STANDARD LEVELFEATURES AND FINISHESFOR U.S. COURTS FACILITIESComplements U.S. Courts Design Guide andFacilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (PBS-PQ100.1)

Issuance Date: March 1996Implementation Date: October 1, 1996

U.S. General Services Administration Public Buildings Service

This document is available from:

U.S. Department of CommerceNational Technical Information Service5285 Port Royal RoadSpringfield, VA 22161(703) 487-4650NTIS Accession No.: PB 96-136353

and

National Institute of Building SciencesConstruction Criteria Base (CCB)1201 L Street, NW.Washington, DC 20005(202) 289-7800

April 5, 1996

MEMORANDUM FOR ASSISTANT REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS -1P, 2P, 3P, 4P, 5P, 6P, 7P, 8P, 9P, 10P, WP

FROM: ROBERT A. PECK /signed Robert A. Peck/COMMISSIONER - P

SUBJECT: Standard Level Features and Finishesfor U.S. Courts Facilities (March 1996)

This memorandum issues and transmits a revised edition of the subject document, StandardLevel Features and Finishes for U.S. Courts Facilities (SLFF). This revision, dated March 1996,will supersede the existing SLFF dated October 1994.

As a complementary document to the United States Courts Design Guide (USCDG), issued bythe Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AOC), the SLFF establishes the baselinestandard level of features and finishes for U.S. Courts facilities that are funded by the GeneralServices Administration (GSA). In addition, the SLFF defines standards for special space inareas assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service and support space provided by GSA.

The March 1996 edition of the SLFF addresses issues raised by AOC after publication of theOctober 1994 edition, particularly questions concerning funding for specific courtroomfurnishings and equipment.

Regional offices are not required to implement the attached edition of the SLFF until October 1,1996; however, we are issuing it prior to that date for planning purposes. After October 1, 1996,it will supersede the October 1994 edition, and should be used in conjunction with the USCDGand any other documents containing requirements for U.S. Courts facilities, such as the FacilitiesStandards for the Public Buildings Service (PBS-PQ100.1).

Attachment

cc: Regional Administrators -1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, WA

Table of Contents

Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1Building Planning Issues. .................................................................................. 2Specific Requirements for Building Systems. .................................................... 2Specific Requirements for USMS and GSA Court Security ............................... 2Specific Requirements for GSA Support Areas.................................................. 2

Building Planning Issues ............................................................................................... 3GSA Project Development Policies ......................................................................... 3U.S. Court Planning Factors .................................................................................... 3

Internal Circulation Factors (Intra-Agency or Intra-Department) ....................... 4Building Grossing Factors ................................................................................. 5Basic Courthouse Zoning and Building Configuration ....................................... 8Planning for Expansion and Future Conversion of Spaces from Offices to

Courtrooms................................................................................................. 10

Specific Requirements for Building Systems................................................................ 11Architectural Interior Finishes for U.S. Court Facilities.......................................... 11

Courtrooms (New, Within Existing and/or Historic Buildings) ......................... 11Walls .......................................................................................................... 11Doors and Frames....................................................................................... 12Bases .......................................................................................................... 12Trim and Moldings ..................................................................................... 12Ceilings ...................................................................................................... 12Floorcoverings............................................................................................ 13Built-In Courtroom Furniture...................................................................... 13

Judges' Chambers (Except Private Toilets), Circuit Court Conference Rooms,and Robing Rooms. .................................................................................... 13Walls .......................................................................................................... 13Walls (All Other Spaces Except Closets and Storage) ................................. 14Walls (Closets and Storage) ........................................................................ 14Bases (Judges' Chambers, Conference Rooms, Robing Rooms, Secre-

tary/Reception) ..................................................................................... 14Bases (All Other Spaces) ............................................................................ 14Doors and Frames....................................................................................... 14Trim and Moldings ..................................................................................... 15

Table of Contents

Page ii

Ceilings ...................................................................................................... 15Floorcoverings (Except Storage and Service Units): ................................... 15Floorcoverings (Storage and Service Units) ................................................ 15Bookshelves (Judges' Chambers) ................................................................ 15Bookshelves (Library Conference).............................................................. 16Lockers (Robing Rooms) ............................................................................ 16

Judges' Private Toilets ...................................................................................... 16Walls .......................................................................................................... 16Bases .......................................................................................................... 16Floors ......................................................................................................... 16Ceilings ...................................................................................................... 16Vanity Cabinets .......................................................................................... 17Mirrors ....................................................................................................... 17Medicine Cabinets ...................................................................................... 17Service Units (Judges) ................................................................................ 17

Standard Level Finishes for Spaces of Other Agencies and Personal Offices ofAgency Heads............................................................................................. 17Walls .......................................................................................................... 18Doors and Frames....................................................................................... 18Bases .......................................................................................................... 18Floors ......................................................................................................... 18

Selection of Materials and Finishes for Interior Public Spaces .......................... 18Miscellaneous Fixtures, Furnishings, and Equipment........................................ 19

Courtroom Millwork and Furnishings ......................................................... 19Special Dining ............................................................................................ 19Clock Systems ............................................................................................ 19Audio Equipment in Conference Areas and "Special" Rooms ..................... 19Signage....................................................................................................... 19

Artwork............................................................................................................ 20Interior Plantings .............................................................................................. 20Acoustical Planning for U.S. Courts ................................................................. 20Building Envelope............................................................................................ 20Changes in Building Envelope to Meet Energy Guidelines ............................... 21

Engineering System Requirements ......................................................................... 21Design of Environmental Conditions Within "Special" Spaces .......................