling if there is at least one dwelling existing on the lot; construct two or more dwellings on a lot; extend a dwelling if there are two or more dwellings on the lot; construct a residential building; construct a building or construct or carry out works in association with a permit required use; and to subdivide land. Table 1 lists those uses that are Permit Not Required, Section 1 Uses within the Mixed Use Zone. Therefore any proposal connected to the use of the land for education requires a planning permit.

Figure 3 Precinct 1 – Public Use Zone 2 and Mixed Use Zone Table 1 Permit not required uses (Mixed Use Zone)

Use Condition Animal keeping (other than animal boarding)

Must be no more than 2 animals




Apiculture Must meet the requirements of the Apiary Code of Practice, May 1997. Bed and breakfast No more than 6 persons may be accommodated away from their

normal place of residence. At least 1 car parking space must be provided for each 2 persons able to be accommodated away from their normal place of residence.

Carnival/Circus Must meet the requirements of A ‘Good Neighbour’ Code of Practice for a Circus or Carnival, October 1997.

Dependent persons’ unit Must be the only dependent person’s unit on the lot. Dwelling (other than Bed and breakfast) Home occupation Information outdoor recreation Mineral exploration

Mining Must meet the requirements of Clause 52.08.-2. Minor utility installation Natural systems

Place of worship Must be no social or recreation activities. The gross floor area of all buildings must not exceed 180 square metres. The site must not exceed 1200 square metres. The site must adjoin, or have access to , a road in a Road Zone.

Railway Road

Search for stone Must not be costeaning or bulk sampling Telecommunication facility Buildings and works must meet the requirements of clause 52.19 Tramway

2.A.1.4 Heritage Overlay

Precinct 1 is affected by a number of Heritage Overlays (refer to Figure 4). Table 2 below lists all RMIT buildings contained within Precinct 1 that are listed in the schedule to the Heritage Overlays contained at Clause 43.01 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme, and includes any citation to the Heritage Register applicable to the listed building.


’

Figure 4 Precinct 1 – Heritage Overlay

Note: the building number correlating to the building name as expressed in the schedule has been included in a separate column titled “RMIT Building No. Reference’. The corresponding building numbers have been sourced from a spreadsheet provided by RMIT and included in Appendix A to this report.

Table 2 Precinct 1 – Buildings Contained within the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay

PS Map Reference

Heritage Place RMIT Building No. Reference.

Included on Victorian Heritage Register?

HO479 Building No. 4 RMIT, Bowen Street Melbourne

Building No. 4 No

HO480 Building no.’s 2, 3, 5, 6, & 7 RMIT, Bowen Street Melbourne

Building no.’s. 2, 3, 5, 6, & 7

No

HO481 Foresters Hall, 168-170 Latrobe Street Melbourne

Building No. 24 Yes. Ref No H1495

HO482 Former Hibernian Hall (Storey Hall) 344-346 Swanston Street Melbourne

Building No. 16 Yes. Ref No. H1498

HO483 Buildign No. 9, Bowen Street Melbourne

Building no. 9 Yes. Ref No. H1506

HO484 City Watch House, Russel Street Melbourne

Building no. 19 Yes. Ref No. H1006




HO485 Emily McPHerson College, Russell Street Melbourne


HO486 Police Garage, Russell Street Melbourne


HO487 Court of Petty Sessions, 325 Russell Street Melbourne

Building No. 20 No.

The above-mentioned Heritage Register citations are included in Appendix B to this report. The provisions of the Heritage Overlay require a planning permit for matters including to demolish or remove a building; construct a building or externally alter a building by structural work, rendering, sandblasting or in any other way; construct or display a sign. A permit is also required to externally paint those buildings contained within HO479, HO480, and HO487 as noted in the above table. No permit is required for repairs or routine maintenance, which do not change the appearance of a heritage building, and repairs must be undertaken to the same details, specifications and materials. Therefore, irrespective of the exemption from the requirement for a planning permit in the zone, the Heritage Overlay provisions trigger the need for a planning permit to demolish or remove a building; construct a building or externally alter a building by structural work, rendering, sandblasting or in any other way; construct or display a sign. Pursuant to the Melbourne City Council, Melbourne Planning Scheme incorporate document entitled ‘Heritage Places Inventory, June 2002’, the cultural heritage significance grading of the RMIT buildings is as shown in Table 3.



Table 3 Cultural heritage Significance Grading .

RMIT Building No. Reference

Building Grading Streetscape Grading

Building No 2 D -

Building No 3 D -

Building No 4 A -

Building Nos. 5 & 9 B 2

Building No 6 C -

Building No 7 C 2

Building No 13 B 1

Building No 16 A 2

Building No 18 A 1

Building No 19 B 1

Building No 20 A 1

Building No 24 B -

Pursuant to Clause 22.05 of the Planning Scheme, demolition of buildings classified as ‘A’ or ‘B’ will not be permitted nor will the demolition of the front part (usually considered as the front two rooms) of ‘C’ and many ‘D’ graded buildings.

2.A.1.5 Advertising Signs

The land is contained within ‘Category 3’ – High Amenity Areas’ and ‘Category 4’ ‘Sensitive Areas’ of the controls pertaining to advertising signs at Clause 52.05 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. Category 3 applies to the land contained within the Mixed Use Zone, while Category 4 applies to the land contained within the Public Use Zone. The purpose of the Category 3 control is to ensure that signs in high amenity areas are orderly, of good design and do not detract from the appearance of the building on which a sign is displayed or the surrounding area. Within Category 3, the following sign, likely to be of interest to RMIT, does not require a planning permit A ‘Direction’ sign defined as ‘a sign not exceeding 0.3 square metres that directs vehicle or pedestrians. It does not include a sign that contains commercial information’. Within Category 3, a planning permit is required for: an Above-Verandah sign, a Business Identification sign, a Floodlit sign, a ‘High Wall’ sign (subject to the condition that the sign must be a business logo or a street number); an Internally Illuminated sign; A pole sign; a Promotion sign (subject to the condition that the advertising area of the sign must not exceed 2 square meters), and a Reflective sign. All other signs are prohibited within Category 3 areas. A ‘Business Identification Sign’ is defined as: A sign that provides business identification information about a business of industry on the land where it is displayed. The information may include the name of the business or



building, the street number of the business premises, the nature of the business, a business logo or other business identification information. Any other sign is prohibited. The purpose of the Category 4 control, which applies to land in the Public Use Zone, is to provide for unobtrusive signs in areas requiring strong amenity control. Within Category 4, the following sign similarly does not require a planning permit: A ‘Direction’ sign defined as ‘a sign not exceeding 0.3 square metres that directs

vehicles or pedestrians. It does not include a sign that contains commercial information’.

A planning permit is required for a ‘Business Identification Sign’ subject to the condition that the total advertisement area to each premises must not exceed 3 square metres. A ‘Floodlit’ sign, defined as ‘A sign illuminated by external lighting provided for that purpose’, also requires a planning permit. Any other sign is prohibited.


2.A.1.6 Precinct 2 – Properties Bounded By Swanston, Franklin, Elizabeth and A’Beckett Streets

Figure 5 Precinct 2


Precinct 2 is contained within a Capital City Zone Schedule 1 – (Outside of the Retail Core) (refer to Figure 6). Table 4 lists those uses that are Permit Not Require, Section 1 Uses within the Capital City Zone Schedule 1 – (Outside of the Retail Core), and any conditions applicable to those uses.



Figure 6 Precinct 2 – Capital City Zone Schedule 1

Under the provisions of the Capital City Zone Schedule 1 (Outside of the Retail Core), a planning permit is required to construct or demolish a building or carry out works, although the following relevant exemptions apply:

Buildings and works exempted by Clause 62.02 (generic exemptions)

Alterations to a building authorised under the Heritage Act 1995 provided the works do not alter the existing building envelope or floor area

Footpath and vehicle crossovers to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

The construction or modification of a waste pipe, flue, vent, duct, exhaust fan, air conditioning plant, lift motor room or similar minor works provided they are to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

All development proposals require an “Urban Context Report” to be submitted with the planning permit application. The Urban Context Report is required to document the key planning influences on the development and how the development relates to its surroundings.

A parking minimisation policy is in the place in the Capital City Zone and consequently there is no minimum requirement to provide on site car parking associated with uses in this zone. A permit is required to provide car parking at rates which exceed a maximum level as stipulated in the Schedule to Clause 52.06.

Table 4 Permit Not Required Uses (Capital City Zone outside the retail core)

Use Condition

Accommodation (other than Corrective institution)

Any use permitted under the Reference Areas Act 1978, the National Parks Act 1975, the Fisheries Act 1995, the Wildlife Act 1975 or the Forest Act 1958.

Apiculture Must meet the requirements of the Apirary Code of Practice, May 1997

Education centre

Home occupation

Informal outdoor recreation

Mineral exploration

Mining Must meet the requirements of Clause 52.08-2



Minor sport and recreation facility

Pleasure boat facility

Must occur on the Yarra River or on land abutting the Yarra River which is managed by Melbourne Parks and Waterways or Parks Victoria.

Must be licensed by parks Victoria.

Minor utility installation

Office

Place of assembly (other than Amusement parlour and Nightclub)

Railway, Road

Retail premises (other than Adult sex bookshop, Department store, Hotel, Supermarket, and Tavern)

Search for stone Must not be costeaning or bulk sampling

Tramway

Any other use not in Section 3 (i.e. not a prohibited use)

A use conducted by or on behalf of Melbourne Parks and Waterways or Parks Victoria under the Water Industry Act 1994, the Water 1989, the Marine Act, the Port of Melbourne Authority Act 1958, the Parks Victoria Act 1998 or the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Precinct 2 is also contained within a Design and Development Overlay. DDO Schedule 1 – Area 3 (Other Areas) applies to all buildings within the Precinct, while DDO Schedule 1 – Area 2 (Major Pedestrian Areas) and DDO Schedule 3 (Traffic Control Frontages) apply to the Swanston Street frontages of buildings 39, 48 and 80 due to the high pedestrian volumes (Refer to Figures 7).

Figure 7 Design and Development Overlay Schedule 1 (Area 3) and Design and Development Overlay Schedule 3 respectively

The provisions of the Design and Development Overlay require a planning permit for matters including to construct a building or construct or carry out works, and to subdivide land.

Design and Development Overlay Schedule 1 requirements specifically refer to the treatment of ground floor frontages (specifically Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street), with




Area 2 covering ‘Major Pedestrian Areas’ and requiring active interfaces, and Area 3 covering ‘Other Areas’ and requiring ground floor frontages to contribute to the safety, visual interest and vitality of the street.

Design and Development Overlay Schedule 3 refers to ‘Traffic Conflict Frontages’ prohibiting vehicular egress to the frontages of Buildings 39, 48, and 80.


The provisions of the Capital City Zone Schedule 1 – (Outside of the Retail Core) specify that a planning permit is required to erect an advertising sign. However, the following exemptions apply:

Advertising signs exempted by Clause 52.05.3 (generic exemptions)

An under verandah business sign if: It does not exceed 2.5 metres measured horizontally, 0.5 metres vertically and 0.3

metres between the faces of the sign.

It is located between 2.7 metres and 3.5 metres above ground level and perpendicular to the building façade and :

It does not contain any animation or intermittent lighting.

A ground-floor business sign cantilevered from a building if: It does not exceed 0.84 metres measured horizontally 0.61 metres vertically and

0.3 metres between the faces of the sign

It is located between 2.7 metres and 3.5 metres above ground level and perpendicular to the building façade and;

It does not contain any animation or intermittent lighting.

A window display A non-illuminated sign on a verandah fascia, provided no part of the sign protrudes

above or below the fascia.

Clause 22.07 of the planning scheme contains local policies which further limit the type of advertising signage permitted in the Capital City Zone. The Schedule to the Clause specified limitations regarding sign dimensions, sign locations and the maximum number of signs per building frontage. The control varies according to the height at which the sign will be mounted. These controls apply to a horizontal projection and façade mounted sign at ground level and a wall sign, sky sign and wall mounted projecting sign located from first floor to 40m.


2.A.1.9 Precinct 3 – Former Cub/Pacific Central Site Bounded By Swanston, Victoria, Queensberry And Bouverie Streets

Figure 8 Precinct 3

2.A.1.10 Building and Works Permit Requirement

Precinct 3 is contained within the Comprehensive Development Zone Schedule 2 – Pacific Central (refer to Figure 9). Within the Comprehensive Development Zone Schedule 2 – Pacific Central, no buildings or works may be constructed until a plan of the overall development of the land has been prepared to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. The plan must be generally in accordance with the Pacific Central Development Planning Application: Architectural Documents (18 pages) as prepared by Ashton Raggatt McDougall and dated 13 September 1995.

It is also a requirement that an Open Space Plan and a Traffic Plan be prepared.

A building or works must not exceed the height above the Australian Height Datum for any particular site as shown on the Proposed Building Envelope Controls as they appear in the Central Pacific development Planning Applications: Architectural Documents date 13 September 1995. A permit may be granted to allow architectural features, communications equipment or building service to exceed any given height.

The approved building envelope plans details lower levels at the street frontages which step up in the centre of the site. The highest tower is located on the Victoria/Swanston Street corner. The built form steps up towards the Queensberry Street frontage.



Except with a permit, the total number of car parking spaces shall not exceed 1,500.

Figure 9 Precinct 3 – Comprehensive Development Zone (schedule 2)


Precinct 3 is partly contained within a Heritage Overlay (refer to Figure 10). H025 applies to the ‘Carlton Brewery, Bouverie Street Carlton’, and the site is included in the Victorian Heritage Register (Reference No. H24). This Victorian Heritage Register citation is included in Appendix B to this report.

The provisions of the Heritage overlay require a planning permit for matters including to demolish or remove a building; construct a building or externally alter a building by structural work, rendering, sandblasting or in any other way; construct or display a sign.

No permit is required for repairs or routine maintenance, which do not change the appearance of a heritage building, and repairs must be undertaken to the same details, specifications and materials. A permit may be granted for uses that would otherwise be prohibited.




Figure 10 Precinct 3 – Heritage Overlays

Note: The building number correlating to the building name as expressed in the schedule have been included in a separate column titled ‘RMIT Building No. Reference’. The corresponding building numbers have been sourced from a spreadsheet provided by RMIT and include in Appendix A to this report.


Prior to the completion of the development (or any stage of the development), .a plan showing the type, location and dimensions of all signage must be prepared to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. This requirement does not apply to the following:

A flagpole

A window display

A sign on a verandah fascia

A sign inside a building not normally seen from outside the building

A business sign where the advertising area to each tenancy does not exceed 8 square metres

A home occupation sign

A direction sign.


2.A.1.13 Precinct 4– Properties Bound By Victoria Street, Cardigan Street, Queensberry Street And Lygon Street, Carlton

Figure 11 Precinct 4


Precinct 4 is contained within a Mixed Use Zone (refer to Figure 12). Under the provisions of the Mixed Use Zone a planning permit is required to construct or extend one dwelling existing on the lot; construct two or more dwellings on a lot; extend a dwelling if there are two or more dwellings on the lot; construct a residential building; construct a building or construct or carry out works in association with a permit required use; and to subdivide land.

Education is a Section 2, permit required use and therefore a planning permit is required for building and works.



Figure 12 Precinct 4 – Zoning (Mixed Use Zone) and Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 44)

Table 5 lists those uses that are Section 1, Permit Not Required Uses within the mixed Use Zone, and any conditions applicable to those uses. Education is a Section 2 use and therefore permit required use.

Precinct 4 is contained within a Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 44) which applies to Elizabeth Street and South Carlton (refer to Figure 12). The overlay triggers the need for a permit for buildings and works. The DDO prescribes a height limit control of eight storeys which should not be exceeded in order to maintain a building height contrast between this precinct and the CBD. An application for buildings and woks must be accompanied by a site analysis and urban context report which demonstrates how the proposed building or works achieve each of the Design Objectives and Built Form Outcomes of this schedule, and any local planning policy requirements.

Table 5 Permit Not Required Use (Mixed Use Zone)

Use Condition

Animal keeping (other than Animal boarding)


Apiculture Must meet the requirements of the Apiary Code of Practice, May 1997.

Bed and Breakfast No more than 6 persons may be accommodated away from their normal place of residence.

At least 1 car parking space must be provided for each 2 persons able to be accommodated away from their normal place of residence.

Carnival / Circus Must meet the requirements of A “Good




Neighbour” Code of Practice for a Circus or Carnival, October 1997.

Dependent person’s unit

Must be the only dependent person’s unit on the lot.

Dwelling (other than Bed and breakfast)

Home occupation


Mineral exploration

Mining Must meet the requirements of Clause 52.08-2.

Minor utility installation

Natural systems

Place of worship Must be no social or recreation activities.

The gross floor area of all buildings must not exceed 180 square metres.

The site must not exceed 1200 square metres.

The site must adjoin, or have access to, a road in a Road Zone.

Railway Road


Telecommunications facility

Buildings and works must meet the requirements of Clause 52.19

Tramway


Sections of Precinct 4 are also contained within a Heritage Overlay (refer to Figure 13). Table 6 below lists the RMIT buildings contained within Precinct 4 that are listed in the schedule to the Heritage Overlay contained at Clause 43.01 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme.


Figure 13 Precinct 4 – Heritage Overlays Note: The building number correlating to the building name as expressed in the schedule have

been included in a separate column titled ‘RMIT Building No. Reference’. The corresponding building numbers have been sourced from the spreadsheet provided by RMIT and included in Appendix A to this report. H0118 does not affect RMIT buildings in this precinct.

Table 6 Precinct 4 – Buildings Contained within the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay

PS Map Reference

Heritage Place RMIT Building No. Reference

Included on Victorian Heritage Register?

HO35 18-22 Cardigan Street Carlton

Building No. 75 & 93. Note: it also appears that Building No. 53 is included in this listing

No

HO36 50-56 Cardigan Street Carlton

Building Nos.

69, 74, 43 & 76

No

HO64 1-31 Lygon Street Carlton

Building No. 96 No

HO70 16-22 Orr Street Building No. 72 No

The provisions of the Heritage Overlay require a planning permit for matters including to demolish or remove a building; construct a building or externally alter a building by structural work, rendering, sandblasting or in any other way; construct or display a sign; and to externally paint all buildings listed in the above table.




No permit is required for repairs or routine maintenance, which do not change the appearance of a heritage building, and repairs must be undertaken to the same details, specifications and materials.

Pursuant to Council’s Conservation Study – ‘Heritage Places Inventory, June 2002’, the cultural heritage significance grading of the RMIT buildings is as follows:

Building 75 and 93 are graded ‘D’ in Council’s Conservation Study and are contained within a Level 3 Streetscape.

Building 72 is graded ‘D’ in Council’s Conservation Study and within a Level 3 Streetscape

Building 69, 74, 43 and 76 are graded ‘C’ in Council’s Conservation Study and are contained within Level 2 Streetscape

Building 96 is graded ‘C’ and partially ‘D’ in Council’s Conservation Study and is contained within a Level 2 Streetscape

In relation to the buildings included in the Heritage Overlay, demolition is against Council policy and external paint controls apply.


The land is contained within ‘Category 3’ ‘High Amenity Areas’ of the controls pertaining to advertising signs. The purpose of the control is to ensure that signs in high-amenity areas are orderly, of good design and do not detract from the appearance of the building on which a sign is displayed or the surrounding area.

Within Category 3, the following sign, likely to be of interest to RMIT does not require a planning permit:

A ‘Direction’ sign defined as ‘a sign not exceeding 0.3 square metres that directs vehicles or pedestrians. It does not include a sign that contains commercial information’.

Within Category 3, a planning permit is required for: an Above-Verandah sign; a Business Identification sign; a Floodlit sign; a ‘High Wall sign’ (subject to the condition that the sign must be a business logo or a street number); an Internally Illuminated sign; a Pole sign; a Promotion sign (subject to the condition that the advertising area of the sign must not exceed 2 square metres; and a Reflective sign. All other signs are prohibited within Category 3 areas.


2.A.1.17 Precinct 5 Properties Bounded By Victoria Street, Swanston Street, Queensberry Street and Cardigan Street.

Figure 14 Precinct 5

2.A.1.18 Building and Work Permit Requirement

Precinct 5 is contained within a Mixed Use Zone (refer to Figure 15). Under the provisions of the Mixed Use Zone a planning permit is required to construct or extend one dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres; construct a dwelling if there is at least one dwelling existing on the lot; construct two or more dwellings on a lot; extend a dwelling if there are two or more dwellings on the lot; construct a residential building; construct a building or construct or carry out works in association with a permit required use; and to subdivide land. Table 7 lists those uses that are Section 1; Permit Not Require Uses within the Mixed use Zone, and any conditions applicable to those uses.

Education is a Section 2, permit required use and therefore a planning permit is required for buildings and works.



Figure 15 Precinct 5 – Zoning and Heritage Controls

Table 7 Permit Not Required Uses (Mixed Use Zone)

Use Conditions

Animal keeping (other than Animal boarding)


Apiculture Must meet the requirements of Apiary code of Practice, May 1997.

Bed and breakfast No more than 6 persons may be accommodated away from their normal place of residence.

At least 1 car parking space must be provided for each 2 persons able to be accommodated way from their normal place of residence.

Carnival/Circus Must meet the requirements of A ‘Good Neighbour’ Code of Practice for a Circus or Carnival, October 1997.

Dependent person’s unit

Must be the only dependent person’s unit on the lot.

Dwelling (other than bed and breakfast)

Home occupation


Mineral exploration

Mining Must meet the requirements of Clause 52.08-2

Minor utility



installation

Natural systems

Places of worship Must be no social or recreational activities

The gross floor area of all buildings must not exceed 180 square metres

The site must not exceed 1200 square metres

The site must adjoin, or have access to, a road in a Road Zone.

Railway, Road


Telecommunications facility

Buildings and works must meet the requirements of Clause 52.19

Tramway

Precinct 5 is also contained in part within Design and Development Overlay Schedule 44 (refer to Figure 16) which applies to Elizabeth Street and South Carlton. DD045, which applies in this area of South Carlton fronting Swanston Street, does not apply to the buildings in RMIT’s ownership.

The overlay triggers the need for a permit for matters including to construct a building or construct or carry out works, and to subdivide land. The DDO prescribes a height limit control of eight storeys to maintain a building height contrast between this precinct and the CBD and to limit the effects of overshadowing in this location. An application for buildings and works needs to be accompanied by a site analysis and urban context report which demonstrates how the proposed building or works achieve each of the Design Objectives and Built Form Outcomes of this schedule, and any local planning policy requirements.

Figure 16 Precinct 5 – Design and Development Overlay (DDO44)




Heritage overlays apply within precinct 5 however none of the overlays apply to the three RMIT buildings in precinct 5 (refer to figure 17). Whilst the buildings are not affected by a heritage overlay, any new development at these three sites would need to be sympathetic to the surrounding heritage places in terms of colours, finishes, setbacks, building bulk and building heights, etc.

Figure 17 Precinct 5 – Heritage Overlays


The land is contained within ‘Category 3’ ‘High Amenity Areas’ of the controls pertaining to advertising signs. The purpose of the control is to ensure that signs in high-amenity areas are orderly, of good design and do not detract from the appearance of the building on which a sign is displayed or the surrounding area.

Within Category 3, the following sign, likely to be of interest to RMIT does not require a planning permit:

A ‘Direction’ sign defined as ‘a sign not exceeding 0.3 square metres that directs vehicles or pedestrians. It does not include a sign that contains commercial information’.

Within Category 3, a planning permit is required for: an Above-Verandah sign, a Business Identification sign, a Floodlit sign, a ‘High Wall’ sign (subject to the condition that the sign must be a business logo or a street number); an Internally Illuminated sign; A Pole sign; a Promotion sign (subject to the condition that the advertising area of the sign must not exceed 2 square meters; and a Reflective sign. All other signs are prohibited within Category 3 areas.




2.A.1.21 Other Controls

In addition to the site specific controls such as zoning (affecting use of the site) and heritage overlays and design and development overlays (both affecting development potential), a set of State and Local planning policies also apply and need to be considered when applying for a permit for use and or buildings or works.

2.A.1.22 Municipal Strategic Statement

At the time of preparation of this report Amendment C60 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme, which seeks to revise the MSS, is with the Minister for Planning for review. Key policies to be introduced under C60 include ESD for buildings and provision of bicycle facilities (now specified under Clause 52.34 of the Planning scheme). The following section deals with the MSS as currently applicable.

The MSS comprises Part A and Part B. Part A presents an integrated strategy for the city with aims falling within the following topics:

Prosperous City

Innovative City

Culturally Vital City

People City

Attractive City

Sustainable City

Outcomes are described in order to achieve these aims. The aims of greatest relevance to RMIT University are as follows:

Outcome 1.13

City businesses gain a competitive edge from the concentration of tertiary institutions, research and development organisations and training institutes in the City.

To contribute to this, Council will:

Support growth and development of the tertiary education, training and Research and

Foster expansion of the new activities linked to R&D expertise in local institutions by investigating the establishment of an incubator specifically focused on technology, directly supported by local universities and research institutes, and innovatively using vacant building stock

Facilitate local business access to R&D expertise, specialised equipment and systems and training support in the City’s educational and training institutions by encouraging links between Council-support programs and incubators and those of tertiary institutions.

Outcome 2.1.1

Increased activity in areas important for innovation, such as medical and scientific research and development, education, the arts, and multimedia and information technology

Where compatible with surrounding areas Council will:



Support small-scale research and education activity in Parkville that builds on the primarily residential character

Support the continued presence, clustering and growth of the major medical and educational institutions

Part B of the MSS deals with key land use and development objectives and issues for the various areas within the City of Melbourne, including Carlton. Each area is considered in relation to its relationship with the six topics as summarised above. The most relevant issues for Carlton of relevant to RMIT University are summarised below.

Supporting university growth

Carlton is home to the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, and their continued growth is critical to the future of Melbourne as an innovative city. Integration of both universities into the fabric of the City is an important urban objective. This can be achieved by facilitating southward expansion of the University of Melbourne to the west of Swanston Street, and northward expansion of RMIT University to the west of Lygon Street in the area south of Queensberry Street.

Encouraging education

Opportunities exist for education, residential and research uses research and residential to establish on Swanston Street between Victoria Street and uses on north Swanston Street Elgin Streets and on Elizabeth Street between Victoria Street and Haymarket roundabout to take advantage of the proximity of two universities, major hospitals and the public transport services.

These policies clearly highlight support for appropriate expansion of the University campuses in the Carlton area.

2.A.1.23 Local Planning Policies

The Local Planning Policies are used to implement the strategies and aims of the MSS. The policies of greatest relevant to RIT University are as follows:

Clause 22.07 ‘Heritage Places Outside the Capital City Zone’

This policy outlines the matters to be taken into account when considering planning applications for Heritage Places within the Heritage Overlay.

In additional, every building of cultural significance has been assessed and graded according to its importance. Buildings are graded A to D, in order of descending significance. Streetscapes are also given a grading from 1 to 3 according to their significance (3 being least significant). The grade of every building and streetscape is identified in the document Heritage Places Inventory 2000 which is incorporated into the Melbourne Planning scheme.

The policy state in relation to demolition that:

Demolishing or removing original parts of buildings, as well as complete buildings, will not normally be permitted in the case of ‘A’ and ‘B’, the front part of ‘C’ and many ‘D’ graded buildings. The front part of a building is generally considered to be the front two rooms in depth.

In relation to designing new buildings and works or additions to existing buildings in areas with a significant streetscape, the policy establishes a set of design guidelines in terms of form, façade pattern and colour, materials, details, façade height and setback and building height.

Clause 22.07 ‘Advertising Signs’



This policy stipulates further controls on the display of advertising signs within the City of Melbourne.

It is general policy that:

Signs should be sensitive to the building style and scale and the character of the street.

Signs should fit within architectural forms and be integrated with the architecture.

Signs should not obscure architectural features, including windows.

Visual clutter is discouraged and any existing signs on the building or site will be taken into account when assessing new proposals. Adequate space should remain for identification of other occupancies.

Confusions with directional and traffic signs should be avoided

Pole signs and sky signs shall not generally be supported.

There are also area specific controls which apply to parks, residential areas, business and industrial areas, major roads, boulevards and gateways, etc.

Swanston Street is acknowledged as providing important view lines to the Shrine of Remembrance and has an important civic spine within the CBD. Consequently it is policy that signs at ground level should be located under verandahs and sky signs are not supported. This affects RMIT Precincts 1 and 2.

The maximum dimensions and number of signs per building façade are further restricted within the Capital City one. These restrictions are specified in the Schedule to Clause 22.07 and should be consulted for proposals for erection pf advertising signs within the Capital City Zone. This schedule affects proposals for signage in RMIT Precinct 2.

Clause 22.09 Car Parking within the Capital City Zone

This policy recognises the need to carefully manage the supply of car parking in the CBD. A parking minimisation policy is in place in the Capital City Zone and consequently there is no minimum requirement to provide on site car parking associated with uses in this Zone. A permit is required to provide on site car parking associated with uses in this zone. A permit is required to provide car parking at rates which exceed a maximum level as stipulated in the Schedule to Clause 52.06. It is policy that:

Adequate provisions should be made for bicycle and motor-cycle parking

Car parking facilities should be designed to a high standard of safety, vehicle manoeuvrability and pedestrian accessibility to, from and within the car park.

All buildings within the Capital City zone (outside the retail core) which provide on site car parking are required to provide motor-cycle parking for the use of occupants and visitors, (minimum of one motor-cycle parking space for every 100 parking spaces).

Clause 22.13 Land Use Activities in the Mixed Use Zone

The purpose of this zone includes to ‘encourage growth in compatible commercial, residential, education and institutional uses in mixed-use areas’. This policy recognises the need for compatibility between uses within the zone due to the variation in uses permitted within the zone. This policy sets out a number of matters to be taken into account when considering an application for a new land use in the Carlton Mixed Use Zone.

This policy should be carefully considered by RMIT when applying for new land uses within the Mixed Use Zones (ie Precincts 4,5 and a portion of Precinct 1).

Clause 22.17 Urban Design Outside the Capital City Zone

This policy provides an insight into the required details for inclusion in an Urban Context Report. In the case of the RMIT buildings, all development proposals need to be accompanied by an Urban Context Report within the Capital City zone (affecting development in Precinct 2). The Design and Development Overlay Schedule 44 calls for



an Urban Context Report to accompany development proposals, affecting development proposals in Precincts 4 and 5.

This policy establishes that an urban context report should:

document the key influences on the proposed development, how it responds to the strategies, policies and requirements of the planning scheme, and hot it relates to the social, built and historic character of the area.

The Urban Context Report should provide details on the following:

Site context

Building height

Scale, building bulk

Street level frontages

Building tops

Visible façade and blank walls

Fronts and backs of buildings

Pedestrian connection and vehicle access

Building projections

Microclimate

Landscape

Environmentally responsible design

There are also a range of particular provisions which may apply. Those likely to be of most relevance to development proposals are listed below:

Clause 52.05 pertaining to Advertising Signs

Clause 52.06 relating to Car Parking (ie supply of spaces, car park layout and minimum dimensions)

Clause 52.07 relating to Loading and Unloading of Vehicles.

Clause 52.34 relating to Bicycle Facilities.

This Planning Scheme provisions directs that no (1No) bicycle space per 20 employees be provided plus one (1No) space to each 20 full time students.



APPENDIX 2.A.1: HERITAGE BUILDINGS – HERITAGE CONSERVATION

RMIT Heritage listings RMIT has compiled a document entitled, RMIT Heritage Listings. It contains details of all heritage listings of RMIT’s architecturally and historically significant buildings. This is regularly updated as heritage buildings are acquired or sold, registered or classified, and when their heritage rating is altered. A current copy of RMIT Heritage Listings date October 2004 is attached. Updates on current assets should be confirmed by contacting the RMIT Projects, Property Services.

Permit Requirements for Alterations to RMIT Heritage Buildings

Implications on RMIT’s Heritage & Significant Buildings The following buildings have been recognized to be of heritage significant either by the Heritage Council of Victoria (formerly the Historic Buildings Council), the Australian Heritage Commission (National Estate), the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) or the Melbourne City Council, or in many cases by several or all of these heritage organizations:

RMIT Buildings 1, 4, 5-7-9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 21, 24, 43, 69, 74, 76, 113, plus the old Magistrates’ Court (20), City Watch House (19) and the former walls of the Goal Hospital including the footing of the Goal hospital.

The following buildings have exterior facades which are of heritage or streetscape value, which should be conserved as far as possible when alterations to the entrances and exteriors are proposed:

RMIT Buildings 2, 3, 6, 22, 28, 37, 39 (north section), 42, 49, 53, 75, 80, 93.

The following buildings have exterior facades which are of streetscape value and are significant structures identifying RMIT in the City. The Executive Director, Property Services should be consulted and his approval obtained before any alterations to these facades are carried out:

RMIT Buildings 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 (new annexe), 70, 94, 220, 223, 513 & 516.

Permits for Alterations Permits are required for internal and external alterations to all buildings registered under the Heritage Council of Victoria. The Associate Director, Projects will make any formal requests to the Heritage Council, to alter such a building.

External alterations to all buildings in Carlton require written approval from the M.C.C. under the Melbourne Planning Scheme. The Associate Director, Projects will make any formal requests to the M.C.C.

Note: any alteration to the colours or original fabric or original fittings of the above mentioned buildings must be approved by the Associate Director, Projects or his authorized representative before any such works are tendered or commenced.

Please also note that the new commonwealth legislation enacted under the copy right laws to further respect the more recent significant buildings. This legislation requires owners to advise the original architect of any proposed changes to a building design by him. The copyright provisions are proscribed in Re-print No 9 of the Copyright Act 1968 (with amendments dated to 4 March 2001).


APPENDIX 2.A.2: HERITAGE LOCATION MAP




APPENDIX 2.A.3: HERITAGE LISTINGS

HERITAGE LISTINGS RMIT BUILDINGS IN BUNDOORA, CARLTON AND THE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT.

Up-dated: October 2004 CATEGORY 1 STATUTORY CONTROLS STATE & NATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS NAME ADDRESS DESCRIPTION and HISTORY Heritage Council

Register Melbourne Planning Scheme

City of Melbourne CAD Study

National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

National Estate Register

RMIT Building 1 Francis Ormond Bldg.

124 La Trobe Street This Gothic Revival building was built in 1887 &1891 as the Working Men's College. Stage 1 was designed by Terry, Oakden and Nahum Barnet. Stage 2 was designed by Oakden, Addison & Kemp. The building is named after the philanthropist, Founder & President (1882-89) of the Working Men's College.

Heritage Register No. H2157

Level A Notable Building Level 1 Streetscape.

Classified no. FN 2773 (Regional Significance) & Group Classification

Registered no.005158 (Group Reg. no.005326)

RMIT Building 4

Bowen Street This building was built in 1889-90 as part of the second stage of expansion of the Working Men's College. Originally known as the Trades School of WMC. The architects were Oakden, Addison & Kemp.

Heritage Overlay HO479


Classified no. FN 4621 State Significance

RMIT Building 9

Bowen Street (1-55 Franklin St.)

This Moderne style building was constructed for the Radio School in two stages in 1937 and 1942. The architect was Percy E. Everett, Chief Architect of PWD.

Heritage Register No. H1506. (formerly GBR No.G236) [Bldgs.5, 7 & 9]


Level B (buildings) Level 2 Streetscape. (Bldgs.5,7 & 9)

RMIT Building 11

43-45 Victoria Street Former Melbourne Gaol administration wing, Chapel & Governor's Residence, built in 1860-61. Ceased being used as a gaol in 1923. From 1927 to 1979 these buildings formed part of the Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy. Now owned by RMIT.

Heritage Register No. H 1553.(formerly GBR No.G248)


Classified no. FN 116 (State Significance) & Group Classification.


RMIT Building 13 Emily McPherson Building.

379-405 Russell Street and 37-41 Victoria Street

Former Emily McPherson College building designed by E. Evan Smith, Chief Architect, PWD, in 1926. Building awarded RVIA Street Architecture Medal in 1930. Named after Lady McPherson, wife of Sir William McPherson, benefactor of the College which amalgamated with RMIT in 1979.

Heritage Register No. H1646. (formerly GBR No.G249)

Heritage Overlay HO485.

Level B Notable Building. Level 1 Streetscape



RMIT Building 16 Storey Hall

342-346 Swanston St Built as the Hibernian Hall in 1887, this building was designed by Tappin, Gilbert & Dennehy for the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society. It was bought by Government as an assembly hall for RMIT in 1954 and internally renovated in 1958 to become Storey Hall after late John Storey Snr. & Jnr. The latest (1995) refurbishment and expansion onto 338-340 Swanston St. was designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougall.

Heritage Register No. H 1498 (formerly GBR No.G256)


Level A Notable Building Level 2 Streetscape


Registered no.005157

RMIT Building 18 Police Garage

Russell Street The Police Garage was constructed in 1937 utilizing the 1850 bluestone Gaol walls. The Russell Street facade was remodelled with a vehicle entrance arch in 1925. Police use ceased in May 1995. 1937 structure dismantled in December 2000. The landscaped area within the old Gaol walls is now known as RMIT Alumni courtyard. The archaeological remnants remain.

Heritage Register No.H 912


Level D Notable Building Level 1 Streetscape.

The walls are included in Group Classification.

Group Reg. No. 005326



APPENDIX 2.A.3: (Cont...)

CATEGORY 1 (Cont…)

STATUTORY CONTROLS STATE & NATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS

NAME ADDRESS DESCRIPTION and HISTORY Heritage Council Register

Melbourne Planning Scheme




RMIT Building 19 City Watch House

Russell Street Built in 1907 as a city police station with cells block for accused persons prior to a hearing in Magistrates' Court. Last used by police in 1994.

Heritage Register No.H1006


Level B Notable Building Level 1 Streetscape.

Classified no. FN 4653

Group Reg. No. 005326

RMIT Building 20 Old Magistrates' Court

corner Russell Street & La Trobe Street (325-343 Russell St.)

Constructed in 1911-1913 on site of old Supreme Court, which was used as Magistrates' Court from 1892-1910. Court hearings ceased in December 1994. Purchased by RMIT in December 1997. occupied by RMIT after restoration in 2002.

Heritage Register No.H1010.




Registered No. 005162 & Group Reg. No. 005326

RMIT Building 24 Former Foresters' Hall

168-170 La Trobe St A 2-storey rendered front, brick building was designed by Ravenscroft and Freeman in 1888. Note Foresters' Coat of Arms and Motto on upper front facade.



Level A- B Notable Building

Classified no. FN 4520 [1979] Local Significance


RMIT Building 43,69,74,76

50-56 Cardigan Street, Carlton.

Mary's Terrace, a row of four identical 2-storey terrace houses, built in 1885 for William Ievers. Terrace named after his daughter Mary Ievers who died in June 1860, aged six months.


Level C (building) Level 2 Streetscape

Classified no. FN 3642 Local Significance


RMIT Building 113 RMIT Capitol Theatre

113 Swanston Street, Melbourne.

The Capitol Theatre is internationally recognised as one of the finest auditorium spaces in the world. It was opened in November 1924 and is considered to be the finest work of architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin. Purchased by RMIT on 20th May 1999. Re-opened on 24 November 1999.

Heritage Register No. H 471.

Heritage Overlay H747

Classified no. FN 1388 State Significance (1966)

Registered No. 005080



APPENDIX 2.A.3: (Cont...) In addition to CATEGORY 1 buildings, the following buildings are of historic importance to RMIT and therefore require special consideration when any internal or external alterations are contemplated:

CATEGORY 2 STATUTORY CONTROLS STATE & NATIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS NAME ADDRESS DESCRIPTION and HISTORY Heritage Council





RMIT Building 2

Bowen Street Built as the School of Applied Art in 1915, this 4-storey (including basement) red brick building was located on La Trobe Street so that large window areas would give good south light for the art studios.


Level C – D (building) Level 3 Streetscape.

RMIT Building 3 Kernot Building

Bowen Street Named after Prof. W. Kernot, this Neo-Grec style Engineering School building was designed by E Evan Smith, Chief Architect, PWD, and completed in 1931. Re-opened as Applied Chemistry building in August 2001.


Level C – D (building) Level 3 Streetscape.

RMIT Building 5

Bowen Street This Moderne style building was built as the Metallurgy School in 1937. The architect was Percy E. Everett, Chief Architect of PWD.

(See Building 9) Heritage Overlay HO480.

Level B (Building) Level 2 Streetscape

RMIT Building 6

Bowen Street This Moderne style building was designed in 1947 for the Printing School, but was not officially opened until 1959. In its design, this building follows the theme established earlier by Buildings 5,7 & 9.



RMIT Building 7

Bowen Street This moderne style building was constructed in 1947, but was not opened officially until 1960, when it was the School of Applied Chemistry.

(See Building 9) Heritage Overlay HO480.




APPENDIX 2.A.3: (Cont...) The following buildings, currently owned by RMIT, are of heritage significance to the streetscape of the City of Melbourne. It is the responsibilities of RMIT to maintain and conserve these buildings while at the same time make best utilization of their interiors for RMIT’s space needs.






RMIT Building 21 1960s annexe to Magistrates' Court

Rear of Buildings 1 and 20.

This 4 level cream brick building, constructed in the 1960s to provide additional courts and clerical offices, forms an extension to the old Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Purchased by RMIT in December 1997.

Although not a Registered building, its site is on Heritage Register. (See H 1010)


RMIT Building 22

330-334 Swanston St A 4-storey brick factory building with Art Nouveau ornamentation was designed by Leonard J. Flannagan, for Welch Margetson & Co. Pty. Ltd. in 1912. Occupied by Singer Sewing Machine Co., 1954-1963.


RMIT Building 37

411-423 Swanston St This reinforced concrete tobacco warehouse was constructed in 1924 for W.D. & H.O. Wills (Aust.) Ltd. The architect was F.J. Davies. Occupied by Addressograph-Multigraph of Australia P/L, 1964-78 when whole building renovated for RMIT Faculty of Business and the Sculpture section of Fine Art.

Level D (building) Level 3 Streetscape

RMIT Building 39

459 & 463 Swanston St.

In the 1920s both buildings were occupied as head office of Cyclone P/L, wire merchants. However, by 1929 no.463 was Robinson's Motor Showroom. Later no.463 became a cafe and no. 459 was remodelled as Gateway House.

RMIT Building 42

36 Cardigan Street, Carlton.

For over 45 years this 19th Century building was the McLauclin Family Grocer with access from Earl St. to their private residence upstairs. Known as the Ericsson Building when RMIT first rented it.

RMIT Building 48 Kay House

449 Swanston St Kay House, formerly headquarters of Kay Rent-a-Car for which the building facade was remodelled in 1967. Originally built as a warehouse for British-Australia Tobacco Co. A concrete formwork collapse during construction (1925) caused the formulation of new building regulations in Victoria to cover the construction of reinforced concrete buildings.

Level D (building)

RMIT Building 49

67-77 Franklin St. Edwardian factory building, built for Cyclone Woven Wire Fence & Gate Co. c1909. Note stylistic similarities to adjoining building (463 Swanston St.), also once owned by Cyclone P/L. Internal conversion in 1931 by H.W. Gossard Pty. Ltd. The Art Deco styled theatrette is a most noteworthy space, once used for Gossard's undergarment fashion shows.


RMIT Building 53, 75, 93

18-22 Cardigan St., Carlton.

2-storey Victorian terrace houses. Three dwellings with identical facades. Heritage Overlay HO035. control on exterior painting).

Level D (building) Level 3 Streetscape

RMIT Building 80 Oxford Scholar Hotel.

427-433 Swanston St Built as Oxford Hotel to the design of Charles D'Ebro, architect, in 1887. There has been a hotel on this corner since 1857. The ground floor and basement store were extended in 1956. Continued as a hotel until closed in 1986, when bought by RMIT as a future development site. The building was reopened as the 'Oxford Scholar' restaurant in 1991 and now operates as a hotel again.

Level D (building)



APPENDIX 2.A.3: (Cont...) The following RMIT buildings are of architectural significance, having won awards for their designs. It is the responsibility of RMIT to respect the design of these buildings when any future alterations are contemplated.






RMIT Building 8

348-374 Swanston St First stage [Levels 1-4] designed by John Andrews International in 1981, second stage [Levels 5-12] designed by Edmond & Corrigan P/L & Demaine Partnership P/L in 1991 Completed in Dec. 1993.

Noted

RMIT Building 13 Emily McPherson Building.

405 Russell, corner of Victoria Street

Former Emily McPherson College building designed by E. Evan Smith, Chief Architect, PWD, in 1926. Building awarded RVIA Street Architecture Medal in 1930. Named after Lady McPherson, wife of Sir William McPherson, benefactor of the College which amalgamated with RMIT in 1979.



Level B Notable Building. Level 1 Streetscape



RMIT Building 16 Storey Hall

342-346 Swanston St Built as the Hibernian Hall in 1887, this building was designed by Tappin, Gilbert & Dennehy for the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society. It was bought by Government as an assembly hall for RMIT in 1954 and internally renovated in 1958 to become Storey Hall after late John Storey Snr. & Jnr. The latest (1995) refurbishment and expansion onto 338-340 Swanston St. was designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougall.

Heritage Register No. H 1498. (formerly GBR No.G256)


Level A Notable Building. Level 2 Streetscape


Registered no. 005157

RMIT Building 94

Cardigan Street, Carlton

Designed by PINK Architects in conjunction with Allan Powell, Architect and completed in 1994. Awarded the RAIA Merit Award for an Institutional Building in 1996.



APPENDIX 2.A.4: GRADING OF BUILDINGS AND STREETSCAPES

Within Conservation study areas in the City of Melbourne, each building of historic or architectural significance has been graded according to its importance. Streetscapes, that is complete collections of buildings along a street frontage, have also been graded for planning control purposes. The individual buildings are graded A to E, the streetscapes from Level 1 to Level 3, both in descending order of significance. ‘A’ BUILDINGS ‘A’ Buildings are of national or state importance, irreplaceable part of Australia’s built form heritage. Many will be either already included on or recommended for inclusion on the Register of Historic Buildings, or the Register of the National Estate. ‘B’ BUILDINGS ‘B’ Buildings are of regional or metropolitan significance, and stand as important milestones in the architectural development of the metropolis Many will be either already included on or recommended for inclusion on the Register of the National Estate. ‘C’ BUILDINGS ‘C’ Buildings make an architectural and historic contribution that is important within the local area. This includes well preserved examples of particular style of construction, as well as some individually significant buildings that have been altered or defaced. ‘D’ BUILDINGS ‘D’ Buildings are either reasonably intact representatives of particular period or styles, or they have been substantially altered but stand in a row or street which retains much of its original character. ‘E’ BUILDINGS ‘E’ Buildings have generally been substantially altered, and stand in relative isolation from other buildings of similar periods. Because of this they are not considered to make an essential contribution to the character of the area, although retention and restoration may still be beneficial. ‘F’ BUILDINGS ‘F’ Buildings (not identified in some Conservation Areas) are an additional category relating to social rather than the historic or architectural significance. They are valued by the local community either as familiar landmarks or for the use to which they are put, or have been associated with in the past. LEVEL 1 STREETSCAPES Level 1 steetscapes have a statewide significance, and define an important collection of buildings, generally from a similar period or representing a similar style. To restore and maintain an authentic appearance, there is comprehensive guidance for colours and materials, and restoration of missing parts of identified building may be required when new works are contemplated. Rear additions have to be concealed, and new development must be of a respectful design that relates closely to the building forms and styles of nearby significant buildings. LEVEL 2 STREETSCAPES Level 2 streetscapes have a regional or local significance because the character and scale of a particular period or style still predominates, even though there may be some gaps, and in some cases the buildings may have relatively low significance individually. Restoration of missing part of significant buildings is still required or encouraged when new works are undertaken, but there is only minimal control of colours and advertising. Rear additions may be partly visible, and new developments can interpret the building forms and styles of nearby significant buildings in a contemporary manner. LEVEL 3 STREETSCAPES Level 3 streetscapes do not exhibit such an important intactness of scale and character, and control is mainly limited to specify maximum and minimum heights and set-backs for new development and rear additions. Significant individual buildings are still protected from demolition or defacement. Additions and alteration to the hidden rear parts of properties are only subject to height and set-back controls, except where a particularly attractive or well preserved laneway has been identified as a Level 1 or Level 2 streetscape, or where the building itself is graded A or B. in these exceptional cases some design controls will apply.



APPENDIX 2.B: RMIT ENVIRONMENTAL Guidelines

RMIT University places a strong emphasis on Environmental sustainability, with particular focus on energy and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is committed to maintaining, and wherever possible, improving the quality of this environment both for the people who live and work in the University, and for the wider community now and in the future. The University seeks to make the most effective and efficient use of all resources, encouraging all members of the University community to develop an environmentally sound approach to their work. AIMS Reduce the environmental impact of the University through better management of its material resources. Integrating environmental and sustainable principles into the University’s operational procedures and promoting best practice at every level. Minimise consumption of water, energy, paper and other natural resources and manufactured products. With effective allocation and utilisation of space, drive forward RMIT’s sustainability objectives on an operation level and via current extensive capital works. OBJECTIVES General

1. Implementation of Green Star methodologies throughout all design and construction phases. 2. Establish a University wide Environmental Management System 3. Set & publish environmental targets/benchmarks against which environmental performance will be

monitored. 4. Review environmental management procedures on a regular basis. 5. Avoid the unnecessary use of environmentally damaging substances and processes.

Legislative compliance

6. Achieve and if possible over-achieve the requirements of all relevant legislation, in particular the Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans.

Energy, Water & Waste Management

7. Maintain and develop energy & environmental monitoring & targeting systems. 8. Identify and implement cost effective energy & water conservation measures. 9. Maintain an on-going energy/water and environmental management investment fund. 10. Conduct regular environmental site audits (both waste and energy/water). 11. Reduce the amount of waste generated & disposed of by implementing a waste

minimization/recycling program. 12. Investigate the cost effective use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Renewable Energy

sources. 13. Investigate options for the devolution of utility budgets to relevant departments to develop local

accountability. Environmental Procurement

14. Promote a purchasing policy, which will give preference, as far as is practical, to those products and services, which cause least harm to the environment.

Built Environment

15. Introduce sustainable construction principles to all new build, extension and refurbished buildings. 16. Maintain an environmentally sound garden and grounds management policy. 17. Develop policies relating to internal building pollutants.



Transport 18. Encourage modes of transport, which minimize environmental impact and examine the operation of

University vehicles. Education and Awareness

19. Increase awareness of environmental responsibilities amongst staff and students, encourage good housekeeping measures and provide training where necessary.

20. Highlight the need for interdisciplinary research on sustainable development themes in line with the University’s research strategy.

21. Publish an annual progress report and publicise the results to staff and students. 22. Build partnerships with local community and national organizations to progress environmental

principles. 23. Identify and promote initiatives for inclusion of sustainability principles within curriculum

development. TARGETS a) To achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 32% by 2020, based on 2007 emission outputs; b) Currently in 2009, RMIT purchase 20% Green Power and are contracted to the same percentage in 2010. However, this may vary as a result of state and federal government proposals in relation to the implementation of the national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and local state government increase initiatives. c) To achieve or better the water reduction targets as set out in RMIT’s Water Management Plan; d) Achieve minimum of 4 star Green Star rating for all major building refurbishments; e) Achieve a minimum of 5 star Green Star rating for all new building developments.



APPENDIX 2.C: UNIVERSITY LEADERS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – THE TALLOIRES DECLARATION

The Talloires Declaration

7th October, 1990

We, the presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors of universities from all regions of the world are deeply concerned about the unprecedented scaler and seed of environmental pollution and degradation, and the depletion of natural resources. Local, regional, and global air and water pollution; accumulate and disruption of toxic wastes; destruction and depletion of forests, soil, and water; depletion of the ozone layer and emission of “greenhouse” gases all threaten the security of the nations, and the heritage of future generations. These environmental changes are caused by inequitable and unsustainable production and consumption patterns that aggravate poverty in many regions of the world. We believe that urgent actions area needed to address these fundamental problems and reverse the trends. Stabilisation of human population, adoption of environmental sound industrial and agricultural technologies, reforestation, and ecological restoration are crucial elements in creating equitable and sustainable future for all humankind in harmony with nature. Universities have a major role in the education, research, policy formation and information exchange necessary to make these goals possible. University leaders must provide the direction and support to mobilise internal and external resources so that their institutions respond to this urgent challenge. We therefore, agree to take the following actions: 1. Use every opportunity to raise public, government, industry, foundation and university awareness by openly addressing the urgent need to move toward an environmentally sustainable future. 2. Encourage all universities to engage in education, research, policy formation and information exchanges on population, environment, and development, to move toward a sustainable future. 3. Establish programs to produce expertise in environmental management, sustainable economic development, population, and related fields to ensure that all university graduates are environmental literate, and have the awareness and understanding to be ecologically responsible citizens. 4. Create programs to develop the capability of the university faculty to teach environmental literacy to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. 5. Set an example of environmental responsibility by establishing institutional ecology policies and practices of programs of resource conservation, recycling, waste reduction and environmentally sound operations. 6. Encourage the involvement of government, foundations, and industrial in supporting interdisciplinary research, education, policy formation and information exchange in environmentally sustainable development. Expand work with the community and nongovernmental organisations to assist in finding collaborative solutions to environmental problems.’ 7. Convene university faculty and administrators with environmental practitioners to develop curricula, research initiatives, operational systems, and outreach activities to support an environmentally sustainable future. 8. Establish partnerships with primary and secondary schools to help develop the capability for interdisciplinary teaching about population, environment, and sustainable development issues. 9. Work with national and international organisations to promote a worldwide university effort toward a sustainable future. 10. Established a Secretariat and a steering committee to continue this momentum and to inform and support each others efforts in carrying out this declaration

Created: 2-August-1996 Last Modified: 2 August-1996Access: World Authorised by Fred Saunders and maintained by Fred Saunders Environmental Coordinator Copyright © 1996, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.


APPENDIX 2.D: BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN – INTERPRETING WORKSHEETS

WATER

BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION: A BRIEF STATEMENT OF WHY THIS STRATEGY IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION ARE.

POTENTIAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION: Before a given strategy is explored in detail, the potential for implementation needs to be assessed. There will be projects where there are good reasons for

not implementing certain strategies. The reasons need to be stated where the potential is ‘considered ‘average or ‘none’. Common reasons for not implementing are listed with a larger

blank space where the Consultant and university can make a statement

STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE: At a concept stage it is difficult to assess quantitatively the success of a given strategy. At this stage in a project it is more important that all of the issues are

considered. In this section of the guideline, a series of yes/no type questions are asked that the university or Consultant can fill in. to answer these question sketches of the building form and facades are required with a written description of the strategies and systems proposed for the

building.

THE STAGE OF THE PROJECT AT WHICH THE FORM IS TO BE APPLIED IS INDICATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SHEETS.

POTENTIAL PITFALLS: to ensure a strategy is successfully implemented, all aspects require consideration so as to negative impacts. Here several yes/no type questions are asked to ensure potential pitfalls have been addressed. Where the answer to the question is ‘no’, a pitfalls has not

been adequately addressed and the scheme should not be reconsidered.

MODELLING: Modelling of passive design features such as daylighting or natural ventilation requires different tools than those use to design conventional buildings. Where applicable,

guidance on suitable, modelling methods for design development are provided here.

RESOURCES: Publication that can be used by designers to successfully implement a strategy are indicated here.

DESIGN TARGETS: During design development I becomes possible to quantify the performance of a strategy. The parameters used as design targets are calculated during the design process

and thus can be filled in with relative ease by the design team. In some cases more than one target is used as it is not always possible to measure performance with a single metric.

POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION: The university may choose to measure the actual performance of a strategy. Where possible a suitable approach to measuring performance is

Water through renewable is a precious resource that should be used efficiently. Water conscious design allows: 1) Reduced demand on city / university infrastructure in terms of potable and storm water and sewage. 2) Reduced water charges where applicable POTENTIAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION


Good Average None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?:

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Local regulations do not allow strategies to be employees

Other:

STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE [Answer Yes (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)] (Y/S/N/X) Low demand Fixtures 1) Have dual flush toilets been specified? 2) Have waterless urinals been considered? 3) Have low flow taps and showerheads been utilised? 4) Have composting toilets been utilised? Stormwater 4) Has rain water collection for uses other than toilet and urinal flushing been employed? 5) Have detention basins, permeable pavement and roof gardens been utilised to reduce peak run-off? 6) Has rainwater or greywater been employed for toilet and urinal flushing? Water Treatment 8) Has on-site treatment of grey and black water been utilised (solar aquatics, etc.)? POTENTIAL PITFALLS (Y/N/S) 1) Have roofing materials that do not pollute rainwater been employed?

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2) Where rainwater collection is employed, are the lanbks appropriately sized to provide a week or more of storage?

If “No” or “Somewhat” to any of the above, reconsider strategies employed or provide an explanation below:

IMPLEMENTATION

Modelling: N/A

Resources: RAIA Environment Design Guide Note DES13 and DES14 Sustainable House (Mobbs, 1999)

Design Targets: 1) Water Consumption Is the predicted water consumption is <5m³/person/year? Is the predicted water consumption is 5 to 9m³/person/year?

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Is the predicted water consumption s 10 to 20m³/person/year? 2) Some measure of detention needed?

POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION Measurement

1) Water metering can be used to monitor consumption on a per occupant basis.

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APPENDIX 2.D.1: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Property Services, Projects

Bioclimatic Design Guidelines - Alternative Energy

BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION

Utilising on site and alternative energy sources has the following advantages: Providing the site/ building with a backup power source in the event of a power outage. Reduced operating costs. Reduced exposure to fluctuations in future energy prices

▼ POTENTIAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Good, Average, None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?: Capital costs are prohibitive Site has poor solar and wind access Other:

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▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE

(ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X)

Primary Ventilation Strategy Wind Power 1) Does the micro-climate provide suitable wind conditions for turbines? 2) Does the site have an average wind speed in excess of 5m/s or greater? Photovoltaic Power 3) Have building integrated photovoltaic cells been incorporated? 4) Were employed, have rooftop PV cells been oriented north and tilted at 15-20 Degrees from horizontal? Solar Hot Water 5) Has solar hot water heating been considered for domestic hot water and space heating? ▼ POTENTIAL PITFALLS

(Y/S/N/)

1) Does the local utility have a mechanism to buy power from RMIT or do they allow the meter to be run in reverse? 2) Does the equipment complement the architectural aesthetic? 3) Has the equipment been designed to handle wind loading and hailstorms? 4) Is the equipment self cleaning and relatively maintenance free?

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If ‘No’ or ‘Somewhat’ to any of the above, reconsider strategies employed or provide an explanation below:

▼ IMPLEMENTATION Modelling: Equipment suppliers can provide guidance on sizing of system. Historical weather data is useful for calculation of wind and solar potential. Resources: ASHRAE Application Handbook, Chapter 30; Equipment handbook, Chapter 33 RAIA Environmental Design Guide Note DES10 and Technology Note TEC4 and TEC5. Design Targets: What portion of the Building energy use is met with alternative energy sources?

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APPENDIX 2.D.2: WATER


Bioclimatic Design Guidelines - Water


Water through renewable is a precious resource that should be used efficiently. Water conscious design allows: Reduced demand on city / university infrastructure in terms of potable and storm water and sewage. Reduced water charges where applicable


Good, Average, None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?: Local regulations do not allow strategies to be employees Other:

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▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE (ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X) Low demand Fixtures 1) Have dual flush toilets been specified? 3) Have low flow taps and showerheads been utilised? 2) Have waterless urinals been considered? 4) Have composting toilets been utilised? Stormwater 5) Has rain water collection for uses other than toilet and urinal flushing been employed? 6) Have detention basins, permeable pavement and roof gardens been utilised to reduce peak run-off? 7) Has rainwater or greywater been employed for toilet and urinal flushing?

Water Treatment

8) Has on-site treatment of grey and black water been utilised (solar aquatics, etc.)? ▼ POTENTIAL PITFALLS

(Y/S/N/)

1) Have roofing materials that do not pollute rainwater been employed?

2) Where rainwater collection is employed, are the banks appropriately sized to provide a week or more of storage? If ‘No’ or ‘Somewhat’ to any of the above, reconsider strategies employed or provide an explanation below:

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▼ IMPLEMENTATION Modelling: N/A Resources: RAIA Environment Design Guide Note DES13 and DES14 Sustainable House (Mobbs, 1999) Design Targets: 1) Water Consumption Is the predicted water consumption is <5m³/person/year? Is the predicted water consumption is 5 to 9m³/person/year? Is the predicted water consumption s 10 to 20m³/person/year?

2) Some measure of detention needed?

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APPENDIX 2.D.3: MECHANICAL SERVICES


Bioclimatic Design Guidelines – Mechanical Services BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION

Designing the mechanical services to be as efficient as possible has the following benefits: Reduced energy costs Reduced capital costs due to sizing mechanical plant for lower loads Reduced run hours on plant equipment defers maintenance In general efficient building service are also effective at delivering comfort


Good, Average, None

If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?:

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▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE (ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X) Design Conditions 1) Have appropriate indoor design conditions been set for each space to avoid unnecessary oversizing? 2) Have the indoor design conditions taken into account the climatisation to the local climate and cultural factors? 3) Has the time of the year and day a space is used been considered in selecting outdoor design conditions? Zening 4) Have the systems been zoned to align with times at which space is used and when these zones are at peak load? 5) Does the zone layout separate spaces that are thermally different? 6) Have small zones been employed to maximise the use of natural ventilation and provide occupants local control? 7) Load Calculations 8) Where shading is employed, has the reduction in direct and diffuse solar gains been accounted for? 9) If internal or cavity blinds are employed, have these been taken into account in solar control?


10) Has a realistic assumption been made for office equipment loads? (Typical <14W/m2 in offices)? System selection/Design 11) Where natural ventilation is not employed, has a full-air system been employed to maximise night ventilative and face cooling? 12) Have economiser modes on the air and water sides been employed? 13) Do the mechanical systems operate efficiently at part load or when only few zones are occupied? 14) Have the design supply air and water temperatures been optimised to lower life-cycle costs? 15) Have alternative to CFC refrigerant been considered to lower ozone depletion (OOP) and global warming potential (GWP)? 16) Have heat recovery modes been employed? C

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17) Has high-efficiency equipment (fans, Boilers, Chillers, Pumps) been employed to minimise life-cycle costs? Control 18) Has a full digital Building Management System been employed?

19) Has part load operation been optimised through use of chilled water return temperature, heating water supply temperature, and supply air temperature reset strategies?

20) Has part load operation been optimised through the use of duct static pressure reset and water pressure reset strategies combined with variable speed drives?

▼ POTENTIAL PITFALLS (Y/S/N/) 1) Have the needs for future flexibility and expansion been considered so as not to avoid unnecessary capital expense now or later?

2) If mixed mode system are employed, is there an efficient means to condition a space demanding cooling/ heating while other space continue to be passively heated or cooled?


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Appendix 2.D.3: (Cont...)

Property Services, Projects IMPLEMENTATION Modelling:

There are many design and simulation packages that allow complex mechanical system to be simulated for a single day or entire year. These packages must simulate facade heat gain, thermal mass, and part load operation accurately.

Resources: BOMA Energy Guidelines Design Targets: Annual energy use by end use (kWh/m2/yr) Cooling Heating (Gas) Ventilation and pumping

What is the estimated cooling coefficient of performance (COP) including fans, pumps, chillers, towers, etc.?

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▼ POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION Measurement 1) Sub-metering of energy and uses may be appropriate if electrical distribution system is suitable

2) Using one time power measurement combined with short to medium term current measurement, seasonal or annual power usage can be estimated for particular piece of equipment or end use.

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APPENDIX 2.D.4: THERMAL MASS


Bioclimatic Design Guidelines – Thermal Mass BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION

Maximising the use of thermal mass allows: Heat and coolth can be stored in the mass to lower heating and cooling loads and thus reduce energy use. Peak heating and cooling loads are lowered and mechanical plant size is reduced. Radiant cooling provided by thermal mass in summer, allows higher air temperatures and thus reduces the need for air-conditioning.


Good, Average, None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?:

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Tropical climates with small diumal temperature variations provide a small potential for thermal mass Building requires tight temperature control 24hrs/day Structure is lightweight and offers a small thermal mass potential Other:

▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE (ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X) Walls 1) Have thermally massive material been utilised on the face of the exterior walls?

2) Has thermal insulation been placed on the outside of the mass exterior walls to allow the space air to come in good thermal contact with the mass?

3) Have thermally massive materials been utilised for load bearing walls? 4) Is the mass in the internal walls in good thermal contact with the air in the space? Ceiling and Floors 5) Has the floor slab been utilised as a thermally massive ceiling for the space below? 6) Have polished concrete or floor tiles been provided in non-acoustically sensitive areas? 7) Have hollow core, waveform, or ribbed slabs been employed to increase the amount of mass in good thermal contact with air. ▼ POTENTIAL PITFALLS

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(Y/S/N/) 1) Have the room acoustic criteria been met? 2) Is there a clear strategy on place to “charge” the thermal mass at night? 3) Is exposed thermal mass acceptable architecturally? 4) Does the night cooling strategy address security and weather protection concerns? If ‘No’ or ‘Somewhat’ to any of the above, reconsider strategies employed or provide an explanation below:

▼ IMPLEMENTATION Modelling: 1) Most thermal analysis software accounts for the effect of thermal mass in calculating peak loads.

2) For a mechanical design to fully benefit from thermal mass, it must account for radiant cooling effects and the impact on dry resultant temperature and thermal comfort.

Resources: RAIA Environmental Design Guide Note DES20 and Technology Note TEC2 CIBSE Design Guide Volume A, Section A4 Design Targets: 1) Admittance, Y (as defined in CIBSE guide) Over what portion of space is the admittance greater than 18W/m2/C of floor area Over what portion of space is the admittance greater than 14-17W/m2/C of floor area Over what portion of space is the admittance greater than 10-13W/m2/C of floor area 2) For spaces employing thermal mass, how much lower is the dry resultant temperature relative to space air temperature (DegC)?

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Property Services Projects ,

POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION Measurement

The affect of thermal mass is difficult to q

atures should be achiuantify, but can be observed by logging indoor and outdoor air mass surface temperatures. Higher

evable given a lower mean radiant temperature due to the mass. space air temper Survey

A simple questionnaire can be used to survey the building users on the perceived radiant cooling effects of the thermal mass and the

ility of their acoustic environment. acceptab

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APPENDIX 2.D.5: NATURAL VENTILATION


Bioclimatic Design Guidelines – Natural Ventilation


Maximising the use of natural ventilation allows: Outdoor air to be used for the majority of the year to cool and ventilate the internal space. Capital costs to be reduced, as a mechanical ventilation system may not be required. Operating costs to be reduced as ventilation systems do not have to run for a large portion of the year. Improved occupant comfort as natural ventilation devices can be used to tailor the thermal environment.


Good, Average, None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?: The air quality of the site is unsuitable for natural ventilation The ambient noise of the site is high and makes natural ventilation openings difficult acoustically Climate is always hot-humid and does not allow natural ventilation to be effective The internal environment has tight cleaning requirement The internal environment has tight air movement and temperature control requirements Other:

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▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE (ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X) Primary Ventilation Strategy Single-Sided Ventilation 1) Has the space planning layout provided a depth of space that is within two times the height of the space? 2) Have both high and low level openings been provided to provide thermal stack ventilation when winds are calm? Cross Ventilation 3) Is the depth of the cross-ventilated space less than five times the height of the space? 4) Have high level openings been provided to allow effective cross-ventilation? 5) Have low level opening been provided to allow local control at the perimeter? 6) have ceiling fans been employed to provide vertical air movement in core areas? Thermal Stack Ventilation 7) Do the chimneys have a cross-sectional area on the order of 1% of the floor area ventilated? 8) Have the chimney height and materials been optimised to provide sufficient driving force for stack ventilation? 9) Have the chimneys been designed to ensure positive flow regardless of wind speed and direction? Control 10) Have trickle ventilators been provided for minimum ventilation when windows are closed? 11) Are some openings operated by the BMS to allow night ventilative cooling of the building mass? 12) Have windows with friction stays been provided to allow occupants variable control over ventilation rates? 13) Do the thermal chimneys have variable flow control devices?

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Property Services, Projects POTENTIAL PITFALLS (Y/S/N/) 1) Are the room noise levels of the naturally ventilated spaces acceptable? 2) Is the level of acoustic privacy between naturally ventilated space acceptable? 3) Are the natural ventilation openings sufficiently secure and watertight? 4) Do the natural ventilation openings seal tightly to limit infiltration 5) Has fire safety been addressed by the natural ventilation strategies? 6) Has the control of internal blinds been coordinated with the natural ventilation strategy? 7) Has the necessity for flyscreen and the associated pressure drop been considered? 8) Are air inlets located well away from pollution sources? If ‘No’ or ‘Somewhat’ to any of the above, reconsider strategies employed or provide an explanation below:

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▼ IMPLEMENTATION Modelling:

1) For spaces relying on thermal stack ventilation a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis may assist in optimising the parameters of the thermal chimneys. Saline models can also be used.

2) Wind tunnel testing of scale models allows pressure coefficients to be found from which ventilation rates for single sided and cross ventilation can be estimated.

3) Simplified techniques to estimate natural ventilation air flow rates are documented in the CIBSE Application Manuals. These simplified techniques are objective and effective given that the variables if natural ventilation are fluctuating.

Resources: CIBSE Application Manual for “Natural Ventilation in non-Domestic Buildings” RAIA Environmental Design Guide Note DES20 and Technology Note TEC2 BSRIA Technical Note “Refurbishment of Air-conditioned Buildings for Natural Ventilation” CIBSE Design Guide Volume A, Section A4 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 25 Design Targets: 1) Peak Summer Natural Ventilation Rates (Air Changes per Hour, AC/h) For what portion of space is a natural ventilation rate of 25AC/h or more achieved? For what portion of space is a natural ventilation rate of 18-24AC/h or more achieved? For what portion of space is a natural ventilation rate of 10-17AC/h or more achieved? 2) how many hours of the year is supplemental mechanical cooling required? (occupied hrs/.yr)

The BCA requires an effective open area for natural ventilation of at least 5% of floor are. In reality a much smaller percentage is sufficient for single sided ventilation.

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Measure space temperatures and monitor air-conditioning status to determine for what set of indoor and outdoor conditions natural ventilation is effective.

Survey

A simple questionnaire can be used to survey the building users on their satisfaction with their thermal environment and use of natural ventilation devices.

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APPENDIX 2.D.6: LIGHTING


Bioclimatic Design Guidelines – Lighting


Maximum the use of day lighting and efficient artificial lighting allows: Reduced use of artificial light and thus lower energy use. Lower lifting loads allowing mechanical plant to be downsized and cooling energy use to be lowered. Increased occupant comfort die to a high level of contact with the outside environment and working under natural light Increased lamp life and thus reduced maintenance costs.


Good, Average, None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?: Space use is not suitable for day lighting Site does not have good daylight access Other:

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▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE (ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X) Orientation & Planning 1) Has the building been oriented to have primarily north and south facing facades? 2) Have narrow floor-plates been provided that maximised the amount of space with daylight access?

3) Has the internal space been planned so that spaces that can utilise daylight have good access while spaces that cannot benefit greatly for daylight are located in the core area?

Primary Lighting Strategy Side lighting – Perimeter Facades 4) Have the facades utilised shading and light shelves to control solar gains while allowing daylight to penetrate 5) Has the floor to ceiling height been maximised to allow maximum daylight penetration?

6) Has the glass been selected appropriately (Shading Coefficient, and Visible Light Transmission) to control solar gains and maximise views and daylight?

Side lighting – Light wells, Courtyards, and Atria 7) Have the proportions and shape of the light well/courtyard/atrium maximised the amount of sky that can be seen from the bottom? 8) Have light diffusing materials that reflect a large portion of daylight been selected for the light well/courtyard/atrium surfaces? Top lighting – Skylights 9) Has the sky lighting been arranged to provide an even distribution of light? 10) Have the skylights been designed to prevent direct sunlight from falling on work surfaces? Artificial Lighting Light Fixtures 11) Has task lighting been provided to maximise the use of daylight for ambient lighting?

12) Has the lighting system been made inherently efficient throughout the use of reflectors, efficient lamps, efficient ballasts, and optimal placement of light fixtures?

Controls 13) Do occupants have local control over their ambient lighting? 14) Has the lighting been zoned to maximise use of daylight? 15) Has a dimming strategy been employed to minimise the use of artificial light? 16) Have internal blinds been provided for glare control?

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POTENTIAL PITFALLS

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1) Do the day lighting systems bring in daylight evenly and without glare?

2) Do the day lighting systems bring in daylight without excessive solar gains?

3) Do the day lighting features allow flexibility in space use (ie. light shelves obstruct partitioning)?

4) Where employed, is day lighting expected to offset at least 50% of the annual lighting load?


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▼ IMPLEMENTATION Modelling:

Photorealistic images, illumination levels, and daylight factors can be penetrated using the RADIANCE or LIGHT SCAPE or equivalent software. Simplified programs that calculate daylight factors are also available. For smaller projects of simple spaces a hand calculation may suffice (CIBSE Guide)

Resources: “Designing buildings for daylight” (Bell and Burt, 1995) RAIA Environmental Design Guide Note DES6 Design Targets: Average Daylight Factor Over what portion of daylit space has an Average DLF of 3.0 to 5.0 been achieved? 20% Over what portion of daylit space has an Average DLF of 1.5 to 3.0 been achieved? 60% Over what portion of daylit space is the Average DLF less thn 1.5? 20% Over what portion of daylit spaces has the ratio of maximum daylight factors been kept to less than 10.1? 80%

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▼ POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION Measurement

Using two light meters, measure outside horizontal and inside horizontal illuminance (Lux) on an overcast day. The ratio of the two gives the daylight factor. This can be spot checked or performed for a grid of points in a space

Using current transducers with a logger, the current drawn by a lighting circuit ban be measured over a multi-week (month) period. Studying this data in a spreadsheet reveals the full load equivalent run hours

Survey

A simple questionnaire can be used to survey the building users on their satisfaction of the visual environment.

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APPENDIX 2.D.7: FACADE HEAT GAIN


Bioclimatic Design Guidelines – Façade Heat Gain


The benefits of the intense summer sun and hot ambient temperatures in Australia make façade heat gain control very important. The benefits include: 1) Reduced cooling and heating loads allowing mechanical plant to be downsized. 2) Lower cooling and heating energy use. 3) Reduced direct sun penetration which improves thermal comfort and reduces use of internal blinds. 4) Moderated glass surface temperatures which improves thermal comfort near the façade.


Good, Average, None If ‘None or ‘Average’ why?: Existing building / façade does not allow shading or good solar control to be adopted Other:

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▼ STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE (ANSWER YES (Y), Somewhat (S), No (N), or Not Applicable (X)) (Y/S/N/X) Space Planning 1) Have buffer or circulation spaces been located to less favourable solar exposures?

Distribution of glazing

2) Has the amount of glazed area been minimised on the east and west and maximised on the north and south orientations? External shading

3) Have horizontal shading devices been employed for north facing window to shade during summer? 4) Has operable or egg-crate shading of the east and west been employed? 5) Has surrounding vegetation been utilised to shade the summer sun? 6) Have light coloured façade and structural materials been considered to minimise the absorption of solar energy during summer? High Performance Glass 7) Has double glazing and lowE glass been employed to improve the glass insulation value? 8) Have spectrally selective loeW costings been considered to transmit daylight while limiting solar gains? Insulation

9) Have the economics off additional thermal insulation been considered? 10) Have thermal bridges been minimised by reducing the exterior profile of mullions and frames? ▼

POTENTIAL PITFALLS

(Y/S/N/)

1) Is the winter sun allowed to enter and heat the internal space where beneficial?

2) Is there a clear strategy to clean and maintain the façade?

3) Has the supporting structure of sun shades been addressed?


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Property Services, Projects IMPLEMENTATION Modelling:

Façade heat gain modelling is intrinsic to passive design and mechanical system sizing software. Shadow casting software can be used to visualise and optimise the shading systems

Resources:

Where load calculations are limited to hand / spreadsheet calculations. The ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook (1997 chapters 28 and 19) and CIBSE Guide A (1988 sections A2, A3 and A5) provide guidance on treatment of solar / façade heat gains and analysis of shading.

Design Targets: 1) Peak Façade Heat Gain (Solar and Fabric) averaged over all facades (calculated as per AIRAH Load Estimation Manual DA9) What portion of façade has a peak summer façade heat gain less than 50W/m²?

What portion of façade has a peak summer façade heat gain between 50 and 65W/m²? What portion of façade has a peak summer façade heat gain between 65 and 80W/m²? 2) What is the composite U-Value (W/m²C) for all facades?

3) What portion of perimeter space is fully shaded from direct sun penetration between 9.30am and 3.30pm during summer?

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Using two light meters, measure outside horizontal and inside horizontal illuminance (Lux) on an overcast day. The ratio of the two gives the daylight factor. This can be spot checked or performed for a grid of points in a space

Using current transducers with a logger, the current drawn by a lighting circuit ban be measured over a multi-week (month) period. Studying this data in a spreadsheet reveals the full load equivalent run hours

Survey

1) Façade heat gains are very difficult to measure in-situ. Performance is best verified by looking at the design drawings and glass and material specifications.

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APPENDIX 2.E: THEATRES AND TEACHING SPACES DESIGN GUIDELINES

Theatres and Teaching Spaces Design Guidelines

2.E.1 INTRODUCTION

2.E.1.1 Vision Statement

RMIT aims to provide teaching and learning facilities that offer a stimulating, sustainable and safe learning and working environment that supports student engagement and maximises the students’ learning experience.

Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides optimise the opportunity for interactions between teachers and students and between the students themselves. In particular, the University strives to ensure that these spaces meet the highest standards in architectural design for educational facilities, make the best use of educational technology and offer maximum flexibility in the way they may be used to support the teaching and learning process.

2.E.2 MANAGEMENT OF THE DESIGN PROCESS

2.E.2.1 Space ownership The University has a process in place where all generic teaching and learning space, i.e. classroom, seminar, large teaching and lecture theatre spaces, are managed centrally by Property Services.

Specialist teaching and learning space, ie. workshops, wet and dry laboratories and dedicated research areas are generally managed by the relevant School or College.

2.E.2.2 Business process owner Each project team will include a minimum of two representatives of at least one teaching department to provide user input. However, the project team should remember that many RMIT teaching spaces are Common Teaching Spaces and may be used by any department.

Consequently the design must adhere to the standards herein whilst meeting any additional specific requirements of the nominated user department and include endorsement from Property Services Space Planning and Management unit.



2.E.2.3 Learning Spaces Advisory Group (LSAG) The Learning Spaces Advisory Group (LSAG) is a University committee established to ensure that innovative learning and teaching principles and practices systematically inform the development of RMIT’s Campuses. LSAG supports and facilitates discussion between key institutional stakeholders, particularly staff with expertise in learning and teaching practice and innovation, and uses this knowledge in the implementation of physical learning environments. In doing so LSAG

Reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to the development of the learning environment within the university

Advise and support Project Control Groups in regard to learning and teaching principles and practice and their implementation in infrastructure projects

Report to the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) on progress, activities and issues related to learning and teaching and building projects

Work collaboratively with Architects and project personnel as required throughout the life cycle of projects to achieve learning and teaching outcomes in spatial design

Facilitate consultation with all relevant learning and teaching stakeholders that is effective and timely and informs project designs and outcomes. Ensure the ongoing involvement and input of stakeholders. This should include consultation with students where appropriate

Communication to the wider RMIT university community of information on capital projects that reflect best practice in the development of physical learning environments both within Australia and overseas

Undertake a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) at the conclusion of each project to assess compliance with the learning and teaching brief

2.E.2.4 Responsibilities – Property Services Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides

2.E.2.5 Responsibilities – Educational Technology Advisory Group (ETAG) Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides

2.E.2.6 Responsibilities – Audio Visual Services (AVS) Audio-Visual Services provides RMIT with internal Audio Visual (AV) consulting as to the scope and direction of the audio visual facilities aspects of new and refurbishment based projects. The AV manager shall in consultation with Property Services deem necessary the need for an external AV consultant. This will be based on the project size, scope of documentation and technical requirements. It is generally expected that projects with standard AV facility requirements will be coordinated by the AVS unit within and that projects requiring custom system design and fully documented

Audio-Visual Services is responsible for maintaining RMIT’s audio-visual installations and will inspect new audio-visual installations prior to hand-over to ensure that works are completed, commissioned satisfactorily and meet the standards outlined in the AV Facilities and Theatre and Teaching Space Guidelines sections of this document.

The Consultant shall include a representative of AVS in meetings with the User Department when issues relevant to audio-visual facilities are discussed, and shall consult the Manager of the AV Unit prior to completion of the design for design scope approval.



It is required that AVS provide recommendations for equipment selection, as they are required to provide ongoing service and support for the facilities,

2.E.2.7 Responsibilities – Information Technology Services (ITS) ITS is responsible for maintaining RMIT’s IT installations and will inspect new IT installations prior to hand-over to ensure that works are completed and commissioned satisfactorily and meet the standards required.

The Consultant shall include a representative of ITS in meetings with the User Department when issues relevant to data installations and equipment are discussed, and shall consult ITS prior to completion of the design.

ITS is available to provide recommendations for equipment selection, and will provide service and support to selected/recommended brands of equipment.

2.E.2.8 Consultation Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides

2.E.3 STANDARDS

2.E.3.1 Audio Visual Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides.

2.E.3.2 IT Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides

2.E.3.3 Emerging and new technologies Consistent with this aim, the University is committed to ensuring that the teaching and learning spaces it provides



2.E.4 TEACHING SPACE TYPES

Audio-Visual Facilities may be provided in each teaching space as selected from one of five standard classification levels known as AV1 to AV4 and AV4-C, which denotes a custom teaching space. These facilities are detailed in the AV section of the design brief.

Each category of teaching spaces has differing design considerations according to their intended use. Spaces in each category may be fitted to a variety of architectural and equipment standards and incorporate facilities for specialised activities.

The size of lecture theatres should be determined by formula set out in the Commonwealth Building Standards for seating numbers. Additional space would be required for specialist AV equipment and user specific demonstration, presentation or conferencing requirements.

2.E.4.1 Lecture Theatres - AV4 - Fixed Seating

2.E.4.2 Seminar/Tutorial Rooms These would effectively be considered small lecture theatres with a capacity of less than 60 and with a level floor but are primarily designed for effective presentation from one end of the room and have controlled lighting, the presentation media facilities are as AV-1, AV-2 or AV-3.

PA may not be required and the use of combinations of presentation media is more restricted.

With fixed seating arrangement the provision of a standard RMIT lectern and computer module is possible.

2.E.4.3 Flexible Teaching/Learning Space These are flat floor multi-function spaces and generally have natural lighting and a seating capacity of up to 60. The emphasis is on active participation and contribution by all to the learning experience rather than purely presentation to the group from one part of the room. Some basic presentation furniture should be available with lighting controls located on wall near a presenters ‘home base’ location. Moveable seats and tables should be provided. Although data outlets should be provided, Computers are not usually installed. Laptop connection for presenter is most useful.

2.E.4.4 Scientific & Specialist Laboratories Laboratories are unique teaching spaces that cover a wide range of disciplines and physical environments.

2.E.4.5 Computer Laboratories These spaces generally have a built-in networked computer for every person as well as presentation facilities.



2.E.4.6 Videoconferencing Spaces (Teleteaching) These may be any of the above type of spaces, but incorporate the capacity to include external audience and participants. Design & space considerations for video conferencing and associated equipment require additional consultation.

2.E.5 THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

An effective learning environment incorporates generous access, comfortable seating, clear sight-lines, good lighting, articulate sound, appropriate scale, and agreeable spatial forms, colours and textures. In cases where existing spaces are being renovated or upgraded it is sometimes difficult to satisfy all requirements. Compromise must be made following a comprehensive evaluation of the space and the shortcomings therein. Often A-V and presentation facility requirements form the priority of users; but other qualities and characteristics of the space require attention and should not be overlooked.

2.E.5.1 Ambience Lecture Theatres should be designed as attractive, amenable spaces. There should be minimal fenestration/openings to walls near or at the presentation wall of theatres so as not to detract from the main focal point i.e. Lecturer and boards and screens. Design solutions should be architecturally attractive and should, where possible, allow for the later inclusion of works of art. Colours should be chosen to suit the character of the space. Light colours are generally preferable but care must be taken to avoid glare on whiteboards and projection screens. Darker coloured Walls and ceiling sections surrounding the presentation area will reduce reflective glare and provide for clearer projection images.

2.E.5.2 Electronic White Boards (EWB) and static Writing Boards (WB) Writing boards of either static or electronic type are required in all teaching spaces, though the use of static boards in larger spaces is discouraged, as distant students are unable to read the written information. They are however useful for scribing large key words and can enhance the theatrical aspect of a presentation.

Electronic boards offer advantages in many situations and are becoming commonplace in teaching spaces. However as they require IT facilities and training for users they are not a standard item and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In general for fixed boards:

White dry erase marker type boards should be used.

Double-hung boards will be used in preference to fixed or “roller-boards”, except for very large theatres where writing boards are not encouraged.

Care must be taken to ensure that handles are designed to minimise risk of injury in handling boards. Where appropriate, tools for moving boards out of arm-reach should be provided. To reduce maintenance Motorised boards should not be used.

Unless specially engineered marker board proportions of no wider than 4 to 1 should be used in order to avoid jamming and allow free travel.



D-pull handles should be avoided.

Except in very large theatres, where possible, a writing-board shall remain accessible while other media are in use.

In general for electronic boards:

Electronic boards should be of the “Teamboard” brand, unless specifically requested with adequate reasoning why an alternative has been chosen. The 77-inch size should be used in suitably sized teaching spaces, and the 55-inch size for meeting rooms and small discussion areas. The 55-inch is also suitable for use in large lecture theatres where the information can be duplicated and projected at a suitable size for the space via an installed data projector.

Electronic boards of the current largest format, 77-inch, should be used in teaching spaces holding up to fifty students. In rooms seating more considerations should given per specific location as to the suitability of the technology and options to project on a screen a suitably sized image.

2.E.5.3 Projection Combinations Lecture theatres require projection in varied layouts depending on the theatres proposed use and location driven non variables.

2.E.5.4 Lines-of-sight and Theatre proportions Optical calculations should be performed by the audio visual Consultant for each project, however the following simple rules can be applied:

Rule 1. Furthest Viewer **. No student should be positioned further than six screen image height multiples from the projection screen.

Rule 2. Closest Viewer. No student should be positioned closer than two screen height multiples to the projection screen.

Rule 3. Horizontal Viewing Angle. Students should be positioned within an arc of 45 degrees off the centre line of projection.

Rule 4. Screen Position. The base of the screen should be at least 1350mm clear of the floor at the front of the lecture theatre.

Rule 5. Vertical Viewing Angle. Students at the front of a theatre space should not have to tilt their head more than 15 degrees upward from the horizontal to reference the centre of the projection screen.

** Whilst the Horizontal Viewing Angle and Closest Viewer rules can be stretched a little, the Furthest Viewer rule must not be stretched at all. Many poorly designed theatres have required the expensive addition of closed circuit television with viewing monitors located to the rear of house to enable furthest audience members to see presentation data.



2.E.5.5 Motorized or Fixed Projection Screens The projection installation should work effectively in any configuration without the requirement to tilt projection screens when moving from one presentation mode to another. If tilting screens are required in retrofit situations, motors fitted for screen movement must be quiet, robust and quick enough to move the screen from one position to another in 25 seconds or less. This lessens lecturer impatience and waning interest in the presentation.

The preferred option is to project directly onto the wall above or behind the writing board area. In some cases the writing boards must be lowered to expose the screen area.

Multi-media-presentation combinations are often required at the one time.

Combinations sometimes that could be required are:

Dual projection presentations

Slides and Video

Document Camera and PC

To provide optimum viewing angles for video/data display the projected image should be located centrally to the whole audience. This usually negates the possibility of combining Video/Data with other mediums.

Splitting of vertical sliding marker board would require a central mullion - which then will negate the option of central Video/Data projection.

If fixed location marker boards are required, they should be wide enough to allow for the combined media presentations to occur centrally.

Alternatively a small mobile markerboard may be another option

2.E.5.6 Lifts for Video Projectors For easy of installation and servicing, video projectors should not be mounted higher than 4.5m from floor level.

To limit theft and improve projection and sight lines, projectors should be installed above 2.7M and fitted with a mechanical service lift.

Where a maintenance lift requires access to the projector in-situ to secure cables, catches etc., then a safe, secure bracket shall be provided against which a ladder may be rested.

Designers shall avoid set-ups which require a video projector lift to move projectors from one audio-visual configuration to another. This takes time and may upset settings of the equipment.

2.E.5.7 Seating Rake, Aisles and Visibility The lecture theatre floor should be raked to provide a clear view of the display areas and the presenter from every seat. The rake can be provided by terracing or sloping of the theatre floor.

Aggressive tiering can create projection and screen viewing problems - and should be contemplated only in very small theatres or where existing conditions must be retained. In steeply raked existing theatres the front rows of seats may need to be tilted back slightly to compensate for excessive screen heights and vertical viewing angles.



In smaller theatres evenly raked sloping floors are often successful where adequate ceiling height is provided for the projection images.

Centre aisles should be avoided as images can be obscured easily by latecomers. Central aisles also occupy the best seating locations.

2.E.5.8 Stages and Podia The installation of stages and podia in all teaching spaces is discouraged. Flat floored presentation areas are preferred at the front of lecture theatres - best for access, flexibility of usage, safety and maximum use of space.

2.E.5.9 Lectern Standards on Lectern Design are currently in the process of being developed at the time of printing. For further information please contact the Deputy Director, Space Planning and Management.

2.E.6 ACCESS, MOVEMENT, FURNITURE AND FITTINGS

2.E.6.1 Access, Egress and Circulation Lecture theatres shall be designed to facilitate comfortable access and egress. In addition to BCA compliance in aisle widths, distance to aisles, egress, seating row spacing and disabled persons access, designers should be mindful of other considerations including the following;

Circulation spaces sized to allow for both easy ‘departure’ of classes whilst another group is waiting.

Sufficient doors should be provided to allow for a maximum clearance time of 2.5 minutes for quick and efficient changeover between lectures.

Door/s at or near the rear of the theatre for the entry of latecomers minimise disruption to presenters.

2.E.6.2 Doors Include glazed vision “slots” in entry doors as a means of determining if the theatre or teaching space is in use. Slots should be approximately 40mm wide and the height should ensure that people standing and wheelchair users may all see in. An A4-size Perspex slot for notice insertion and a small pin board for messages may be placed on the outside of the door or on an adjacent wall.

2.E.6.3 Foyers and Public Spaces In the design of large lecture theatres, consideration should be given to the provision of adjacent free ‘break-out’ and waiting space with facilities for display, serviced with adequate toilet and washroom facilities.



Secure storage spaces are always an important provision as an adjunct to public amenity areas. Storage may be required for tables and chairs for conference set-up in the front of lecture theatre. In some circumstances the design brief might require catering facilities. Where kitchenette facilities are not proposed, dedicated 15A GPO sockets should be considered for the connection of urns, etc. RMIT undertakes refurbishment/refitting works to many existing lecture theatres, both large and small. In most of these cases, space for the public amenities as described above is either limited or unavailable. Masterplanning of areas should nevertheless account for these amenities.

2.E.6.4 Public Access Centrally timetabled spaces are generally not required for academic teaching programmes for 30% of the year (November to February). Whilst the primary use of University teaching spaces is delivery of the academic program, consideration should be given to ease of access and use by the wider community, especially in the case of larger projects. Signage, access, amenities and other services should also be considered to be planned with public use in mind.

2.E.6.5 Facilities for People with Disabling conditions Access to lecture theatres shall generally be in accordance with AS1428-1993 Design for Access & Mobility, Parts 1 and 2, and comply with the Federal Disability and Discrimination Act 1992 and the Victorian Disability Act 2006, in particular Section 37 – State Disability Plan. All teaching space designs should allow for two wheelchairs in teaching spaces of up to 200 seats and one additional space for each additional 100 seats or part thereof. It is important that these positions allow a clear view of all lecture theatre media and the view from wheelchair parking spaces should not be obstructed by the lectern placement. The front row of seats should be at the same floor level as entry doors for disabled persons access. Wheelchair spaces should be located towards the centre of the front row rather than near the side unless likely to be obstructed by the presenter. Fixed lecterns should not impede wheelchair user access. An audio loop for the hearing impaired shall generally be installed in all teaching spaces that may be provided with a PA system. Theatres with audio loops and the seating areas where the loops are active are to be “signed” accordingly.

2.E.6.6 Floors and Carpets Carpets are recommended in all teaching spaces for acoustic and aesthetic reasons. Selected carpet tiles may be allowed. Carpets may be laid double stick to underfelt or laid ‘direct stick’ to suitably prepared even floor surfaces. Loose laid carpet over underfelt will stretch when traversed by wheelchair users or trolleys. On the nosings of terraced aisles and steps, provide use contrasting coloured metal safety stair nosings, with non-slip insert strips. These will protect the step carpets and provide identification. Ensure secure fixings are provided to prevent any lateral movement of edge strips or rotation.



2.E.6.7 Walls Wall surfaces should be durable and easy to clean. Walls to dado level should be constructed from or lined with hard-wearing materials, resistant to scuffing and scratching, eg. masonry (with anti-graffiti treatment), laminate finished MDF or metal sheeting. Plasterboard, should only be used where impact damage is unlikely. Where plasterboard or plaster-glass walls are used, high quality workmanship is necessary to produce a level and straight surface, particularly near the front of the presentation areas which may regularly be highlighted by spotlights, board lights etc. The front wall and front quarter of side walls of teaching spaces with a specific presentation focus shall generally be acoustically reflective. Sound absorbent acoustic panels may be required on the rear quarter of side walls and on rear walls. Designers may choose to integrate panels into the general fenestration and design context of the theatre. Acoustic panels shall be of robust construction, maintenance freedom and with the ability to be cleaned on site if required.

2.E.6.8 Ceilings Shape: The shape and type of ceiling should suit particular acoustic, sightline and projection requirements.

Materials: A number options are available in the selection of materials for ceilings, however particular care should be taken in the finish of plasterboard or plasterglass ceilings particularly if uplighting is to be used. Ceiling colour at presentation wall should be darker tones to minimise glare and reflection.

Ceiling space: If adequate room is available the ceiling space should be easily accessible for servicing of light fittings and mechanical equipment from above, in preference to using scaffolding within the teaching space. (Lecture Theatres are re-lamped annually.) Scaffolding tiered theatres with fixed seating is both time consuming and expensive.

Minimum ceiling height: In a flat or elevated floor projection space a minimum of 3.5m ceiling height is recommended between the projection wall and the video projector location. This results in the video image being sufficiently high to facilitate better sightlines, reduction of the risk the theft temptation of data projectors improved room proportion, aesthetics and ambience.

2.E.6.9 Fixed Seating Fixed seating is to be secured onto sloping or tiered floor teaching spaces. To improve visibility in shallow raked or shallow stepped theatres, seats should be located with each alternate row staggered a half seat aside with respect to the seats in rows in front. Seats should be set back as far as possible on plats to avoid injury by feet slipping and getting jammed down between the seat back and the step. Kerb/fascias can be added to lessen this and to prevent accidental kicking of the seat in front. Designers may find a lesser number of seats possible when considering new replacement of existing seating in theatres. Plats may not be wide enough to allow BCA compliance nor ease of access. For existing theatres refurbishment of existing seating and tablets will often prove the most beneficial and cost effective. The University should be consulted on this possibility at the briefing stage. The range of proprietary seating currently available varies from simple polypropylene shell type (with or without upholstered finish) to high quality maximum comfort seats with padding



and fabric upholstery - all incorporating requirements for correct posture. Selection should consider length of usage in addition to cost, image, and maintenance. Fabrics for upholstered seating must be chosen for suitability in terms of appearance and durability and Fire indices. Fabrics must be commercial upholstery grade, recommended by the manufacturer for the intended purpose and stain resistant. Patterned Tight weave fabrics are recommended. Treatment such as “Scotchgard” may be applied; while ensuring that the fabric and adhesive bonding of padding materials is compatible.

2.E.6.10 Seating Tablets For ease of maintenance and space usage the fold-up/down type of tablet arm is strongly preferred Tablets should be large enough to hold a notebook computer or A3 Folder. The support mechanism should be robust and require minimum maintenance. The tablet surface will have a durable anti-graffiti finish. Patterned laminates deter defacing. Edges of tablet need to resist picking. Laminate edging must not be used. Metal, PVC or clear finished MDF edges are suitable. Approximately 13% of the general population are left handed, and designers should consider providing a proportion of left-handed seats. For ease of layout these may be located at the ends of rows.

2.E.6.11 Presentation Area Seating and tables For conference and group presentation, comfortable loose chairs and tables may be required when more than one person is to be accommodated at the front of large theatres. Additional storage may need to be provided for this. Consider recommending fold-up tables and stacking chairs. ‘Flexible’ flat floored teaching spaces need to be planned for different seating and table arrangements and have sufficient space to account for unused furniture storage/placement in some configurations.

2.E.6.12 Equipment Enclosure Types In general, all audio-visual equipment items including, speakers & speaker brackets, document cameras, video projector and slide projectors that are located within the theatre, will be required to have either a visual deterrent (eg heavy linked chain or wire) and or security headed fasteners. Equipment enclosures, such as the lectern and AV equipment racks and bio boxes will be required to have “TEC” or “LEC” keys fitted to allow secured user access.

In addition to the Lectern and Computer Module the following equipment cupboards may be required:

AV Systems Rack (or racks) separately keyed under the “TEC key” for access by maintenance and technical staff; these would be located either in the theatre or within projection room if provided.

Projection rooms are an especially useful inclusion in larger theatres where an assistant is employed to help in presentations. Preparation of future presentations can be made without interruption of lectures in progress.

A Dimmer cupboard usually adjacent to the switchboard outside the theatre, or located in the Projection Booth. The dimmer cupboard should never be physically adjacent to AV systems rack because of potential electrical interference.



Doors to equipment enclosure The front door of A-V rack cupboard should have conventional butt or piano hinges to reduce maintenance.

Ventilation of equipment enclosure.

Good ventilation, with generous air inlets at low level and outlets at high level, must be provided, though fan driven ventilation is often required, such as in the case of small slide projector cabinets. Dimmer cupboards require convection cooling to match the dimmer manufacturers specification.

Power Supply to equipment enclosure.

A regulated power supply should be fitted in preference to use of plug units.

No more than two plug units should be used to supply DC power to equipment in any one equipment cupboard.

There should be an additional mains powerpoint inside each cupboard, including small slide projector cabinets if used.

Dimensions of equipment enclosure.

The interior of built-in cupboards usually provide a mounting surface for audio-visual cable looms and ducts, power distribution conduits and so on.

Adequate clearance must be provided for these services plus the actual metal rack frame. At least 150mm clear space is required behind the equipment rack frame, inside the cupboard.

Minimum internal dimensions for an A-V rack cupboard are 800mm deep x 650mm wide.

AV equipment enclosures will be in one of two common formats, usually depending on the inclusion/exclusion of a suitable bio-box/projection room:

Where there is a suitable biobox, a “full height” industry standard rack should be installed. Where possible it should conform to the following;

45 RU - 675mm deep

steel construction

Steel rear door - lockable with TEC Key

Raised top cover for ventilation

Fixed side panels - ventilated

Internal rack light at rear

The rack enclosure should be located as to provide both front and rear access.

Where the audio visual equipment is to be located within the theatre, a joinery cupboard will be required. This cupboard will need to provide for two 24ru high equipment racks, the two racks will need to be located side by side. Bench-top for use by presenters could be incorporated if suitably located.

Access to A-V Equipment

The A-V rack may be mounted on wheels to allow rack removal for service and the lecture theatre floor and the rack cupboard floor must be continuous and flush to facilitate rolling. If the equipment is housed in two racks, there must be sufficient length of cable connection between the two racks to allow one of the two racks to be brought out alone.



All rack cupboard doors are fitted with the TEC key lock for technician access to remove/repair equipment and LEC key lock for user access to operate equipment. See Clause 12.8.4.

Location of Slide Projector enclosure.

Access to the slide projector cabinet or rear projection room should not be obstructed by seats.

The slide projector cabinet should be located on centre line of the theatre unless dual image is required in which case two cabinets are necessary.

Any cabinet base more than 1500mm above floor level will usually require step (permanent or sliding) for changing of slide trays. A handrail may assist safe access. Mechanical hoists are available also but should be avoided to minimise maintenance.

Lighting Inside enclosures.

Small, low voltage light source, if required, should be located in a shielded position inside slide projector cabinets which activate when the access door is opened.

Rear projection rooms require adequate shielded lighting for operators.

All equipment racks require adequate internal lighting for technical staff.

User equipment cupboards also require illumination for when ‘house’ lights are dimmed.

Dimensions and location of Projection Room.

Sufficient height is required for images to clear audience heads, sufficient room for a bench for slide and movie projectors where briefed.

Acoustic Isolation

The Dimmer cupboard and rear projection room must be acoustically insulated to prevent dimmer or cinematic projector noises from disturbing lectures.



2.E.6.13 Window Furnishings Where windows exist, effective control of natural lighting must be achieved with selected, light-excluding curtains, blinds or shutters.

The designer should endeavour to exclude as much light as is necessary to enable projected information to be easily read. Where cinematic conditions are required, 100% blackout should be aimed for, with no annoying light leaks at perimeters of the treatment. Pelmets and light-excluding tracks are often needed on all sides to achieve complete light sealing.

Window furnishings may be activated electrically, with control from the AV control system. Closure (blackout) is then automatic whenever a screen based display is selected for use within the theatre.

Curtains should only be considered when located beyond reach of students.

Heavy curtains or roman blinds are preferred for acoustic reasons, as they provide an effective contribution to the damping of sound reflections within the space.

Motorised drape systems can be very noisy - care must be taken to ensure that selected tracks and motors are not excessively noisy, as this does interrupt presentations when the curtains are activated.

Time for curtain or blind closure should not exceed 25 seconds.

2.E.6.14 Design Considerations for Seminar/Tutorial Rooms So far as space allows, Seminar/Tutorial Rooms with a main focus presentation wall, flat floor, 60 or less seats, should be equipped to the same level of functionality as a standard lecture theatre. PA may not be required for the presenter, but allowance must be made for the use of recorded or computer-generated sound.

2.E.6.15 Design Considerations for Flat Floor Flexible Teaching/Learning Spaces

In these spaces some compromise of facility for presentation may be tolerated in order to provide for flexibility of seating and good light which improves interpersonal communication.

These spaces may not have an obvious “front of room”. Marker boards may be fixed to more than one wall.

Allowance should be made for staff to ‘circulate’ within the room to each student workpoint.

Video projection should be made possible by provision of brown-out window furnishings. Video monitors should be fitted where possible with facility to play DVD/VCR and connect lap-top computers.

Where lap-top connections are allowed for, suitable provision allowance must be made for the tutor to use the lap-top while speaking.

Furniture for students could range from loose chairs, tablet arm chairs and chairs and tables.

Designers should be mindful of the Space floor area /cost penalties required for flexibility of arrangement compared to the traditional classroom row seating facing in one direction.

The following diagrams present a variety of seating configuration options for the one space. .



2.E.6.16 Design Considerations for Computer Laboratories Large screen data projection within computer laboratories require careful consideration for sightlines because many existing labs are so configured without students facing a main presentation wall. The presentation style in ‘teaching’ labs and the use/level of AV facilities is to be determined by the specialist laboratory user group - in consultation with AVS and ITS.

2.E.6.17 Design Considerations for Specialized Laboratories These projects are each unique. In general the need for adequate lighting may rule out the use of projection, but multiple video display monitors may be used to display material to all parts of the lab via CCTV. Large laboratories are noisy and may require PA.

2.E.7 ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING SERVICES

2.E.7.1 Energy Management Issues The use of electrical power in lecture theatres is actively regulated to minimise energy consumption. Many 240v powered equipment items, and all lighting circuits, are connected to the AV control system, which regulates service delivery based on input from a range of switches and sensors. Included in these is one or more ceiling mounted microwave sensors, which monitor room occupancy. Control software is programmed to ensure that lighting and power are shut down when the room is not occupied.

Selection of light fittings is an important factor in energy management. Directional tungsten filament down-lighting is necessary to provide good illumination when projection systems are in use. Fluorescent lighting is usually also available for use when projected displays are not required. Fluorescent fittings may either on a switched circuit or fitted with electronic dimming ballasts.

2.E.7.2 Power Supply Each lecture theatre should have a dedicated electrical distribution board, usually a sub-board fed from the main building supply. Requirements for individual circuits are quite high, therefore switch boards should be planned with generous capacity and wiring space. Adjacent wall area should be available for installation of dimming and power control equipment.

Most lecture theatre dimmers will require a single phase supply at up to 40 amps. In some cases, larger dimmers may be required with a 3 phase supply at up to 40 amps per phase

Some lecture theatres require a stabilised supply for power to demonstration and experimental equipment. In these cases the necessary equipment should be installed within the electrical or dimmer cupboard. Ventilation requirements must be adjusted to support the stabiliser operation. Lecture theatre power should be relatively clean and stable. Adjacent industrial operations must be treated sceptically, and supply planned so as to eliminate any chance for disturbance to theatre supply.

Earth leakage test switches must not be placed in public areas where tampering can upset power supply.



2.E.7.3 General Power Distribution Outlets Each lecture theatre should be serviced by a generous provision of strategically placed general power outlets, positioned at or near skirting level, and wired to Australian standards. Power outlets fall into two categories, those of a general nature for cleaning services, demonstration equipment, etc. and power outlets for AV equipment connected to the theatre. The power outlets required for general purposes only will be distributed around the theatre and located no closer to the front than the first row of seats.

2.E.7.4 Provision of Auxiliary Sockets At least one spare GPO must be provided in the audio-visual equipment rack.

An auxiliary audio-visual socket must be provided in bio-boxes where they are provided.

2.E.7.5 Specialist Power Requirements The specialist power requirements for each space should be tabulated by the AV Consultant, and then reviewed with the project electrical Consultant for implementation. Specialist services are planned to allow for complete supply and installation of working systems by the electrical Contractor, thus eliminating any service demarcation issues.

Earth leakage circuit breakers should be installed on circuits where user intervention with equipment is expected. In some larger theatres circuits are switched or regulated by dedicated control units, which respond to requests from the AV control system. In this manner, power to say a slide projector is automatically turned on when required, and safely turned off at the completion of a presentation. The following table lists typical "special power" requirements for a medium sized lecture theatre.

Ct #

APPLICATION C/B Control Max Load Phase

1 Slide projector power ELB PCU 10 amp Common 2 Overhead projector

power ELB PCU 10 amp Any

3 Video projector power ELB none 15 amp Common 4 AV rack power ELB none 15 amp Common 5 Computer power #2

(lectern) ELB none 15 amp Common

6 General AV power (lectern)

ELB PCU 15 amp Common

7 Motorised screen power

- MCU 10 amp Any

8 Motorised curtain power

- MCU 10 amp Any

Legend: ELB = earth leakage circuit breaker; PCU = Power Control Unit (specified by AV Consultant); MCU = Motor Control Unit (specified by AV Consultant); Common / The common electrical phase chosen for all AV service supply.

2.E.7.6 Lighting Planning Lecture theatres are lit by a combination of 250 volt tungsten filament downlighting and fluorescent light fittings. Lamp cost, lamp life and ease of replacement are all important



factors in the selection of fittings. Typically, RMIT requires the use of conventional GLS downlight fittings in low-ceiling spaces, and PAR lamp equipped fittings in areas with higher ceilings. The latter fitting is the preferred type. Fluorescent units are fitted with low brightness diffusers.

Light fittings are segmented into circuits which compliment the room functions. Up to twelve separate circuits may be required in an average lecture theatre.

2.E.7.7 Lighting Control Control of individual lighting circuits is achieved by multi-channel dimmer units, which use solid state devices to regulate the electrical waveform fed to the lamp. Some important characteristics required of the dimmer are as follows:

Minimal EMI & RFI emissions

Minimal acoustic emissions

Individual MCB for each output circuit

Local over-ride control with push button operation

Remote control by RS.232 signal from the AV systems

Simple access to low voltage control terminations

Adequate separation between low and high voltage areas inside dimmer unit

Active mains supply waveform tracking and output compensation

Automatic re-boot on power-up

In-built surge limiters

Soft-start switching

Halogen clean-up cycle for low voltage lighting

For heat dissipation purposes, dimmers must be surface-mounted, not recessed into wall cavities

Consideration should be given for the installation of an hour-run meter where incandescent lamps are specified

The dimmers are controlled by RS.232 commands generated in the AV control system, as a response to user input or time reference. Multiple lighting "scenes" are created in the control software, and requested as required for different lecture theatre situations. Maximum lighting levels are regulated within the software, with lamp filaments protected through limiting of power levels, thus reducing operating costs. Gentle ramped activation from cold eliminates thermal shock, further extending lamp life. User interfaces to the lighting control system include simple push button panels located at entry doors. LED indicators provide status indication for users. When the lighting button is pressed upon entry into the room the main fluorescent lighting is turned. When the lighting button is pressed upon existing the theatre ALL lighting should be turned off.

2.E.7.8 Specialist Lighting In addition to the downlight and fluorescent fittings, certain specialist light fittings and circuits are usually required in lecture theatres. The following list covers most possibilities, which do vary somewhat from theatre to theatre.



White board lighting. Usually directional fluorescent fittings designed to avoid glare.

Computer keyboard illumination. Close pattern spot-light illumination from the ceiling.

Aisle lighting. Low power tungsten filament indicator lamps fitted to the end of fixed seating rows. Aisle lighting recessed into the walls or stair tread sides may sometimes be necessary but should generally be avoided due to cost.

Lectern spotlights

Larger theatres which are used regularly for public activities, seminars and conferences will also require additional spotlight circuits for flexible illumination of presentation zones, displays, committee tables and the like. Lighting must be planned so as to provide quality illumination of the subject, whilst protecting projection screens from unwanted wash or spill.

2.E.7.9 Lighting Maintenance Issues Fluorescent fittings equipped with electronic ballasts (and connected to dimming control

equipment), must be treated as systems, rather than individual fittings. Tube/lamp replacement should be undertaken on a "whole room" basis at periodic intervals, as demanded by effective tube life. RMIT policy is to relamp each theatre during the summer semester break. Lamps should not be replaced on an individual basis, as new tubes will exhibit totally different dimming characteristics to aged tubes.

Fittings must be planned to allow simple replacement. In large theatres with high ceilings access is required above the ceiling on permanent catwalks.

2.E.7.10 Lighting for Flexible Learning Spaces Lighting for these spaces must optimise conditions for interpersonal communication. Dimming for presentation may not be required.

Lighting for Seminar/Tutorial Rooms with a specific presentation area shall meet the same standards as lecture theatres, but integrated automatic control is not required. The combined use of dimmable downlights with fluorescent fittings in the room ensures an even dimmed environment possible for note-taking during AV presentations.

When only fluorescent fittings are provided or available - then ensure that separate switching is available for front of house presentation area.

2.E.7.11 Performance Standards The completed electronic systems will be completely free of short circuits, ground loops,

hum, oscillation, feedback, excessive system noise, instability, RF interference and the like.

Completed video display systems shall provide stable images, without any visible detrimental artifacts, including noise bars, jitter, shake or ground loops.

All systems shall perform smoothly, without detectable hesitation, mismatch of signal levels, or detectable degradation to image or sound.

In general the systems performance must match that of best operational practice in the audio and video broadcast industry.



After the completion of the control system programming and equipment commissioning, the AV Contractor shall demonstrate the performance and function of all system components to the satisfaction of the A.V. Unit and the Consultant.

2.E.8 MECHANICAL SERVICES The designer should refer to the Standard Brief for Consultants sections on Mechanical Services for policy in regard to Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Energy Management and Building Controls. In general all mechanical services are controlled by the University’s BAS (Building Automation System). Manual on/off control is available only on the mechanical services switchboard.

Where BAS is not available in a building, air conditioning, heating and ventilation should be electrically controlled using motion detectors (of a type agreed with the Engineering Services Manager), timers, clocks and space temperature sensors as appropriate, including pre-conditioning.

Lighting is not controlled by BAS, but is controlled by the user as a part of the AV controls. Full fresh air ventilation is preferred for Lecture Theatres, however fresh air damper open/close control may be fitted to allow pre-conditioning of the space to be executed in an energy efficient manner. Noise levels from mechanical equipment are to be kept to a minimum. In determining acceptable noise levels, designers should consider the following criteria: - NR 30 (Noise Rating) - Australian Standard AS2107 - Department of Housing and Construction - Airah Design Guide

2.E.8.1 User input to HVAC Controls The user call for ventilation is by means of motion detectors fitted in the theatre. The motion detector(s) provide an input to the AV control system, which in turn signals the BAS which controls the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), taking a variety of factors into account. The user should not be required to operate the HVAC directly.

2.E.8.2 Fresh Air Supply In larger theatres, consideration should be given to the fitting of variable speed fans, which allow for the air volume to be varied according to the level of occupancy.

2.E.9 ACOUSTICS All teaching spaces need to be designed for proper acoustic performance with use of appropriate materials to floors, walls and ceilings. Care should be taken by the designer to allow for features which will reduce noise penetration to and from the theatre to acceptable levels.

2.E.9.1 Reverberation The use of modern audiovisual equipment requires short reverberation times.

Mid-band reverberation times, measured as RT60, should be set at around 0.5 seconds for lecture theatres up to 150 seats; for larger theatres, slightly longer times are acceptable.



2.E.9.2 Ambient Noise Ambient noise from mechanical systems and adjacent areas must be carefully controlled. Steady state noise levels should be limited to NR30, though this is often difficult to achieve.

2.E.9.3 Isolation Effective isolation assists with reduction in ambient noise. STC ratings for walls and doors must be planned to support the NR30 objective defined above. Double sheet insulated/cavity stud drywall construction is often required. All barrier walls should extend slab-to-slab in multi level buildings. Resilient mounted suspended ceiling structures with insulation over are often required to isolate low frequency sound.

Mechanical systems noise suppression is an integral consideration to any acoustic barrier treatment design.

2.E.10 SAFETY AND SECURITY Lecture Theatres must fully comply with the Building Code of Australia in relation to the following items: - aisle widths - tiered row spacing - distance of seats from an aisle - escape routes and exit doors - exit and emergency lighting - aisle lighting.

Consideration of fire protection measures is essential for both new and existing refurbished lecture theatres.

RMIT has a policy for the locking and security of Lecture Theatres. Details of current policy are available from Property Services. Details of security key-locks keying of audiovisual cupboards is described below.

2.E.10.1 Emergency lighting and Exit lighting It is necessary that emergency lighting design be in accordance with the relevant code.

Early in the design stage, the Consultant shall approach the Engineering Services Manager to establish the appropriate type of emergency lighting system to be specified.

Exit light fittings shall be of the maintained type. Emergency light fittings shall be of the non-maintained type. Legends for exit signs shall be green lettering on black background.

2.E.10.2 Aisle lighting Aisle lights are normally required in sloping floored theatres with fixed seating. Care should be taken in choice and location of lights to minimise glare for both presenter and audience.

2.E.10.3 Fire protection services Fire protection is a mandatory consideration in all buildings including teaching spaces and lecture theatres, both refurbished and new.

2.E.10.4 Security: “LEC” keys and “TEC” keys. Two types of key-lock are required in each teaching space or lecture theatre.



Locks for main entry doors and for AV equipment can be accessed by Lecturer’s (LEC key) including: - AV rack cupboard user access doors, Lectern touch screen cover, Computer module front access doors, Projection room, slide projector cupboard, AV storage cupboard (if provided).

Locks for service access to AV and electrical equipment by AV Technician only (TEC key), including: - Lectern Computer module service doors - AV rack cupboard service doors, Electrical and mechanical distribution boards.

TEC Keys for Technician’s access will also open locks accessible by LEC Lecturer keys.

High security risk items such as DVDs/VCR’s, Projectors, Computers etc. Will be locked onto place within the AV Equipment Enclosures and Racks.

All equipment must be marked with a “Property of RMIT” identification.

2.E.11 SUNDRY ISSUES

2.E.11.1 Clocks If deemed necessary, clocks should be installed in the lecture theatre, primarily for reference by the lecturer. Clocks should be mounted on the rear wall or on the side walls towards the rear. Clocks shall be battery operated, analogue and silent running.

2.E.11.2 Telephones In teaching spaces in which video projectors or other complex audio-visual equipment are fitted, an internal telephone shall be fitted to the lectern. The telephone shall be clearly visible, accessible and not interfere with the useable lectern desktop space. The telephone would ideally located on the computer cupboard inner face.

2.E.11.3 Graphics and Signage Signage and graphics should follow University standards.

The name of the Lecture Theatre shall be signed outside the main entrance to the teaching space.

Any signage placed inside the lecture theatre is to be unobtrusive and not distract from the main functions of the lecture theatre.

Provide the following signs in selected locations inside and outside the theatre or teaching space:

“No Food or Drink” and “Audio Loop” signs.

In addition, the following instructions and labels should be incorporated:

The A-V cabinet door notice on the inside “Close After Use” and the phone no. of the A-V Service Desk shall be shown.

In the Projection exclosures slide projectors should be labelled “Left” and “Right” if applicable and carry basic instructions for use.



2.E.11.4 Works of Art Opportunities to hang or display works of art, tapestries, etc. may be required in some theatre designs



2.E.12 AUDIO VISUAL FACILITIES In order to facilitate maintenance and ease-of-use of AV installations, RMIT has a standardised approach to many design aspects: a standard lectern design, the equipment rack, standard control system (i.e. AMX), standardised light dimming and environmental control methodology. Standard componentry offers advantages of reduced maintenance, spare parts and reduced theatre downtime. Presenters and support staff become familiar with standardised media and controls.

Generally, the most expensive equipment item in a theatre is the data projector and is usually the dominant factor influencing the design of AV facilities.

However, not all teaching spaces need to be equipped to the highest level.

In general, all installations should incorporate the Basic AV facilities (9.10.1);

All teaching spaces are connected to the LAN;

Lecture theatres and Seminar/Tutorial Rooms shall include provision for computer data as in the Data Presentation Standard (9.10.2) below. They shall include provision for the Basic Sound Standard (9.10.3) below;

All Lecture Theatres shall include provision for additional features as in 9.10.4.

Having regard to user requirements, budget and overall demand for the various possible additional features, a range of additional features as in 12.10.7 may be incorporated.

In a few selected spaces such as computing laboratories, special features as in 12.10.9 may be required to be incorporated.

2.E.12.1 Basic AV Facilities AV facility standards are outlined in the AV section 9 of this brief. Teaching spaces unless otherwise specified by RMIT are built to one of the standards. Property Services shall provide the standard chosen during the consultation phase which is outlined in the design brief. The standards outline the AV equipment to be deployed but each project shall be given due considerations to site-specific requirements that may not be included in the standards.

2.E.12.2 Data Presentation Standard Where the project budget allows, facility for display of computer data shall be provided in addition to the above Basic facilities. These facilities will include:

Lap-top socket;

Optional installed Macintosh and IBM-type computers;

Audio-out for each of the above;

LAN connection for each of the above;

Video display up to a maximum horizontal scan rate of 65Khz and a bandwidth in excess of 70Mhz.

Selection of Display Method

According to the dimensions and use of the space, a video projector or monitor will be used for display. The selected technology must be capable of resolution and scanning speed to match the dominant computer platform populations.



Where the Furthest Student is less than 5m, a video monitor is preferred; a video projector is unsuitable for a seminar/tutorial room;

Multiple video monitors may be used to overcome distant sight-line problems in larger seminar/tutorial rooms and laboratories where the front presentation surface is too small to present legible video or data projection to the rear of the theatre (e.g. Casey Theatre)

LCD projectors should be seen as a preffered option for a lecture theatre. Technological advances may change this soon and so consultation on the specification of devices should always be approved per the outlined notes contained within this section of the design brief.

Ceiling mounted projection is the ideal solution for lecture theatres, and is strongly preferred for videoconference spaces and any teaching space, but is sometimes ruled out by space considerations. Alternatives should be provided for approval when required.

If budget considerations rule out the installation of a display system provision must be made for the use of a portable LCD projector, including a suitable surface on which to place the projector and a screen or wall area suitable for projection.

2.E.12.3 Basic Sound Presentation Standard Please refer to the AV Section 11 of this Design Brief.

2.E.12.4 AV Features for Lecture Theatres Lecture theatres accommodating more than 60 people should include the Basic AV facilities outlined in the AV section of the Design Brief.

Controls

University standard lectern with standardised equipment

Professional standard RMIT logic control system

Touch screen control panel

Push button panels at front and rear entry doors for lighting

Automatic preset lighting dimmers

Telephone on lectern (internal, out-going calls only, client supplied);

2.E.12.5 Basic AV Facilities for Seminar/Tutorial Rooms As for lecture theatres

2.E.12.6 Basic AV Facilities for Flexible Teaching/learning Spaces May be minimal, but the absolute minimum is AV-1 or 2 standard as outlined in the A section of this Brief.

Where possible, multiple whiteboards are an advantage as this increases the flexibility of use and allows for “group work”. Pin-boards are also useful.



2.E.12.7 Additional AV Features Special facilities are commonly required. As technology changes so do the tools required for teaching and learning. Through the consultation process custom requirements should be presented for approval by Deputy Director, Property Services.

2.E.12.8 AV Facilities for Computer Laboratories Basic AV facilities for a Multimedia Computer Laboratory are considered AV-2 per the AV section of the design brief. These areas also may include;

A Whiteboard or electronic whiteboard

An Document Camera and projection screen sized and positioned appropriately, usually to the side of the writing board

Presenter’s computer with room for papers, a reading light, nearby room lighting controls (dimmers).

Daylight should be avoided as this not only interferes with projection, but interferes with viewing of computer screens.

2.E.12.9 AV Facilities for Specialized Laboratories AV facilities in Specialised Laboratories will vary considerably from project to project, but will generally require AV basic facilities as per clause 9.10.1, 2 and 3. Specialised video equipment such as video cameras fitted to microscopes or endoscopes are typical.

2.E.12.10 AV Control Systems and Touch Control Screen Setup Software

The integrated AMX code controlling the lecture theatre equipment must conform to University standards and approaches. The final Source code, written, installed, debugged and accepted by the University shall be supplied to the AV Unit.



.

2.F.1.1 I.T. DATA FACILITIES Minimum of 6 network points must be available in each teaching space. These network

points must be clearly labelled and tested (see section 10.4.2 and 10.4.3);

Network cable must be clearly labelled on both ends with the relevant connection (PC, laptop, AMX Touch panel etc.);

Switch or Hub shall not be used in any circumstances;

RMIT Standard Level 2 PC shall be provided by ITS, to be installed by contractor;

Security mechanism for PC shall be provided by ITS, to be installed by contractor. .

2.F.1.2 MANUALS & GUIDES AND MAINTENANCE

2.E.12.11 Equipment Operating Manuals The Contractor must collect, collate assemble and bind all equipment manuals together and pass these to the clients representative. The manuals will be bound in a specially labelled 3 ring (D type) A4 binder and delivered to the A.V. Unit.

2.E.12.12 Quick Reference Guides The Contractor will prepare and provide to the client four (4) copies of a single sheet A3 sized “Quick Reference Guide” for each major system.

The A3 guides will be folded to provide four pages, and will be printed on all sides. The guides will be produced in mono (black & white) and laminated in clear plastic for protection;

The guides will contain simple “step-by-step” instructions for the presentation systems;

The guides will be prepared by an experienced technical writer, and produced using PC based professional publishing software;

The guides will be delivered to the A.V. Unit prior to practical completion of the project being achieved.

2.E.12.13 Reactive Maintenance & Support During the Defects Liability Period the Contractor shall have qualified and suitably equipped service staff available, to support the following reaction times:

Telephone response, by a qualified engineer, within 90 minutes of fault report by the client;

On site fault rectification response, by qualified and suitably equipped staff, within four hours of fault report by the client;

Worst case fault rectification within seven days of defect report.



2.E.12.14 Service Information Required For full details please refer to the AV section of this Design Brief, but in general:

All equipment warrantees, accessories and supplied manuals and Two Complete “As Built’ technical drawing sets shall be supplied for each installation on DVD where possible and include the following:

Audio Wiring Diagram;

Video wiring diagram;

Control system Wiring Diagram;

Electrical System Wiring Diagram (including power and lighting interfacing );

Equipment layout diagrams - including location plans;

Cable location plans;

Connection layout diagrams;

Complete technical details of any custom equipment used.


APPENDIX 2.F: EXAMPLES OF OFFICE LAYOUT & DEFINITIONS

The following examples are intended only as a guide to potential layouts of office space and are in no way perspective Individual Offices

Shared Offices

Open Plan

Fully enclosed Office Fully-enclosed offices are offices where all of the partitions forming the office run from floor to ceiling and have a lockable door.




Semi-enclosed Office Semi-enclosed offices are offices where one or more of the partitions forming the office do not run from floor to ceiling. Typically these offices have a lockable door and wall panels of a minimum height equivalent to a standard door.


APPENDIX 2.G: DOOR HARDWARE

The following pages are to offer a guide to most locking & hardware applications used in and around RMIT University. A hardware brief is designed to provide a 'standard' for all locking systems / hardware and door furniture so that we maintain the highest level of Security for the University. Also, by only using certain products we minimise the amount of maintenance stock we have to keep and it is also easier for the end users (University Staff). While all care has been taken to list most of the main products we use, please keep in mind that this is only a small sample of what is available from our various suppliers. I will also try and update the hardware brief periodically to keep everyone in the loop regarding any new products or changes to products, part no's etc. The following table is a specific listing of ALL standard hardware to be used throughout RMIT University.

1. Mortice Locks

3570SC Cylinder Mortice Lock - Nightlatch (Deadlatching)

Various latching functions operated by key outside and by key or turnknob inside. No spindle function .. i.e. Only Push / Pull plate handle, with cylinder and turnknob inside.

Lockwood (Assa Abloy)

3571SC Cylinder

Mortice Lock - Deadlock

Various deadlocking functions operated generally by key outside and by turnknob or key inside.




3572SC Cylinder

Mortice Lock - Vestibule (Deadlatching)

Offering various latching functions generally operated by key or handle outside and by turnknob, key or handle inside. *Note : This is the primary lock used on 90% of RMIT University doors that require a deadlatching function as well as complying with ALL exit / egress building regulations.


3573SC Cylinder Mortice Lock - Sliding Door Deadlock

Offering various deadlocking functions generally operated by key outside and turnknob or key inside. For Sliding Door applications ONLY.




3582SC Cylinder Mortice Lock - Short Backset Vestibule Lock

Offering various latching functions generally operated by key or handle outside and by turnknob, key or handle inside. To be used when a shorter backset Mortice lock is required, i.e. metal fit doors. This lock also complies with ALL egress / exit building regulations.




2. Handles

1800SC Brass Door Furniture

Exterior blank plate with

Cylinder hole. Designed for use with Lockwood

3570 Series Mortice Locks


1801/90SC Brass Door Furniture

Exterior Handle with Cylinder

hole. Designed for use with

Lockwood 3570 Series Mortice

Locks



Exterior Handle with NO cylinder hole. Designed

for use with Lockwood 3570 Series Mortice

Locks





Exterior blank plate with NO cylinder hole.

Designed for use with Lockwood




Interior handle with Turn snib.





Interior handle (plain). Designed

for use with Lockwood 3570 Series Mortice

Locks




1907SC Brass Door

Furniture Interior blank plate (plain).





Exterior plate with cylinder



Locks


Picture not available at this time


Exterior handle with cylinder



Locks





Exterior handle (plain) with NO cylinder hole.






Exterior Blank plate with NO cylinder hole.






Interior handle with turn snib.






4905/90SC Brass Door

Furniture Interior handle

(plain). Designed for use with


Locks



Interior blank plate with NO cylinder hole.







3. Door Closers

Hydraulic Door Closer Lockwood (Assa Abloy) Part No. 7726 A heavy duty adjustable power door closer suitable for all architectural and commercial applications. This newer model also comes with the option of standard arm or slide arm.

Cam Action Door Closer Lockwood (Assa Abloy) Part No. 2516 A heavy duty adjustable power door closer suitable for all architectural and commercial applications. The main difference between this model and those above is that the Cam action allows easier opening while still being a heavy duty door closer.



4. Restricted Key Systems

Restricted Key System Lockwood (Assa Abloy) Part No. TWIN Restricted and patented Key system to be used on ALL RMIT University doors. ALL supply and Master keying must be produced through RMIT University Locksmiths.

Restricted Key System Lockwood (Assa Abloy) Part No. STATUS SIX Restricted and patented Key system to be used on ALL RMIT University doors. ALL supply and Master keying must be produced through RMIT University Locksmiths. (Currently being phased out by TWIN)




APPENDIX 2.H:

Method of Measurement (m2)

1.0 Principle Space allocation within the University is based on the Usable Floor Area (UFA) measurement.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 Gross Floor Area (GFA) The sum of the ‘Fully Enclosed Covered Area’ and ‘Unenclosed Covered Area’ defined as follows: 2.1.1 Fully Enclosed Area (FECA)

The fully enclosed covered area comprises the sum of all such areas at all building floor levels, including basements (except unexcavated portions), floored roof spaces and attics, garages, penthouses, enclosed porches and attached enclosed covered ways alongside buildings, equipment rooms and other fully enclosed spaces and useable areas of the building computed by measuring from the normal inside face of exterior walls, but excluding any projections such as plinths, columns, piers and the like, which extend beyond the normal inside face of exterior walls. It shall not include open courts, light wells, connecting or isolated covered ways and net open areas of upper portions of rooms, lobbies, halls and the like which extend through the storey being computed.

2.2.2 Unenclosed Covered Area (UCA) The unenclosed covered area comprises the sum of all such areas at all building floor levels, including roofed balconies, open verandas or attached open covered ways alongside buildings, undercrofts and useable space under buildings, unenclosed access galleries (including ground floor) and any other trafficable covered areas of the building which are not totally enclosed by full height walls, computed by measuring from the normal inside face of any enclosing walls, balustrades or supports. It shall not include connecting or isolated covered ways.

2.2 Usable Floor Area (UFA) The useable floor area comprises the sum of the floor areas measured at floor level from the general inside face of the walls of all interior spaces related to the primary function of the building. This will normally be computed by calculating the fully enclosed covered area (FECA in 1 above) and deducting all of the following areas not related to the primary function of the building. 2.2.1 Common Use Areas

All floored areas in the building used for circulation and standard facilities provided for the common use of occupiers, tenants and/or the public such as lobbies and foyers to entrances, stairways and lifts, stairways landings and fire escapes, verandas and balconies, corridors and passages, toilet and rest rooms areas, cloak and locker areas, cleaner’s rooms including stores and cupboards, tea making and similar amenities areas. Procedures

2.2.2 Service Areas All areas set aside for building plant supplying services and facilities common to the building for the use of occupants tenants and/or public, such as mechanical plant and equipment rooms, electrical equipment and switch rooms, tank rooms, lift motor rooms, meter cupboards, telecommunication switch rooms, refuse collection areas, loading bays and all car parks including access ways thereto.

2.2.3 Non-habitable Areas All non-habitable building space such as that occupied by internal columns and other structural supports, internal walls and permanent partitions, lift shafts, service ducts and the like.

2.3 Serviced Area

Serviced Area combines useable floor area as defined previously, with the addition of common use areas. Contractors such as cleaners require this definition.

2.4 Assignable Floor Area (AFA)



Assigned Floor Area is a combination of useable floor area as previously defined, with the addition of corridors, circulation spaces and foyers. This area definition will be primarily used for planning needs.



Appendix. B. Examples of Office Layout & Definitions The following examples are intended only as a guide to potential layouts of office space and are in no way prescriptive. Fully enclosed Office Fully-enclosed offices are offices where all of the partitions forming the office run from floor to ceiling and have a lockable door. Semi-enclosed Office Semi-enclosed offices are offices where one or more of the partitions forming the office do not run from floor to ceiling. Typically these offices have a lockable door and wall panels of a minimum height equivalent to a standard door.