MODEL CLASSROOM DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON
ã Indiana University

For permission to use this document or for further information, please contact:

Beverly Teach, Chair
All Campus Classroom Committee
Instructional Support Services
601 E. Kirkwood/Franklin Hall 0003
Bloomington, IN  47405-1223

DESCRIPTION
Basic Plus Classroom

INTENDED USE
A basic plus classroom is an upgrade from a basic classroom. It typically has a capacity of fewer than forty. If a room larger than approximately forty is to be upgraded from a basic classroom to another category, it should go directly to the mid-range technology (type III) classification because the larger size drives a need for projection.

The basic plus room shall provide a good learning environment and be prepared for use of mobile technology. Equipment is generally limited to an installed tv/vcr and an overhead projector.

SPECIAL ROOM REQUIREMENTS
Refer to IU Engineering Standards
Architectural

• Evaluate width/length proportions of room; in most cases a slightly rectangular room with the teaching station at the narrow end of the room and the entrance at the rear of the room is most desirable.
• Coordinate design of front of room with technology requirements to promote effectiveness of technology use; in all cases, the front of room design must consider the need to use projection and marking surfaces simultaneously; install ceiling or wall mount (pref.) OR anchor at front of room for tv/vcr installation
• Install chair rail if loose seating used
• Construct fold down shelf at rear of room for slide or film projection
• Coordinate seating arrangement with technology requirements; distance from the first row of seating to the screen shall be 1.5 to 2 times projected image width
• Provide complete blackout capability
• Provide acceptable acoustics
• Choose all finish colors with consideration of impact of full artificial light on colors chosen
• Durable, easy to clean floor covering

Mechanical

• HVAC system capable of maintaining human comfort conditions summer and winter; 65% rh maximum
• For rooms with outside wall exposure with heat loss in excess of 200 BTU/ft of wall, provide a "skin" heating system, preferably radiant fin tube controlled inversely with outside temperature
• Provide 15 cfm/person of conditioned outside air; for variable air volume systems, ensure outside air provision is maintained
• HVAC system and components shall not exceed NC35

Electrical

• Separate all power cabling from low voltage wiring
• Design lighting so that it is staged from front to back, not side to side
• Provide light at teaching station that is independent of room light
• Lighting design for classrooms shall use multi-level switching and dimmable fluorescent fixtures for general seating area; lighting controlled from locations as described in other items in this section. Board lights (if required) can also use either of these control schemes.
• If more than one switch, label all controls clearly with engraved two-color plastic equipment labels
• Use non-reflective, directional lighting fixtures and lenses; the luminaires shall be capable of 1% minimum light output; consult recommendations of Illuminating Engineering Society and IU Engineering Standards
• Evaluate need for light over chalkboard; use focused light if appropriate; provide manual control at teaching station
• Provide 3 duplex outlets each at front and back (left, center, right); at least 2 conveniently accessible quad outlets each side
• Provide dedicated circuitry for classrooms; power should be clean at the panel with protection for equipment provided by surge strips on racks or carts

Telecommunications

• Install pathway according to IU Telecommunication Standard to bring voice, data, and video from source outside room (IDF closet) to standard communications outlet in the front; campus cable connection (receive/return) shall be provided in the front
• Telecommunications wiring shall be no closer than 18" from fluorescent lights and associated ballasts

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Choose all seating with consideration for ergonomic principles
• Accommodate wheelchair users according to the following ratio:
  • 1 location for 4 to 25 station capacity
  • 2 locations for 26-50 station capacity
  • 4 locations for 51-300 station capacity
  • 6 locations for 301-500 station capacity*
• Equipment for teaching station (for verification or to suggest modifications, consult Interiors Department of University Architect’s Office):
• If tablet arm chairs chosen for classroom seating:
  • Option A: Table, 24" d x 60" l x 29" h, PVC edge, laminate work surface, 12" modesty panel with either T or C base, locking casters if needed, finishes to match building finish standards
  • Option B: Work Unit like Steelcase series 9000, 25" d x 60" l x 29" h; finishes to match building furniture and finish standards
• If tables and stackable chairs chosen for classroom seating, teacher’s station will match student tables and must provide clearance no less than 27.5"
• For either tablet arm or table/chair seating, a table lectern in natural oak or stained to match architectural wood in building may be provided if requested by user
• Overhead transparency projector (4000 lumens)
• 25" to 31" tv monitor(s)
• VHS VCR
• 18 lf of chalkboard; board 4' high; depending on room configuration, side wall may require board as well
• Projection screens: minimum screen size should be 6' with actual size determined by room dimensions; consider installing additional screens
  • when the room is significantly wider than it is deep
  • if chalkboard space is limited when front screen is in use
  • when it is likely that more than one projection device will be used simultaneously
• 1 pencil sharpener at back of room (mounted securely, not on dry wall partition)
• Clock(s) with large, easy-to-read numerals and sweep second hand (locate clocks such that they are visible to students and instructor; clocks must be secured and in a cage to prevent theft and tampering)
• Receptacles for recycled paper and trash

LOCATION

Consider the following:

• location on lower levels of building,
• location away from noise generating or conducting building features such as elevators, toilet rooms, machine rooms, service shafts,
• location away from vending areas (to discourage bringing food items into instructional areas.)
• location carefully chosen in relation to major electric equipment items

*Note that stations for wheelchair users shall be marked to prevent their being pushed aside or used for stacking materials or otherwise be made unavailable for the intended user. In rooms with fixed seating, accessible tables should be fixed with stackable chairs so stations may be used as regular seating when not in use by individuals using wheelchairs.

April 1997