Chapter 5
c. Achieving Design for
Consolidated Activities
Design for consolidated activities can be achieved in all
types and sizes of Community Activity Centers - Main
Post Centers and Local Centers, single buildings and
complexes - as illustrated in figures 5 - 10, 5 - 11 and
5 - 12. These illustrations suggest which types of spaces
fall in each of the four zones. However, these categori-
zations are not absolutes. The classification of a func-
tion-area will vary from center to center, depending on
the program characteristics and design constraints.
The architects, programmers and program staff should
use the concept of zones to develop the pattern of open-
ness and accessibility which best fits the local program
and needs. In general, designers should strive to maxi-
mize accessibility and visibility in order to make an open
design fit as many functions as possible. For example, a
space can be provided with all glass walls and doors
which gives visibility yet acoustic separation, and curtains
for periodic visual privacy, unless privacy in this space is
always required.
Certain types of functional areas commonly fall into one
particular zone. As the illustrative plans show, the social
activity areas (lounge, games, television, snacks, and
multipurpose meeting spaces) and the support spaces
(toilets and circulation) are typically in zone (1), "always
open." Music practice rooms, listening rooms, perform-
ance halls, and gymnasiums are usually in zone (2),
"usable with support staff." Child care, retail commercial
outlets, ACS/AER services, snack bar kitchens, general
supplies/equipment checkout and sales are commonly
found in zone (3), "usable only with program specialists."
Offices, locked storage, specialized control and equip-
ment functions are typically in zone (4) "staff only."
Many functional areas will vary in their zone indication
depending on size, complexity and the degree of special-
ization involved. For example, woodworking and photog-
raphy spaces in the small Local Center (figure 5 - 12)
and woodworking and general crafts in the large Local
Family Center (figure 5 - 10) are in zone (2) "usable
with support staff," because they are of a small and sim-
ple enough level of operation to be run without program
specialists. However, in the Main Post Center (figure
5 - 11), the photography and woodworking areas are
zone (3), "only with program specialists," because they
involve more complex, expensive and dangerous equip-
ment and operations, while the simpler ceramics and
general crafts areas can be zone (2), under support staff
supervision.
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