Design Considerations
may also conflict, the library commonly being open
But many conflict potentials require special treatment:
longer hours than the programmed functions, an issue
pollution from particulate and noxious fumes require sep-
that functional separability of zoned areas of the CAC
arate ventilation and exhaust systems, dust collectors,
should handle. Electric supply issues should also be
and waste disposal; noise-generating activities like wood-
carefully addressed, to be adequate for potential elec-
working must be sound-isolated; and hazardous equip-
tronics and computer equipment.
ment areas must have controlled access and necessary
supervision.
(2)
Music and Theatre. Music and theatre programs
(4)
Auto Crafts. While auto crafts facilities are not
may share multipurpose space, which may also be used
likely to be consolidated in a CAC, unless it is a large
for other functions - films, training, lectures. To permit
complex of buildings, it is possible to program auto crafts
shared performance space to work, particularly in a mul-
into or nearby the center. However, inclusion of auto
tipurpose gym situation, the space must be able to be
crafts presents problems such as: the large work-space,
dedicated to music and theatre not only for the perform-
parking, and equipment storage space requirements;
ance times, but for the whole period of preparation,
potential visual offensiveness to users of other functions;
rehearsals and stage set-up between performances. The
woodworking/theatre-set shop, and performance equip-
ment storage, can also be successfully combined, but
require adequate volume and possible dedication of
(5) Social Activities. Social activities - lounging,
space strictly for set building and storage for periods of
games, snacks, ITT, small and large group events - have
time. Lobby space for performances should be shared
a close complementary relationship to all the other CAC
with general CAC lobby/circulation space, but must be
functions. Their spaces should, in general, be readily
designed to accommodate music and theatre box
accessible and visible to all CAC areas. Since many of
off ice/ticket needs, display boards, and refresh-
these spaces can be integrated with the circulation and
ments/snacks, all of which can be consolidated with
general-purpose areas of the CAC, they can intermix
other CAC program uses. Even dinner theatre may take
closely with all the specialized program areas. Specific
advantage of consolidated support in a shared multipur-
sharing potentials exist in the use of multipurpose meet-
pose performance space, using the snack bar kitchen for
ing spaces for small group activities and multipurpose
its catered food-warming requirements, although this will
gymnasiums for large events, centralized storage and
require more elaborate facilities and different equipment
supply of games and other equipment, and coordination
than typical snack bar kitchens provide.
of ITT with information and ticket sales components of
other programs.
Acoustical considerations are a general concern for per-
formance, music practice and listening spaces, requiring
(6) Active Sports. Gymnasiums, swimming pools,
sound isolation from concurrent noise-generating activi-
handball/racquetball courts and other sports facilities are
ties. Electrical needs must be addressed: heavy power
important components of Community Activity Centers as
requirements for stage lighting; separate circuits for car-
magnets for users and activators of center life. Physi-
bon-arc lights so they do not disrupt sound systems,
cally, their relationship to other spaces should be one of
computers, televisions and other functions elsewhere in
high visibility - for spectator interest and use attraction -
the CAC; flexible track-lighting in multipurpose perform-
especially from lounge, snack, games and circulation
ance/gymnasiums, easily stored or enclosed when not in
areas. Enclosure and large glass walls will generally be
use. Heavy user traffic could also be a problem with
required, to isolate potential noise and wetness conflicts,
large attendance. Circulation and entrances must be
and to block thrown objects like basketballs. Sharing
designed to accommodate the crowd without disrupting
potentials occur in multipurpose use of gymnasiums and
other activities or conflicting with other large group
meeting/exercise rooms, and in equipment supply and
events.
ticket sales centralization.
(3) Arts and Crafts. Arts and crafts has a number of
potentials for program coordination and space sharing:
with library, music and theatre as mentioned above; in
centralized materials storage, supply, and sales; in spe-
cial programs for youth activities and for preschoolers in
child care; for classes in multipurpose meeting rooms;
and for art exhibits and crafts display to all CAC users.
DG 1110-3-142 Page 5 - 19
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