Judicial Conference of the United States

U.S. C O U R T S

DESIGN GUIDE
The U.S. Courts Design Guide 

is dedicated to 

The Honorable Robert S. Vance 

1931–1989 

United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit 

Judge Vance was the first chairman of the 

Space and Facilities Committee of the 

Judicial Conference of the United States. His 

leadership significantly influenced the 

development of the Design Guide and the 

future of the federal judiciary. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

f The 2007 Edition 

The Judicial Conference thanks the following judges of (formerly the Committee on Security and Facilities), the Committee on Space and Facilities, and the Subcommittee on Space Standards for their support, time, and expertise in reviewing drafts of the 2007 edition of the Design Guide. 

f Committee on Space and Facilities 

Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, United States District Court Chief Judge, District of Nebraska, 2001–2006, Chair (2006–Present) Honorable Jane R. Roth, United States Court of Appeals Judge, Third Circuit, 1996–2006, Chair (1999–2006) Honorable Hayden W. Head, Jr., United States District Court Judge, Southern District of Texas, 2002–2006 Honorable Henry E. Hudson, United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of Virginia, 2004–2005 Honorable Alan Kay, United States Magistrate Judge, District of Columbia, 2002–2008 Honorable Terence C. Kern, United States District Court Chief Judge, Northern District of Oklahoma, 2000–2006 Honorable Joe Billy McDade, United States District Court Chief Judge, Central District of Illinois, 2001–2007 Honorable Stephen M. McNamee, United States District Court Chief Judge, District of Arizona, 2001–2005 

Honorable Henry Coke MorCourt Judge, Eastern District Honorable Margaret M. MorrJudge, Central District of CalHonorable George B. NielseCourt Chief Judge, District of Honorable Kathleen M. O’Court Judge, Northern DistricHonorable George A. O’ToCourt Judge, District of MassHonorable Barrington D. PaAppeals Judge, Second CircuHonorable Maurice M. PauJudge, Northern District of FlHonorable Edmund A. SarCourt Judge, Southern DistricHonorable Richard G. StearJudge, District of MassachuseHonorable Thomas M. WeaCourt Chief Judge, Western DHonorable Richard C. WeAppeals Judge, Second Circu

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 A c 
f Subcommittee on Space Standards 

Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, United States District Court Chief Judge, District of Nebraska, Chair (2004-2006) Honorable Richard C. Wesley, United States Court of Appeals Judge, Central Second Circuit, Chair (2006–Present) Honorable Joe Billy McDade, United States District Court Chief Judge, Central District of Illinois Honorable Henry Coke Morgan, Jr., United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of Virginia Honorable Margaret M. Morrow, United States District Court Judge, Central District of California Honorable Kathleen M. O’Malley, United States District Court Judge, Northern District of Ohio Honorable Barrington D. Parker, Jr., United States Court of Appeals Judge, Second Circuit The following judges are acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in developing the first edition of the Design Guide. 

f Former Committee Members 

Honorable Robert C. Broomfield, United States District Court Judge, District of Arizona Honorable Israel Leo Glasser, United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of New York Honorable Michael S. Kanne, United States Court of Appeals Judge, Seventh Circuit Honorable Thomas Harley Kingsmill, United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana 

Honorable James M. Rosenbaum, United State District of Minnesota 

f Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts 

The Judicial Conference appreciates the efforts of Jame

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and the Offi

staff of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts coordination, administration, and expertise in implemenDesign Guide. Kathleen Desmond, Administrative Analyst Ross Eisenman, Assistant Director for Facilities and SecuMelanie Gilbert, Chief, Security and Facilities Policy StaGate Y. Lew, AIA, Senior Architect Claudia (Dee) White, Facilities Program Manager The Judicial Conference also wishes to thank other stafOffice of the U.S. Courts, circuit and court staff, Gene(GSA) personnel, and private industry consultants for 2007 edition. 

f Consultants 

The Judicial Conference thanks the following indivcontributed to the preparation of the 2007 edition of the DMark Fleming Sheila Gobes-Ryan Janet Goodman, AIA Ellen Keable Jim Kessler Karen McCown Tim Scarbrough, AIA Tammy Thomas 

i i I A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s U . S . C o u r t 
PREFACE 

Since the original publication of the U.S. Courts Design Guide in 1991, the federal judicial system has experienced facilities-related problems caused by heightened security needs, automation, significant caseload increases, and fiscal constraints. To address these problems, this fifth edition of the U.S. Courts Design Guide is intended for use by judges, architects, engineers, General Services Administration (GSA) personnel, and court administrators who will be involved in federal court construction projects. The standards in this edition of the Design Guide are 

applicable to the design and construction of new buildings and annexes; all new leases; and repair and alteration projects in which new space, including courtrooms and chambers, is planned for an entire court unit. This edition of the Design Guide was prepared under the direction of the Space and Facilities Committee (formerly the Committee on Security and Facilities) of the Judicial Conference of the United States. The revisions were approved by the Judicial Conference, the policy-making body of the federal court system. This fifth edition replaces all previous editions. Prior to submission to the Judicial Conference for approval, the Design Guide was reviewed by judges, clerks of court, librarians, probation officers, staff attorneys, bankruptcy administrators, circuit and district court executives, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the GSA. The first edition of the Design Guide was initially developed 

over three years in a cooperative effort between the federal judiciary and a team of experts in space planning, security, acoustics, mechanical and electrical systems, and automation. 

Direction for this effort was pand the National Institute of three-year period, existing coregions of the United Statesmall, medium, and large fedThe Design Guide translates 

judiciary into criteria for the facilities. The Design Guide for changes arising from thcourts and the constructithe GSA. A long-term cost-containmobjective of the Committee impose tighter constraints on In September 2004, the JudicCommittee achieve this goal review of the current edition 

edition is the result of that coThis edition will ensure that 

reflect accurately the functionincorporates new criteria in constraints so that court faciland in the future. 

Chie

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Acknowledgments ............................................................... i Preface ................................................................................ iii Table of Contents .............................................................. iv Chapter 1 - Introduction and the Federal Court System .................................................................... 1-1 

 Introduction .................................................................... 1-1 

Revisions to the Design Guide ....................................... 1-1 

Programming and Budgetary Notes ............................... 1-2 

How To Use This Book ................................................. 1-3 

The Federal Court System .............................................. 1-6 

Chapter 2 - Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations .............................................. 2-1  Introduction .................................................................... 2-1  Supporting Documents ................................................... 2-1  General Cost-Control Strategies .................................... 2-3 

Value Engineering and Life-Cycle Costing.................... 2-7 

Typical Federal Courthouse Project 

 Development Process ..................................................... 2-7 

Chapter 3 - Planning for U.S. Courthouses ................... 3-1 

 Introduction .................................................................... 3-1  Supporting Documents .................................................. 3-1 

Space Common to All Courts ........................................ 3-2 

Functions of the Three Court Types .............................. 3-3 

Users and Capacities ...................................................... 3-4 

 Barrier-Free Access........................................................ 3-4 

Space Allocations for Circulation: Gross vs. Rentable Areas ............................................... 3-5 

 Circulation Requirements for Courthouse Areas............ 3-7 

Courthouse Zoning and Building Circulation .............. 3-10 

 Program Stacking ......................................................... 3-11 

Chapter 4 - Courtrooms and As Introduction ............................. Supporting Documents ............

Programming and Budgetary No

 Design Requirements, All Cour

 Appellate Courtrooms ..............

 Functions and Users and Cap

Design Requirements for AppSpace and Ceiling Requireme

 Courtrooms and Associated S

 Adjacency and Circulation ...

 District Judge Courtrooms ....... Functions and Users and Cap Design Requirements for  District Judge Courtrooms ....

Space and Ceiling Requireme

 Judge Courtrooms and Assoc

 Adjacency and Circulation ...

 Magistrate Judge Courtrooms ..

 Functions and Users and Cap

 Design Requirements for  Magistrate Judge Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requireme

 Judge Courtrooms and Assoc

 Adjacency and Circulation ... Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms . Functions and Users and Cap Design Requirements for  Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom

Space and Ceiling Requireme

 Judge Courtrooms and Assoc

 Adjacency and Circulation ...

iv I Table of Contents U.S. Court
Chapter 5 - Jury Facilities .................................................................................... 5-1 

 Supporting Documents ....................................................................................... 5-1 

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................... 5-1 

 Functions and Activities ...................................................................................... 5-2 

Users and Capacities............................................................................................ 5-3 

 Design Requirements........................................................................................... 5-3 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Jury Facilities ............................................ 5-5 

Adjacency and Circulation .................................................................................. 5-6 

Chapter 6 - Judges’ Chambers Suites ................................................................. 6-1  Supporting Documents ........................................................................................ 6-1 

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................... 6-1 

 Functions and Activities ...................................................................................... 6-2 

Users and Capacities............................................................................................ 6-2 

 Design Requirements........................................................................................... 6-3 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for 

 Judges’ Chambers Suites ..................................................................................... 6-5 

Adjacency and Circulation .................................................................................. 6-6 

Chapter 7 - Central Court Libraries ................................................................... 7-1 

 Supporting Documents ....................................................................................... 7-1 

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................... 7-1 

 Functions and Activities ...................................................................................... 7-2 

Users and Capacities............................................................................................ 7-3 

 Design Requirements........................................................................................... 7-4 

 Planning Issues .................................................................................................... 7-4  Space Allotments................................................................................................. 7-5 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Central Court Libraries ............................. 7-6 Adjacency and Circulation .................................................................................. 7-6 

Chapter 8 - Clerk’s Office ................................................................................... 8-1  Supporting Documents ....................................................................................... 8-1 

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................... 8-1 

 Functions and Activities ...................................................................................... 8-2 

Users and Capacities............................................................................................ 8-2 

 Design Requirements.............................................

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Court of App

Space and Ceiling Requirements for District and B

 Court Clerks’ Offices.............................................

Adjacency and Circulation ....................................

Chapter 9 - Probation and Pretrial Services Offic

 Supporting Documents .........................................

Programming and Budgetary Notes.......................

 Functions and Activities ........................................

Users and Capacities..............................................

 Design Requirements.............................................

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Probation and 

Adjacency and Circulation ....................................

Chapter 10 - Other Court Units ............................ Supporting Documents ..........................................

Programming and Budgetary Notes.......................

 Functions and Activities ........................................

Users and Capacities..............................................

 Design Requirements.............................................

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Other Court U

Adjacency and Circulation ....................................

Chapter 11 - Common Building Spaces ................

 Supporting Documents .......................................... Functions and Activities ........................................

Users and Capacities..............................................

 Design Requirements.............................................

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Common BuiAdjacency and Circulation ....................................

Chapter 12 - Tenant Improvements and Furnishin

 Introduction ........................................................... Supporting Documents ..........................................

Programming and Budgetary Notes.......................

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Ta
Tenant Improvements - Interior Finishes ...........................................................12-2 

 Finish Materials..............................................................................................12-2 

 Design Requirements for Finishes ................................................................. 12-4 

 Tenant Improvements - Millwork ....................................................................12-10  Millwork Funding Responsibilities ..............................................................12-10 

 Materials Requirements................................................................................12-10  Design Requirements for Millwork ..............................................................12-10 

 Furnishings.......................................................................................................12-18 Chapter 13 - Interior Signage ............................................................................ 13-1 

 Introduction........................................................................................................13-1  Supporting Documents.......................................................................................13-1  Scope and Budget ..............................................................................................13-1  Design Requirements .........................................................................................13-2 

Sign Type Samples ............................................................................................13-3 

Chapter 14 - Acoustics ........................................................................................ 14-1 

 Introduction........................................................................................................14-1  Supporting Documents.......................................................................................14-2  Design Requirements .........................................................................................14-2  Courtrooms ........................................................................................................14-7 

 Jury Facilities .....................................................................................................14-9  Central Court Libraries ......................................................................................14-9 

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices .............................................................14-9 

 Other Court Units.............................................................................................14-10 Chapter 15 – Building Systems .......................................................................... 15-1 

 Supporting Documents.......................................................................................15-1  Governing Codes and Criteria............................................................................15-1 

Design, Procurement and Construction Responsibilities ...................................15-2

 Mechanical Systems...........................................................................................15-2 

 General Design Concerns ...............................................................................15-2 

 Courtrooms.....................................................................................................15-4  Judges’ Chambers Suites................................................................................15-4 

 Jury Facilities .................................................................................................15-5 

vi I Table of Contents 

 Judges’ Conference Rooms .......................................

 Central Court Libraries..............................................

 Central Court Facilities .............................................

 Server Rooms ............................................................

 Telecommunications Switch Rooms and Closets ......

 Mechanical Design Criteria .......................................

 Electrical Distribution Systems .....................................

 General Design Concerns ..........................................

 Courtrooms................................................................ Judges’ Chambers Suites ...........................................

 Jury Facilities ............................................................ All Judges’ Conference Rooms .................................

 Public Waiting Areas................................................. Central Court Libraries..............................................

News Media Room Electrical Distribution................

 Lighting Systems........................................................... General Design Concerns ..........................................

 Courtrooms................................................................

 Judges’ Chambers Suites ...........................................

 Jury Facilities ............................................................ All Judges’ Conference Rooms ................................. Central Court Libraries.............................................. Lighting Standards ....................................................

 Communications Systems .............................................

Voice, Data, Courtroom Audio/Video, and Low-Vol

 General Design Concerns ..........................................

 Courtrooms................................................................

 Judges’ Chambers Suites ...........................................

 Jury Facilities ............................................................ Central Court Libraries.............................................. Clerk’s Office ............................................................

Office of the Chief Pre-argument/Conference AttornOffice of the Bankruptcy Administrator ....................

 Raised Access Flooring .................................................

U.S. Court
Chapter 16 – Building Security ......................................................................... 16-1 

 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 16-1 

 Supporting Documents ...................................................................................... 16-1  Agency Responsibilities .................................................................................... 16-2 

 Security Concepts .............................................................................................. 16-3 

 Security Systems and Equipment ...................................................................... 16-3  Exterior Security................................................................................................ 16-4  Interior Security................................................................................................. 16-6 Glossary 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Ta
This chapter outlines the intent of the 

Design Guide, how to use this publication and its contents, and briefly describes the organization of the federal court system, its administrative functions, and the judicial process. 

INTRODUCTION AND THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM 

Introduction 

f Scope 

The comprehensive design guidelines contained in this document describe the types of spaces commonly associated with facilities for the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), the U.S. District Court (USDC), and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC). The Design Guide includes criteria for 

accommodating courts in both multi-tenant and 

leased facilities. The design guidelines presented in this document apply to the design and construction of new buildings, annexes, all new leased space, and repair and alterations projects in which new space is being configured for an entire court unit, including courtrooms and chambers. 

f Objectives 

The Design Guide has three major objectives. First, it serves as a planning tool for federal judges and key judicial personnel who are directly involved in the design of a federal court facility. Second, it provides relevant information for the General Services Administration (GSA) and an architectural/engineering (A/E) team to effectively plan, program, and design a functional, aesthetically appropriate, and cost-effective court facility. The information enables judges and judicial personnel to collaborate effectively with the GSA and the A/E team throughout a project’s design and documentation phases. The Design Guide also provides 

information for the A/E team and specialists regarding 

security, acoustics, telecomvisual systems. Finally, thJudicial Conference of thCommittee on Space and FaOffice of the U.S. Courts (Athe overall planning, progracourt facilities throughout the The Design Guide contains s

courthouses. Users should reto understand the scope, funguidelines presented, and design process. 

Revisions to the From 1997 to 2006, the Jufollowing revisions to the 199 Reduced chambers space  Reduced chambers built-i Required standard conf

courtrooms by court type 

 Reduced staff private offi Reduced central, sate

library spaces 

 Revised public spaces in 

offices to accommodate n

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Introduction and The Feder
 Eliminated specific space for alternative dispute resolution proceedings 

 Eliminated jury boxes and jury facilities for bankruptcy judge courtrooms  Added new guidance on public spaces and atria  Revised guidance on providing a special proceedings courtroom  Eliminated child development centers in court facilities  Revised requirement for ballistic glazing  Revised policy for access flooring as a building system  Developed alternative designs for probation and pretrial services offices  Made the approval process for exceptions for the judicial circuit councils, the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, and the Judicial Conference of the United States more specific 

 Eliminated references to federal public defenders’ offices in new courthouses, 

with the exception of the trial preparation suite 

 Updated building systems (mechanical, electrical, and low voltage), lighting 

design, and acoustics standards to improve the effectiveness of the systems 

 Revised central mail facilities design standards 

Programming and Budgetary Notes Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal courthouse projects. 

f Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space management role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s space management program (28 USC (§332 

and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. 

Conference of the United States, any significant exception

be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

f General Programming Notes 

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance docum

or grouping of spaces must be considered in conjunction the court office or function for which space is being desigCriteria in the Design Guide do not represent space enti

to an array of space types that must be justified based on project. Facility plans, programs, and designs must inclusatisfy the functional and security requirements of the couDifferences between the space in an existing facility anGuide are not justification for facility alteration and alternatives to space expansion are investigated beis requested. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from a

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design prograor building volume is also prohibited. 

f General Budgetary Notes 

Renovation and new construction occur when the court identify space needs through the judiciary’s asset managdocument these needs in the long-range facilities plan. Thmethod the space is provided—for example, by the conthe renovation of an existing building, a lease, or other mAny action taken by a court or circuit judicial coextravagance in courthouse construction or renovation Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pthat includes the use of durable and sustainable materialscourthouses constructed now will last well into the future

1 - 2 I I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d T h e F e d e r a l C o u r t S y s t e m U . S . C o u r t 
How to Use This Book 

f Fiscal Considerations 

The Design Guide is both a design and financial commitment document. The Judicial Conference’s space-rental budget correlates to the design standards contained in the Design Guide. 

f Architectural Programming Considerations 

The Design Guide lists and describes all major spaces and spatial groupings contained in federal courthouses. The number of major space groupings required for a particular court building shall be determined by the program of requirements submitted by the judiciary. Individual project circumstances dictate which of the major space groupings should be included in a building program. 

f Relevant Chapters for Trial Courts 

Three figures at the end of this chapter (Figures 1.1-1.3) identify the relevant chapters that provide information on the policy and standards for each court unit within the three types of courts: USCA, USDC, and USBC. The information in these chapters, along with technical information found in Chapters 12–16, are to be used to design the various types of court projects. 

f Adjacency Diagrams 

Adjacency diagrams are provided in Chapters 3 through 11. Each diagram represents an idealized arrangement of the required types of spaces, circulation patterns, and access points. Effort must be made during the design process to maintain the arrangements illustrated in the adjacency diagrams. In practice, however, this may not be possible. It is important for users of the Design Guide to understand what the diagrams do and do not represent. Adjacency diagrams describe only circulatory relationships among spaces; they are not floor plans, which normally describe exact spatial sizes, configurations, and corridor distances between spaces. The boxes in the adjacency diagrams represent spaces and show only relative sizes. Regular shapes do not imply 

that actual spaces must be rectangular. Similarlparticular form, since physical conditions, extconsiderations might dictate other configurationsbetween spaces along circulation routes indicate ondistances. The location of spaces on one side of tnecessarily fix their position on any side of a plashowing vertical circulation do not indicate the elevators or stairwells; for example, while a diashowing vertical freight circulation, the requirementaccommodated by a single elevator. The adjacency diagrams include three circulation secure. Each is indicated by a different line style and public traffic patterns used by lawyers, spectators, individuals. Restricted circulation patterns within represented by broken lines. Restricted circulatiocourtroom deputy clerks, court security officadministrative or clerical support staff. A solid line prisoner movement; secure circulation musrestricted circulation. Although the lines used to indicate traffic patterns ithis is not always the case. In some instances, a ciranother space, such as when lobby space is used as a instances, a circulation pattern might intersect an where public traffic intersects a reception countewaiting areas to restricted spaces. Any uncontrcirculation patterns constitutes a breach of seAdditionally, lines indicating circulation do not descLarge black dots on the adjacency diagrams indicattermination points, that is, termination points for points of transition from one circulation type to anoexternal to internal), or transition points from a ci(e.g., from public access to a reception area). 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d T h e F e d e r 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Keyto S ymbols Vertical circulation is also shown on the adjacency di

Public Ci Ci rculation Restricted Ci Ci rculation 

Secure Ci Ci rculation 

1 Unscreened Pub Pub lic AA ccess 2 Screened PP ublic Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted AA ccess, Uncontrolled 

Restricted AA ccess, 

Remote AA ccess Co Co ntrol 

2 3 Restricted AA ccess, 

Direct Access Control/Keylock

4 Restricted AA ccess, 

Counter/Window Se Se rvice 

P Privacy Lock 

S 

R 

P 

F 

1 Secure Ac Ac cess, Aut Aut horized St St aff 2 Secure Ac Ac cess,

Prisoner/Security Scurity StaffCirculation/Access CC ontrol Poi Poi nt 

Public Vert Vert ical Ci Ci rculation 

Restricted VV ertical Ci Ci rculation 

Secure VV ertical Ci Ci rculation Freight Ve Ve rtical Ci Ci rculation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, One-Way Direct Visual AA ccess, Two-Way 

indicates vertical public circulation for movement betweeindicates restricted vertical circulation, extending to building and connecting with restricted circulation on otF indicates vertical circulation for the movement of freigcircumscribed S indicates vertical secure circulation defendants and security officers of the U.S. Marshals ServAccess to facility circulation patterns, offices, and individon the adjacency diagrams by arrows. Outlined arrows dpoints; solid arrows denote restricted and secure entry types of arrows, access types are further distinguished wthe keys of the individual adjacency diagrams for additionThe types, numbers, and sizes of spaces shown on the adjbe interpreted literally as specific requirements; insteadand sizes of spaces must be determined on a case-by-casprogram, design, applicable building codes, and other reqFor certain spaces, such as courtrooms and judges’ chamboxes shown on the adjacency diagrams does not necessactual spaces in a planned facility. The diagram shoudetermining the space required. 

f Organizationof the Design Guide 

The Design Guide consists of 16 chapters, a glossary, and Figures 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 at the end of this chapter indicaCourt of Appeals projects, U.S. District Court projects, aprojects, respectively, while Figures 3.5, 3.6, and 3.7 Courthouses” chapter illustrate adjacency relationships. Chapter 1: Introduction and the Federal Court System outlthe contents of the Design Guide, and briefly describfederal court system, its administrative functions, and the 

1-4 I Introduction and The Federal Court System U.S. Court
Chapter 2: Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations includes a guide 

to supporting documents; describes the process used to plan, program, design, and construct federal court facilities; and discusses strategies for developing costeffective courthouses to accommodate the judiciary’s current and future needs. The budgetary responsibilities of the judiciary, the GSA, and other courthouse project participants are also described. Chapter 3: Planning for U.S. Courthouses contains general design guidelines for judges and judicial personnel working with an A/E team to design a new court facility. In addition, the chapter assists A/E team members in understanding the functional and spatial relationships among the major components of a court facility, and the need for separate circulation systems. The chapter describes the major spaces in each of the three court types (USCA, USDC, and USBC) and spaces common to all courthouses, contains a typical floor plate for a courtroom floor, and discusses collegial versus collocated judges’ chambers and courts in multi-tenant buildings. Chapters 4 through 11 contain specific design guidelines to assist the A/E team in the design of a new court facility. Each chapter addresses a major functional category of space or grouping of spaces. These chapters include discussions of functions and activities, user capacities, and specific design requirements, and contain programming and budgetary notes, a list of possible space types, and adjacency diagrams. Chapter 4: Courtrooms and Associated Spaces contains specific design guidelines for appellate courtrooms and for district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges’ courtrooms. Chapter 5: Jury Facilities describes specific design guidelines for the jury assembly suite, trial jury suite, and grand jury suite. Chapter 6: Judges’ Chambers Suites describes specific design guidelines for the resident and non-resident chambers suites of circuit, district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges. Chapter 7: Central Court Libraries contains specific design guidelines for circuit headquarters libraries, satellite libraries, and unstaffed libraries. 

Chapter 8: Clerk’s Office contains specific design guiUSCA, USDC, and USBC. Chapter 9: Probation and Pretrial Services Offices cofor the offices of probation and pretrial services persChapter 10: Other Court Units contains specific desigCircuit Executive (USCA), the Office of the Bankruthe Bankruptcy Appellate Panel clerk (BAP), the Of(USCA), the Office of the Pre-argument/Conference the District Court Executive (USDC), and the federal defender. Chapter 11: Common Building Spaces defines specijudges’ conference rooms, news media rooms, censtations, central mail facilities, bulk and archivaequipment rooms and risers. Chapter 12: Tenant Improvements and Furnishings co

finishes, built-in millwork, and movable furniture. Chapter 13: Interior Signage contains specific standarChapter 14: Acoustics contains specific acoustic the courthouse. Chapter 15: Building Systems contains specific teccourthouse functions and spaces. Generic performanprovided within the GSA’s Facilities Standards fo(GSA P-100). Chapter 16: Building Security describes security requiThe appendix provides a useful glossary of abbreviat

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Introduction and The Feder
f Changes to the Design Guide 

Any suggestions for modifications to the Design Guide should be forwarded to the chief of the AOUSC Space and Facilities Division. The Federal Court System 

f Introduction 

As established by the Constitution, the federal courts constitute one of three coequal branches of our national government. The other two branches are the executive and legislative. Unlike the members of the executive and legislative branches (i.e., President, Vice President, senators, and representatives), who are elected for a set number of years, members of the judiciary and the Court of International Trade are appointed for life, as set forth in Article III of the Constitution. U.S. Supreme Court justices, circuit judges, and district court judges are appointed to office by the President, with the approval of the Senate. Judges are subject to removal from office only through impeachment, as provided in the Constitution. The Constitution also prohibits lowering the pay of federal judges. These two forms of protection allow federal judges to make decisions, even unpopular ones, without fear of removal from office or reduction of salary. 

f Types of Federal Courts 

Article III of the Constitution provides for a Supreme Court and whatever other federal courts Congress considers necessary. The number of federal judges is small. While the Supreme Court and its justices are located in Washington, D.C., most members of the federal judiciary are dispersed throughout the United States and its territories. Trial Courts. Congress divided the country into 94 federal judicial districts, each with its own USDC. The USDCs are the federal trial courts, where cases are tried, witnesses testify, and juries serve. In the federal trial courts, broadest judicial responsibility is given to district judges. District judges conduct a wide range of judicial proceedings, including hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. Proceedings occur in both civil and criminal cases. Only district judges are authorized to conduct major criminal trials. 

There are currently 678 authorized district judgeships.

judges are located in small to medium-sized court facilitiemetropolitan areas, 15 or more district judges are loGenerally, one trial courtroom is required for each districMagistrate and bankruptcy judges assist district judges proceedings in the federal trial courts. Both are appoijudges and serve for a set number of years. Magistrate judges exercise jurisdiction in a narrower rjudges, as determined by statute and a delegation of auMagistrate judges hear preliminary matters in criminal ccases. Under certain circumstances, magistrate judges mproceedings in civil cases, up to and including jury triaauthority under federal bankruptcy law to act over alcreditor relationships. Bankruptcy judges conduct a varivery limited circumstances, may conduct civil jury trials. Courts of Appeal. Congress grouped the 94 USDCs into federal circuit and established within each circuit a single in the USDC may appeal their case to the USCA, which rthe trial judge applied the law correctly. The USCA alsthe tax court and various federal agencies, such as the Board. The USCA is the final stop for most litigation in tcurrently 179 circuit judges authorized to review cases the Federal Circuit. Typically, one to five circuit judges athe various circuits. Occasionally, many more judges are Only one headquarters courtroom (en banc courtroom) One or more auxiliary, or panel, courtrooms might bcircuit. Most federal court facilities, however, do or courtrooms. 

1 Fiscal year 2007 authorized permanent judgeships. 

1 - 6 I I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d T h e F e d e r a l C o u r t S y s t e m U . S . C o u r t 
The Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Cases 

from the 13 appellate courts and the highest courts of each state can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is not required to hear every case brought before it. In fact, each year the Supreme Court agrees to hear less than 10 percent of the appeals presented. The courtroom and other facilities for the nine Supreme Court justices are located in the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. Design criteria for the Supreme Court are not included in the Design Guide. 

f Administration of the Federal Courts 

Federal judges, as members of the judicial branch of government, are responsible for the efficient operation of the federal courts. Policies for federal courts are established by a committee of federal judges, called the Judicial Conference of the United States. The Judicial Conference is chaired by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Standing committees of judges have policy responsibilities that are exercised on behalf of the Judicial Conference. Furthermore, in each of the various circuits, administrative oversight is carried out through committees called circuit judicial councils. Day-to-day administration in the circuits and districts is the responsibility of chief judges; however, within the broad parameters of established policies, federal judges have a considerable degree of independence concerning the operation of their respective courts. The federal judiciary is served by the AOUSC, which is located in Washington, D.C. The AOUSC performs a wide range of administrative duties to assist the operation of the federal courts. Other administrative officers directly responsible for carrying out judicial work include clerks of court and circuit and district court executives. Section 462 of title 28, United States Code, gives the Director of the AOUSC authority to provide accommodations for the courts, “but only if the judicial council of the appropriate circuit has approved the accommodations as necessary” and directs that the Administrator of General Services shall provide the accommodations that the Director requests. U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Introduction and The Feder
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Work Rm.

Public

Waiting

Circuit

Exec.’s

Office

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Public

Waiting

Non-resident

Judge’s

Chambers

Conference/

Training

Room

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Conf. Room

Robing

Appellate

Panel

Courtroom

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Conf. Room

Robing

Appellate

En Banc

Courtroom

Public

Entry

Senior

Staff

Attorney

Office

Circuit

Clerk’s

Office

R

P

Figure 1.1 U.S. Court of Appeals – Relevant Chapters 

Key 

Chapter 33Planning for UU .S. Co Co urthouses 

Chapter 44Courtrooms and A and A ssociated Spaces 

Chapter 66Judges’ Chambers SS uites 

Chapter 77Central Court Court Libraries Chapter 88Clerk’s Office 

Chapter 10 10Other Court Units 

Circuit 

Exec.’s 

Office 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Public 

Waiting 

Circuit Circuit 

Judge’s Judge’s

Chambers Chambers 

Suite Suite 

Conf. Room 

Robing 

Appellate

Panel 

Courtroom 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

Headquart

Circuit

R Library

P 

Attorney

Work Rm. 

Public 

Waiting 

Non-resident 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Conference/

Training

Room 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Conf. Room 

Robing 

Appellate

En Banc 

Courtroom 

Public 

Entry 

Headquart

Circuit 

Library 

Senior 

Staff 

Attorney

Office 

Circuit 

Clerk’s 

Office 

1 - 8 I I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d t h e F e d e r a l C o u r t S y s t e m U . S . C o u r t 
P

R

F

U.S.

Probation

Office

Conference/

Training

Room

Jury

Assembly

Suite

Public

Entry

U.S

Attorn

Centr

Cel

Bloc

Grand

Jury

Court

Reporter

S

Public

Waiting

District

Judge’s

Courtroom

District

Judge’s

Courtroom

Trial Jury

Suite

Trial Jury

Suite

Public

Waiting

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

S

Public

Waiting

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

Trial Jury

Suite

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Magistrate

Judge s

Chambers

Suite

Magistrate

Judge’s 

Chambers

Suite

District

Clerk’s

Office

U.S

Pretr

Servic

Offic

Trial Jury

Suite

Trial Jury

Suite

Figure 1.2 

U.S. District Court – Relevant Chapters 

Key 

Chapter 33

Planning for UU .S. Cour Cour thouses 

Chapter 44

Courtrooms and and AA ssociated SS paces 

Chapter 55

Jury Fac Fac ilities Chapter 66

Judges’ Chambers SS uites 

Chapter 77

Central Court Li Li braries Chapter 88

Clerk’s Office 

Chapter 99

Probation and PP retrial SS ervices Of Of fices 

Chapter 10 10

Other Court Uni Uni ts 

’

Satellite

Court

Library

P 

R 

F 

U.S. 

Probation 

Office 

Conference/

Training

Room 

Jury

Assembly

Suite 

Public 

Entry 

U.S

Attorn

Centr

Cel

Bloc

Grand 

Jury 

Court 

Reporter 

S 

Public 

Waiting 

District 

Judge’s

Courtroom 

District 

Judge’s

Courtroom 

Trial Jury

Suite 

Trial Jury

Suite 

Public 

Waiting 

District 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

District 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

S 

Public 

Waiting 

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom 

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom 

Trial Jury

Suite 

Public 

Waiting 

Magistrate

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Magistrate

Judge’s 

Chambers 

Suite 

District 

Clerk’s 

Office 

Satellite 

Court 

Library 

U.S

Pretr

Servic

Offic

Trial Jury

Suite 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d t h e F e d e r a 
R

F

Public

Entry

P

Bankruptcy

Judge s

Courtroom

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Conference/

Training

Room

Bankruptcy

Clerk s

Office

R

F P

Figure 1.3 

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Relevant Chapters 

Key 

Chapter 3Planning for U.S. CC ourthouses 

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated SS paces 

Chapter 6Judges’ Chambers SS uites 

Chapter 7

Central Co Co urt Libraries 

Chapter 8Clerk’s OO ffice 

Unstaffed

Library

’

’

R 

Unstaffed 

Library 

F 

Public 

Entry 

P 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Public 

Waiting 

Public 

Waiting 

Conference/

Training

Room 

Bankruptcy

Clerk’s 

Office 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

1 - 1 0 I I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d t h e F e d e r a l C o u r t S y s t e m U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter describes the process used to 

plan, program, design, and construct federal court facilities and provides strategies for developing cost-effective courthouses to accommodate the judiciary’s current and future needs. The budgetary responsibilities of the judiciary, the General Services Administration (GSA), and other courthouse project participants are also described. 

COURTHOUSE PROGRAMMING AND BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS Introduction Federal courthouse space and ceiling requirements are developed through a multifaceted process of planning, programming, design, and construction. This process includes a project team composed of the judiciary (judges, court unit executives, court project architects or assistant circuit executives for space, circuit judicial councils, and Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts [AOUSC] management and professional staff), consultants (architects, engineers, audiovisual engineers, registered communications distribution designers, acoustic and lighting engineers, and U.S. Marshals Service [USMS] systems and equipment engineers), the GSA, the USMS, other federal agencies, and contractors. The project team is required to make informed decisions about the judiciary’s functional needs while effectively controlling project costs. The project team must consider efficiency, value, life-cycle cost, and budgetary impact when making design decisions. The application of criteria presented in the Design Guide will help direct project decisions toward producing functional, cost-effective facilities. The Design Guide allows flexibility and supports efforts to define criteria and explore solutions that enhance performance and that are fiscally responsible. The criteria presented in this document do not represent an entitlement of space, furnishings, or finishes. 

Supporting DocumeThe references listed below criteria, courthouse planning and information on many construction of federal courth

f General References 

 American Society of He

Conditioning Engineers Fundamentals, most curre

 Architectural Barriers 

(ABAAS) 

This document requirements for implBarriers Act (ABA) accessibility standard May 9, 2006. This sprojects. http://www.ufas.htm 

 Design Notebook for Fe

GSA and USMS, undated 

The goal of this pueffective security screand personnel can be lobby spaces in neincludes prototype des

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary 
 Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA P-100), 2005 or most 

current edition 

Court facilities are built under the GSA’s construction program. Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service establishes design standards and criteria for new buildings, major and minor alterations, and work in historic structures for the Public Buildings Service (PBS) of the GSA. The publication includes criteria for the site; building structure (including seismic design); building mechanical and electrical systems; building services such as elevators, fire protection, and security; and general office design. The publication also contains references to appropriate building codes. In contrast, the Design Guide covers only those criteria pertaining to the unique functions 

of the U.S. courts. Where appropriate, the Design Guide directly references 

criteria found in Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service. 

www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8195&channelId=-14201 

 Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Lighting Handbook, 

9th Edition, Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide” 

 Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Security Design Criteria for New Federal 

Office Buildings and Major Modernization Projects, Medium-High-Level Construction, GSA, most current edition 

 Pricing Desk Guide, GSA Public Building Service (PBS), most current edition 

The Pricing Desk Guide presents the policies and procedures that the PBS uses to price real estate and related services to Federal agencies. http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_DOCU MENT&contentId=10312&noc=T 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management Group Engineering and Architectural, most current edition 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and Hardware, most current edition 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), VolumSystems Requirements and Specifications, most curren

Security equipment identified in the Design GuiUSMS. Detailed specifications for security equipmadministrative and secure spaces are found in USM

 Site Security Design Guide, GSA, (June 2007 or most 

The Guide establishes the principles, elements anfollowed when designing site security at any fedeor existing. http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.doC&contentId=23429&noc=T 

Telecommunications Cabling Standards  Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) a

Alliance (EIA), TIA/EIA-568-B Series, Commercial Bu

Telephone/Data Procurement Policy  ANSI/CSA/TIA/EIA-942, Telecommunications Infr

Data Centers 

 TIA/EIA-569-A, Commercial Building Standards 

Pathways 

 Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities, Level 

Justice (June 2007 or most current edition) 

In addition, the following related guides and mAdministrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) shoengineering decisions. 

f Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Ref

Documents or references relating specifically to policies judiciary are available through the Space and Facilities D

2-2 I Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Court
 “AnyCourt” (Program of Requirements) 

The judiciary’s automated space-planning tool is used to provide a court’s space program of requirements based on personnel data documented in the long-range facilities plan approved by the circuit judicial council. 

 Courtroom Technology Manual, (August 1999 or most current edition) 

The Courtroom Technology Manual defines the roles of the GSA, architectural/engineering teams, and technical consultants for courthouse technology projects and provides technical standards for infrastructure, video evidence presentation systems, videoconferencing systems, and sound systems. http://www.uscourts.gov/misc/courtman.pdf 

 Discovering Justice, “The Judicial System: An Overview of the U.S. Federal 

Legal System” 

The mission of this website, which is maintained by a nonprofit organization headquartered in the Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston, Massachusetts, is to teach about the role of the justice system in American democracy. Through this organization’s programs, judges dedicate their time to serve as teachers, educating the public about the federal judiciary. www.discoveringjustice.org/judicial/index.shtml 

 Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures 

The Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures is the official medium by 

which guidance and information are provided to the judiciary in support of its day-to-day operations. The guide also codifies policies that are promulgated by the Director of the AOUSC and/or approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Contributing offices and divisions within the AOUSC are responsible for maintaining their information in a current condition. This document also provides information on the funding, authorization, and documentation required for new furnishings. In addition, information is provided on the hierarchy system for furniture quality and furniture types per position/level of courthouse staff and cost ceilings 

 U.S. Courts, “The Federal Judiciary,” www.uscourts.gov 

 United States Courthouse Design and Construct

current edition) 

 United States Courts Courtroom Mock-up Eva

Gulfport, MS; Helena, MT; Miami, FL; Orlandcurrent edition) 

 United States Courts Moving Guide: A Handbo

Court Operations (1996 or most current edition) 

 United States Courts, Courthouse Design Referen

Reference, most current edition 

This sourcebook of technical information abowritten for design professionals and the judi“Courtrooms and Associated Spaces,” for thtypes, together with summary descriptions. 

The Space and Facilities Division (SFD) of the AOpost-occupancy evaluation reports of completed coucourthouse videos, and other documentation completed projects. Design professionals who use the Design Guide are of and access to literature pertaining to their particulare also expected to use government, industry, anapplying Design Guide criteria to the design of court 

General Cost-Control Strategies The cost of a courthouse is primarily determineincluding both the area (the size and number of spacfloor heights). The size is determined by evaluating the court (planning), applying the criteria in the D

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary 
H ig h P la n n in g

Low

P ro g ra m m in g

D e s ig n

C o n stru ctio n B id 

C o n stru ctio n

S tart C o m pletio n

H ig h P la n n in gLow

P ro g ra m m in g

D e s ig n

C o n stru ctio n B id 

C o n stru ctio n

S tart C o m pletio n

P ro je ct T im e lin e

A b ility to In flu e n c e C o s t

P ro je ct E xpe nd itu re s

H ig h P la n n in gLow

P ro g ra m m in g

D e s ig n

C o n stru ctio n B id 

C o n stru ctio n

S tart C o m pletio n

needs (programming), and developing efficient spatial relationships (design). For each courthouse, construction materials and methods must be selected to satisfy the court’s requirements and achieve an optimum balance of up-front initial costs and life-cycle costs. New buildings provide the opportunity to explore cost-saving strategies while defining the functional needs of the courthouse. The project development process for a courthouse facility in an existing structure represents a greater challenge in creating a balance between function and cost-effectiveness and, therefore, demands greater flexibility in defining the program and its relationship to the Design Guide. Figure 2.1 Cost Influence Graph 

The AOUSC, judges, and court unit executives must be and program development process to ensure that all rBefore beginning the program development and design judiciary should work together to reach an agreement on tenant improvements and shell and core costs. As the co2.1 shows, the greatest opportunity to influence project and programming phases. Management participation in the planning and programmto ensure cost-effectiveness during design and constructiotoward the design and construction phases, the changes increases. 

f Construction Cost Benchmarking 

The GSA construction cost benchmarks are the estimates 

H ig h P la n n in g 

P r o g r a m m in g 

D e s ig n 

C o n s tr u c tio n B id 

C o n s tr u c tio n 

The cost of constructing judicial facilities is typicall

Influence on Costs constructing standard federal office buildings, 

special requirements, such as security and specialized s(See Table 2.1 for a summary of constructed costs by buil

f Funding Responsibilities Rental fees paid by the judiciary to the GSA are based 

Low 

S tart C o m pletio n 

P r o je c t T im e lin e 

A b ilit y to In flu e n c e C o s t 

P r o je c t E x p e n d itu r e s 

(OA) executed by the GSA and the AOUSC. The OA ideimprovements, parking, and GSA fees. With very few erates include standards contained in the Design Guide. T

to the GSA’s Pricing Desk Guide. The Design Guide works in conjunction with the GSfeatures and finishes are provided by the GSA as part owhich must be funded separately by the judiciary. Tesuch as service counters and ballistic-resistant glazing, reeither a higher rental rate or a one-time reimbursable char

2-4 I Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Court
Please refer to Table 2.2 for details concerning the funding responsibilities of the 

judiciary, the GSA, and court-related agencies. 

f Programming and Design Cost-Control Considerations 

A facility program that is too rigidly defined does not allow for growth and flexibility. Since a project can take seven years from initiation to completion, a rigid program may result in redesign change orders. To avoid this redesign cost, the AnyCourt program of requirements will be used by the GSA and the architectural/engineering firm to determine the court’s needs. The judiciary allows for program growth, with detailed 10- and 30-year housing requirements (as specified in the AnyCourt). Typically, the GSA designs and constructs courthouses to meet a court’s 10-year requirement on a 30-year site. For courthouses, 30-year needs must be considered to avoid having to relocate the courts from a building after it has been constructed. On all prospectus-level construction projects, the GSA must require the design architect to provide a plan for accommodating the 30-year needs of the court on the acquired site and to demonstrate how the plan complements the project’s 10-year housing requirements. A well-designed courthouse includes a flexible strategy for relocation, expansion, and movement of spaces to address not only the 10-year requirements but also the court’s 30-year growth requirements. The following three approaches should be evaluated in the initial design of a court building. Adjoining Sites. Adjoining sites should be set aside for future expansion in conjunction with a design that anticipates adding courtrooms, judges’ chambers suites, and associated facilities, or providing expanded court-related office areas. Convertible Spaces. Court-related offices initially located in the courthouse can be relocated from the facility to allow expansion of the court. Vacated spaces can be converted into courtrooms and/or associated and support facilities. Major courtrelated offices with the least need to be adjacent to the court include the U.S. attorney’s office. In addition, areas housing non-court-related offices may be converted to court space, or shell space may be constructed and finished as needed. 

Future Expansion. Additional space can be providespaces to accommodate future expansion. The amobased on growth projections contained in the coVertical expansion should not be considered as a viand other disruptions to court operations. For internal expansion and convertible spconsiderations apply:  Creating “structural zones” to accommodate pres Constructing court-related office areas with a hi

are to be set aside for future courtroom expansion 

 Anticipating the location of future chambers and 

have continued access to restricted elevators and 

 Planning acoustic isolation to accommodate futu

the public, but not confidential privacy within the 

 Creating “mechanical zones” to accommodate t

needs and/or air-handling needs of courtrooms an

 Designing for the expansion and movement of s

and reuse of workstations, partitions, HVAC efixtures, electrical outlets, and communication sy

The size of a courthouse can incorporate spac

the following:  Staffing projections reflecting current staffing , a Operational efficiencies, such as limiting the 

training rooms, libraries, and other office supcourt units 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary 
 Efficient designs reducing the amount of space needed for circulation 

 Shared courtrooms and judicial support spaces such as conference rooms  Multiuse jury assembly areas and grand jury suites  Collocating similar functions (e.g., probation and pretrial services offices) so that 

they can share resources 

Other space-saving measures include the following:  Circulation space in the courthouse is reduced when spaces are organized 

vertically and corridor lengths are minimized. Double-loaded corridors (rooms on both sides of a hallway) must be provided where practical. Circulation requirements are further reduced by organizing mechanical and electrical shafts, elevators, exit stairs, and public toilets around a central core. 

 Building volume can be minimized by locating courtrooms, which require greater 

floor-to-floor heights than office space, on as few floors as possible. Additionally, building volume can be reduced by using mezzanine space when grouping low structural bay spaces (i.e., chambers and support space) around high bay spaces (i.e., courtrooms). 

 Administrative space can be minimized by providing the clerk’s office and 

records shelving with contiguous space on a single floor. Storage for bulk supplies, inactive records, furniture, and equipment must be located in basement areas, on the same floor as the loading dock, or in space provided for long-term expansion. Storage space is also cheaper to rent outside the courthouse, at half the cost of office space. 

f Site Design Cost Drivers 

Courthouse construction and operational costs are greatly influenced by the site and environmental characteristics that define the building’s footprint, orientation, and exterior appearance. The size of the site may determine the cost and availability of 

secured or public parking and govern strategies for futusite, current setback requirements, and the location of influence security considerations. Additional expensspecialized lighting or landscaping to mitigate site conditrectangular site has proved to be the most cost-effective. 

f Architectural Design Cost Drivers 

The most cost-effective court building generally has a recand a ratio of 0.3 to 0.6 exterior wall area to contaibuilding. Facilities with low ratios of wall area to space abecause of reduced circulation requirements, HVenergy consumption. Other architectural considerations for cost-effectthe following:  Spaces sized so that the most efficient structural spans  Heavy live load areas such as libraries and file storag

where structural strengthening can be provided econom

 Non-square angles and rounded areas have been pr

areas with non-square angles require custom-desigadditional cost. 

 Windows and glazed areas are sized appropriately. 

judicial facilities in order to address blast, seismic, an

 Exterior wall detailing is simplified, especially on u

use of high-quality materials on lower floors where th

 Skylights increase HVAC costs and can cause mainte

borrowed light, and clerestories should provide naturlife-cycle costs. 

2-6 I Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Court
Value Engineering and Life-Cycle Costing 

Value engineering is a method of calculating the value received for the dollars spent over the lifetime of a building, with the emphasis placed on obtaining the maximum life-cycle value. These calculations must include the cost of construction, operation, and repair of the facility, and the efficient delivery of services. If value engineering is not applied until the later stages of design or after the design is completed, it may cause an examination of alternative design solutions; the substitution of materials, finishes, or systems; and a reevaluation of project priorities. The maximum life-cycle value may result in increased initial construction costs in exchange for decreased operation costs over the useful life of the building system. Value engineering must not be a vehicle for reducing the initial construction cost of the building. The construction cost per square foot is not the only measure of value when considering the efficiency of the total facility. The life-cycle cost of a building will reflect the efficiency of a building long after it is built and occupied. Life-cycle cost analysis usually addresses the trade-offs between initial cost and the 10- to 20-year payback period, or the expected life of a building component. Because the useful life of a federal courthouse can range from 50 to 100 years, persons conducting life-cycle cost analysis must consider the following: .  The payback period for each building component must take into account the 

useful life of a federal courthouse. 

 The functions performed in the building might change or be relocated over time.  The location of a particular building system, fixture, or finish must take into 

account special conditions that arise in federal courthouses. 

Typical Federal Courthouse Project Development Process 

f The Planning, Programming, Design, and Construction Process 

A typical project development process includes four phases: 

 Planning. The planning phase includes evaluatio

procedures, organizations, and administrative req

 Programming. The programming phase translate

space needs (housing) plan and defines the projec

 Design. Drawings and specifications for construc

the design phase through an iterative process of in

 Construction. Materials and labor are organized 

construction phase. 

A typical project development process for a federal Not all projects will follow this exact sequence of evopportunities occur at each step and must be addreall consultants. 

f Planning Phase 

Before the project begins, a group of court personnel and development must be formed, consisting of jujudiciary family. The group must be cost-conscioefficient court facilities. The services of a design working directly for the court may be needed to compliance with the Design Guide. Asset Management Planning (AMP). In March 2006, in concept, an asset management plan (AMP) procethat identifies costs and benefits of alternatives to facility planning process. Asset management planninidentifies non-prospectus- and prospectus-level nespace projects, considers costs and benefits of sdetermines the best strategy by city to meet current aThe court begins planning by evaluating existing facdeficiencies. Concurrent with the evaluation of exist

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y 
current and future caseload and staffing requirements. The criteria in the Design 

Guide are combined with these data to identify and develop alternative housing strategies to meet the court’s short- and long-term needs. These housing strategies might include leases, minor or major repair and alteration projects, or new courthouse solutions. Accurate data and justifiable assumptions are essential to ensure maximum cost-effectiveness. The resulting long-range facilities plan documents the court’s immediate and long-term facility requirements, recommended potential strategies, and cost-benefit analysis and must be approved by the chief judge of the district and reviewed by the circuit judicial council. AMPs are used by the judiciary to identify, justify, and prioritize projects that become part of the judiciary’s five-year plan of courthouse construction projects. The five-year plan is a national prioritized list of proposed court construction projects approved by the Judicial Conference. 

f Program Development Phase 

The detailed programming, design, and construction of federal courthouses is the responsibility of the GSA. The GSA initiates a project as requested in the judiciary’s five-year plan. The GSA’s development process begins with a longrange/community plan that identifies the federal government’s facility resources and requirements in a given geographic area. The plan identifies other agencies that may use space in a courthouse for long-term or interim occupancy. The design of facilities for the long-range needs of the courts and overall project budgets will be greatly influenced by these decisions. Projects are reviewed by the GSA’s Center for Courthouse Programs (CCP). The CCP ensures consistent, excellent and costeffective delivery of the courthouse construction program. The CCP is responsible for the management of new federal courthouse construction and the modernization of existing courthouses. The GSA retains the services of a consulting architect or planner to produce a feasibility study. The feasibility study is a programming document that further defines the project scope and budget. It uses the court’s long-range facilities plan, the court’s AnyCourt program of requirements, and the GSA construction cost benchmark as a base for development. AnyCourt provides detailed square footage requirements for each court function, based upon the AMP and supplemental information provided by the judiciary. 

The study addresses site acquisition, design and constructenant support services, as well as related design issuelectronic systems, telecommunications, and funding. Timplementation strategy, including project scheduling, other factors. The purpose of the construction cost benchmark is to estasufficient funding to deliver a new court facility Guide requirements. The construction cost benchmark is based entirely on incourthouse program. Because subsequent changes are diffmake as a project progresses, each court must help 

program is accurate and complete. Features or systems noestimate will not be funded if they are identified later in th

f Determining the Number of Courtrooms per 

The following policy statement, adopted by the Judicicourts to take several factors into account when consadditional courtrooms.  Recognizing how essential the availability of a court

the judge’s responsibility to serve the public by dsentencing, and civil cases in a fair and expeditious the wide range of activities that take place in courtroof a judicial officer, the Judicial Conference adopdetermining the number of courtrooms needed at a fac

 With regard to all authorized active judges, one cour

addition, with regard to senior judges who do not substantial use of a courtroom, and visiting judges, should utilize the following factors, as well as othevaluating the number of courtrooms at a facility ndischarge their responsibilities. 

2 - 8 I C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s U . S . C o u r t 
 An assessment of workload in terms of the number and types of cases anticipated 

to be handled by each such judge. 

 The number of years each active judge is likely to be located at the facility until 

eligible to take senior status. 

 An evaluation of the current complement of courtrooms and their projected use in 

the facility and throughout the district in order to reaffirm whether construction of an additional courtroom is necessary. 

 An evaluation of the use of the special proceedings courtroom and any other 

special-purpose courtrooms to provide for more flexible and varied use, such as use for jury trial. 

 An evaluation of the need for a courtroom dedicated to specific use by visiting 

judges, particularly when courtrooms for projected authorized judgeships are planned in a new or existing facility. 

In addition, each circuit judicial council has been encouraged by the Judicial Conference to develop a policy on sharing courtrooms by senior judges when a senior judge does not draw a caseload requiring substantial use of a courtroom. The following assumptions, endorsed by the Judicial Conference in March 1997, should be considered to determine courtroom capacity in new buildings, new space, or space undergoing renovation. This model allows assumptions to be made about caseload projections and the time frames in which replacement, senior, and new judgeships will occupy the new facility. The model affords flexibility to courts and circuit judicial councils when making decisions about the number of courtrooms to construct in a new facility since adjustments to the assumptions can be made to reflect a specific housing situation “on line”.  The number of new judgeships approved by the Judicial Conference and 

recommended for approval by Congress, and the year approval is expected. 

 The number of years senior judges will need a courtroom after taking senior 

status (a 10-year time frame is recommended). 

 The average age of newly appointed judges at the  Caseload projections based upon the district’s 

caseload measures, such as raw or weighted filin

 The percentage of the total district caseload hand The ratio of courtrooms per active and senio

assumes a ratio of one courtroom per judge). 

 The number of years it will take for a new ju

Judicial Conference and Congress once weighqualifies a court for an additional new judgeis recommended). 

 The number of years before a replacement judg

takes senior status (a two-year time frame is reco

 The year the judges are expected to take senior 

(a court or council should assume that a when eligible) 

The planning assumptions listed above are subject courts in consultation with the respective judicial coIn addition, the following factors should be taken int The availability of district courtrooms for other 

courtrooms should be considered. 

 Circuit judicial council approval is required for 

located apart from the district’s headquarters. banc appeals courtrooms located outside circuit 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary 
 A special proceedings courtroom may be provided for a new court building 

planned with fewer than four district judge courtrooms in states with small, widely dispersed populations, to accommodate multiparty trials in those locations. The court shall submit a justification for providing such a courtroom to the circuit judicial council for final approval by the Committee on Space and Facilities. If the Committee disagrees with the requirement, the Judicial Conference shall make the final determination. 

f Sizing Courthouse Support Spaces 

Certain design decisions are based on the number of people served by the courthouse (the number of exits and restrooms, etc.). Most building codes have square footage allotments per person. Such allotments, which vary by building type, generally yield an estimate far exceeding the actual population in court facilities. The primary cause of this overestimation is the failure to adequately consider the following two factors:  First, some users of a courthouse have different facilities requirements at various 

times of the day, resulting in duplicate spaces. For example, in a typical day, a single juror might occupy the jury assembly room, jurors’ lounge, courtroom jury box, trial jury room, and other spaces. Similarly, a judge might use a private chambers office, judges’ conference room, and courtroom. 

 Second, a simple count of the number of seats in a courtroom does not accurately 

yield the size of the spectator population. Because spectator seating is used in the jury selection process, the average size of a jury panel largely determines the number of seats provided in the spectator area (usually 65 to 85). A typical U.S. District Court (USDC) trial usually attracts fewer than a dozen spectators. 

For the above reasons, population estimates for court facilities should take into account the different types of space, the users of the space, and overlapping space use. 

f Design Phase 

When project design funding has been authorized and apthe design architect/engineer with input from the courrequirements of the Brooks Act (40 USC Sections 5actively participate throughout the selection process to various design teams and to ensure that each team undrequirements. Court participation is important becausselected, the success of a project depends on the communicate effectively. During the design stage, after a more definite cost esticonstruction prospectus is submitted to Congress appropriation of construction funds. If appropriations are construction bids are higher than estimated, the courts, thhave to modify the facility program and redesign appropriated budget. 

f Construction Phase 

Once a construction prospectus is funded, a contract is aspecify that the GSA contractor identify opportunities fmust be aware of the functional and cost imduring construction. 

f Construction Costs of Judicial Facilities by 

Table 2.1 provides an overview of relative construction of federal courthouses. 

2 - 1 0 I C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 2.1 

Construction Costs of Judicial Facilities by Building Element1 

SHARE OF TOTAL 

ELEMENT COSTS MAJOR VARIABLES Foundations2 1%–4% 

- Local Soil Conditions - Water Table - Number of Floors 

Substructure3 0.5%–3.5% 

- Basement Requirements - Soil Capacity - Water Table 

Superstructure 10%–18% Exterior Closure 7%–17% 

-Roof Treatment 

Roofing 0.5%–2.5% - Traffic Requirements 

-Number of Floors 

Interior Construction and Tenant Improvements 13%–25% (TIs) Conveying Systems 3%–5% Mechanical (includes 10%–19% raised access flooring) 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7

-Spans - Live Loads - Seismic Conditions -Plan Shape - Wall-to-Area Ratio -Floor-to-Floor Height - Material Selections - Amount and Choice of Glazing - Wall Detailing - Partitions -Lighting - Material Selection - Acoustics/Floor-to-Slab Partitions - Finish Detailing - Security Requirements - Number of Court Units/Specialized Spaces - Traffic Requirements -Number of Core Areas -Cab Detailing - Escalators -Number of Floors -Load Requirements - Security and Acoustics -Operating Flexibility - System Selections - Controls - Local Geographic Conditions 

SHARE OF TOTAL 

ELEMENT COSTS MAJOR V

Electrical 7%–15% 

-Load Req- Lighting - Security -Operatin- Commu- Audio an

Equipment 0.3%–1.5% - Scope Site Work 2%–7% General Conditions, 6%–13% Overhead, and Profit 

- Utility Se- Local Co- Access/- Security - Parking - Project M- Project C- Market C- Other Ri-Location 

1 These ranges for building elements do not include any overhead 

shown as a separate element. 

2 Foundations, substructure, and roofing percentages will vary by 

footprint. 

3 If the building includes parking, that area does not count as usab

a new courthouse construction project. 

 C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y 
Table 2.2 

Funding Responsibilities 

BUILDING COMPONENT 

GSA BUDGET COST 

JUDICIARY BUDGET COST 

FUBY 

Base Building Site Improvements None No

Building Envelope and Structure None No

 Building Systems (HVAC, None No

plumbing, electrical) 

Exterior Materials Exterior facade materials of brick, None No

stone, glass, precast, metal, or similar materials` 

Finishes in Interior Public Spaces Courtroom lobbies on each floor 

finished as an extension of the main public lobby spaces; all areas and corridors connecting the main public lobby on the primary entry level to all courtroom lobbies finished at a quality level equivalent to the main public lobby; and public corridors connecting other office areas finished at standards described in the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service. 

Finishes in Courtrooms, Judges’ Per requirements outlined in Chambers, Associated Spaces Chapter 12 of the U.S. Courts and Offices Design Guide (USCDG) 

None NoNone. Levels beyond those Funspecified in Facilities Standards for the the Public Buildings Service and the USCDG cannot be provided without first consulting with the GSA, which will then consult with the Judiciary or executive branch agencies such as U.S. Attorney or USMS. 

2 - 1 2 I C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 2.2 

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d) 

Fixed Furniture 

BUILDING COMPONENT 

Because GSA is responsible for 

GSA BUDGET COST 

None 

JUDICIARY BUDGET COST 

spaces, the GSA project budget should include fixed improvements providing most “fixed” improvements in the tenant that are attached to the building, such as counters, cabinets in central mail facility. The only chairs included as a GSA budget cost urinalysis laboratories and testing facilities, service units and biosafe (including Grand Jury trial rooms) which are fixed improvements and are all jury and witness chairs, One (1) attorney lectern will be part of each courtroom and is typically installed with a fixed base. budget. The GSA project budget also includes the cost of all fixed included in the GSA project bench, jury box, witness box, courtroom deputy clerk’s station, furnishings such as the judge’s seating, railings separating public seating from the well of the law clerk’s station, fixed public bookcases in the judge’s chambers. courtroom, and cabinetry and fixed 

Movable Furniture and Equipment Two (2) attorney tables per All movable furniture and 

courtroom and two (2) “smart” tables per district, magistrate, and 

equipment. Costs should not be included in the project budget and 

Signage 

bankruptcy judge courtroom 

The building signage system will 

be provided by the GSA, except within internal spaces 

are budgeted separately by the judiciary in a furniture acquisition plan (FAP). 

Signage (including court seals) 

within internal judiciary-occupied spaces 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y 
Table 2.2 

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d) 

BUILDING COMPONENT 

GSA BUDGET COST 

JUDICIARY BUDGET COST 

FUBY 

Artwork The GSA administers a federal art- None No

in-architecture program, which commissions specific artists on a building-by-building basis. The GSA should be consulted concerning funding for this program. 

Interior Plantings Plantings are not included in the 

GSA budget. 

Plantings should not be included 

without first consulting with the 

Pla

with

GSA and the judiciary. GS

cou

Security Systems Conduits, closets, and raceways None The 

for security systems; appropriate (USelectrical power. Cameras, consoles, conduit and wiring for 

for (or 

prisoner holding cells, and other surprisoner occupied areas, and main security console. 

sysand devdetsecdevsyseaccomincintecha

At the building perimeter, egress None Co

controls such as direct or remote withmonitoring, strike releases, card USreaders, PIN keypads, or keys and controlling mechanisms; all control and monitoring equipment such as card readers, exterior CCTV, exterior lighting, ballistic glazing at the lobby entrance, blast resistant glass, and intrusion detection systems 

2 - 1 4 I C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 2.2 

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d) 

BUILDING COMPONENT 

GSA BUDGET COST 

JUDICIARY BUDGET COST 

Security Systems Security door hardware (manual 

and electronic), raceways, conduits, power wiring, and connections to fire alarm systems for electric locks and strikes 

None 

Standard, emergency, backup, 

clean, and predefined electrical power needs, including batterypowered lights (as specified under GSA P-100) 

Acoustic Planning Physical treatments (gasketing, 

etc.) to meet standards 

None 

Clock and Clock Systems Wall outlets Building-wide clock systems 

should not be specified. Movable clocks may be provided as per the judiciary’s Guide to Policies and Procedures. 

Audiovisual Equipment None, except for the design and Audiovisual equipment, 

development of infrastructure presentation boards, sound 

specifications for speech system equipment, and wiring, 

reinforcement systems in including options for sound 

courtrooms. Includes provisions recording systems. These items for microphone amplification and are budgeted separately by the speaker/broadcast systems; judiciary and should be included as conduits for the audio and video a contract bid option in the system; and built-in or pull-down coordinated architect/engineering screens in the courtrooms. construction bid package. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y 
Table 2.2 

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d) 

BUILDING COMPONENT 

GSA BUDGET COST 

JUDICIARY BUDGET COST 

FUBY 

Telecommunications Master Antenna/TV 

The basic building infrastructure 

for telecommunications wiring, including telephone and data distribution closets, and the vertical and horizontal distribution system (e.g., chases, under-floor ducts, cable trays, raised floors, etc.) are part of the GSA project budget. 

Conduits and ducts for court 

telecommunications are provided for not more than one voice and one data outlet for every 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2). 

One (1) conduit from the 

basement to the roof for one (1) cable master antenna/TV connection to locations listed in this Design Guide, and conduit from the USMS area to the roof for the radio antenna lead are provided in the GSA project budget. 

Telecommunications equipment, 

wiring, and service is purchased and installed separately either by the GSA or by the judiciary, and should not be included as a contract bid option in the coordinated architect/engineering construction bid package. 

Requirements in excess of the 100 

NSF standard are to be budgeted by the Judiciary. 

Tel

and inscou

Any required cable TV or master Any 

antenna ant

Satellite Downlink One (1) conduit from the roof to 

the basement for satellite downlink. Roof space structured 

Satellite dish, cabling and 

receptacles. 

Any 

cabrec

to accommodate a satellite downlink dish. 

Computer Equipment The basic building infrastructure 

for computer cabling, including the horizontal and vertical distribution system, is provided as part of the 

Computer equipment, including 

terminals, computer workstations, file servers, and computer cabling and connecting wiring, is the 

Co

and bra

GSA project budget. responsibility of the judiciary and 

should not be included in the project budget. 

2 - 1 6 I C o u r t h o u s e P r o g r a m m i n g a n d B u d g e t a r y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter addresses detailed planning 

concepts for U.S. courthouses. Spaces common to all courts and the functions of the three court types are discussed, along with space allocations for circulation and definitions of area accounting techniques. This chapter concludes with direction for planning the zoning of courthouses and adjacency diagrams illustrating the relationships among various court occupancies. 

PLANNING FOR U.S. COURTHOUSES 

Introduction The architecture of federal courthouses must promote respect for the tradition and purpose of the American judicial process. To this end, a courthouse facility must express solemnity, integrity, rigor, and fairness. The facility must also provide a civic presence and contribute to the architecture of the local community. Courthouses must be planned and designed to frame, facilitate, and mediate the encounter between the citizen and the justice system. All architectural elements must be proportional and arranged hierarchically to signify orderliness. The materials employed must be consistently applied, be natural and regional in origin, be durable, and invoke a sense of permanence. Colors should be subdued to complement the natural materials used in the design. A U.S. courthouse may house multiple court units, courtrelated offices, and other federal government agencies. Courthouses must be planned and designed to accommodate the needs of the public, needs of the judges, court staff, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), other court-related offices. The guidelines set forth in this chapter address the adjacency requirements for judges’ and court staff offices and courtrelated offices (e.g., USMS, U.S. attorney’s office), along with sizing and volume factors for common spaces in all buildings, specifically, segments of public spaces such as entrances, lobbies, atria, and corridors. The chapter includes a typical diagram and stacking plan for a multi-level courthouse and a typical court floor layout. 

Supporting DocumeA comprehensive guide to sufound in Chapter 2, “CBudgetary Considerations.” Tdesign criteria, courthouse ppolicies, and information on construction of federal coubelow relate specifically to th “AnyCourt” (Program of 

automated space-planning space program of requirem

 Architectural Barri

Standard (ABAAS) 

 Courtroom Technology M Design Notebook for Fede Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual, VSystems Requirements Publication 64), most curr

 United States Courts, 

Manual: An Architect’s edition, all chapters 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Planning for U.S
Spaces Common to All Courts 

Courthouses for the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), the U.S. District Court (USDC), and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC) contain several common elements, including public spaces and atria, secure parking, service areas, heavy traffic areas, clerks’ offices, judges’ chambers, and court libraries. 

f Public Spaces and Atria 

The public space should be designed as an integrated continuum of spaces that leads from the building’s main entrance to the various public destinations within it. Each segment of space along the continuum performs multiple functions and must be designed accordingly. The functions include ingress/egress, admittance/discharge, security screening, the provision of information/orientation, circulation/conveyance, and accommodation/queuing/waiting/seating. Entrance. The entrance or entrance vestibule should be clearly visible and recognizable as such from the exterior of the building. The vestibule should be a minimum of 7 feet in depth and able to handle the flow of traffic at peak times. Security Screening Station. The security screening station should be designed with a nonsecure zone in front of the screening equipment (i.e., metal detectors and X-ray machine). The nonsecure zone should be large enough to provide safe and comfortable queuing during peak load periods. The design team should include a representative from the USMS to ensure that the requirements for the screening equipment are provided in accordance with the Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications (USMS Publication 64). The screening station should be integrated with the design of the surrounding architecture. Lobby. The main occupant and public gathering point is the building lobby on the secure side of the security screening station. The size and shape of the lobby should facilitate the process of understanding the layout of the building. The amount of floor area required for the lobby space will be determined by the number of people who pass through it, as well as by the ways that other segments of the public space are developed. 

Atrium. If the design of the public space includes an atriuthan one in the building. If an atrium is provided as a suotherwise be designed to perform all the functions normaIt is recommended that no atrium should be conditioned body of the main building when there is a lobby iperforming the major entry sequence functions (i.e., sprovision of information, and orientation). As a volume that connects two or more floors, the atriumof height to floor area should conform to familiar ratios The relationship of the atrium volume to a source of natubase is also critical. Corridors. Corridors convey, orient, and provide places 

often, to wait. Corridor lengths and widths vary actraffic and the nature of the spaces to which they lead. Benable a minimum of four people to pass abreast of each by two others and a fourth passing from the opposite direCorridors may be developed uniformly throughout tstandardized dimensions and layout from floor to floor. Mpublic corridor layout will vary between the ground level may also vary on a single floor—for example, from another. Some portions of the corridor system may be debasis, while others are single loaded. When the corridor is on a courtroom floor, an additioappellate courtrooms and 400 net square feet (NSF, 37.

for district and bankruptcy courtrooms must be provided outside each courtroom. The space for waiting should circulation next to it. Single-loaded corridors on couaccommodate the required waiting area(s) more easily. court floors where entrances to the courtrooms are oppoan added design challenge to provide sufficient waiting sp

3-2 I Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Court
All public corridors should be straight, not unduly long, and comfortably 

proportioned; all should have access to daylight and views. Court Staff Entry. Other spaces common to all courts include the court staff entry. Staff entry should be through the central public screening point. If the Building Security Committee and/or the Court Security Committee requires a separate staff entrance, the entrance must be manned by a court security officer and be provided with the required screening equipment. Circulation for judges and others requiring additional security must not intersect public circulation; these individuals must enter through a restricted lobby from secure parking. Secure Parking. Parking for judges and the USMS must be secure and located within the court building. Refer to Chapter 16, “Building Security,” for details of judges’ and staff parking. Service Areas. A building service area requires loading docks with direct restricted entry. The area requires access via freight elevator to all building offices. Heavy Traffic Areas. All areas generating heavy traffic, such as the clerk’s office, cafeteria, and building services, must be located on or adjacent to the main public entry level. Clerks’ Offices. The clerks’ offices of the three courts must have convenient access to public circulation, courtrooms, and judges’ chambers. See Chapter 8, “Clerk’s Office,” for a discussion of functions within the clerk’s office suite. Judges’ Chambers. Judges’ chambers may be located close to a courtroom or clustered in a separate area. Chambers are accessed from restricted circulation with convenient access to the courtroom(s). See Chapter 6, “Judges’ Chambers Suites,” for a discussion of functions within the judges’ chambers suites. Central Court Libraries. The location of central court libraries must provide access for judges, law clerks, and other court staff by means of a restricted staff corridor. Public access may also be required, as determined by the court. See Chapter 7, “Central Court Libraries,” for a discussion of functions within the central court libraries. 

Functions of the Three Court Type

f Major Spaces in Each of the Three Cour

The following is a discussion of the major spaces, grin each of the three courts. U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA). Since the USCA doedistrict court, it requires only two circulation systemoverview of the USCA’s circulation and adjacency pThe major functional spaces in the USCA are thjudges’ robing rooms, and circuit judges’ chambers sjudges move from their chambers to the judges’ corobing room to the courtroom. The circuit executive’s office must have restricted the USCA clerk’s office. Since the circuit executivewith the public, the level of public access shocircuit executive. The office of the senior staff attorney must be loadjacent to both the USCA clerk’s office and the ceaccess to judges’ chambers, if possible. U.S. District Court (USDC). The USDC conducts jury cases and other court proceedings. The court requircirculation patterns. For an overview of the USDpatterns, see Figure 3.4. The activities of the USDC focus on the courtroom. courtrooms require direct access from public, resAssociated spaces located near the district courconference rooms, accessed from public circulationroom (provided only if the judges’ chambers are not 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Planning for U.S
accessed from restricted circulation; the trial jury suite, accessed directly from the 

courtroom or restricted circulation; and prisoner holding cells, accessed from secure circulation. Jury assembly facilities should be located on a main public entry floor, preferably close to the district court clerk’s office. The facilities must have controlled entry and should provide for the convenient movement of jurors to and from courtrooms. The grand jury suite should be located near the Office of the U.S. Attorney, as that office is responsible for presenting evidence to and obtaining indictments from the grand jury. Grand jurors enter the suite through restricted circulation from a controlled area or an area that is remote from public view. The U.S. Probation Office requires access from public circulation after the security screening area in the lobby. If the office operates during off-hours, a separate controlled off-hours access point is desirable. The U.S. Pretrial Services Office also requires access from public circulation after the security screening area at the main courthouse entrance. In addition, the office requires restricted access to the USMS and magistrate judges’ courtrooms. The federal defender’s staffed offices are normally located outside the courthouse or other federal facilities housing law enforcement agencies.1 A small trial preparation 

area of 450 usable square feet (41.9 Nm2) is provided in the courthouse which 

includes internal circulation. The staffed office should be located within reasonable walking distance of the courthouse. Since the federal defender’s office essentially functions as an independent law office, it must be readily accessible after normal working hours. Whether outside or inside the courthouse, the office must be distanced from the U.S. attorney, USMS, U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Pretrial Services Office, Bureau of Prisons, and other law enforcement agencies. 

1 If the federal defender’s office requests to be located in a courthouse, the office must have 

written approval from the Committee on Defender Services, and all space sizes and standards will follow staff office sizes and standards for all other court and court-related offices. Any exceptions must be approved by the Committee on Space and Facilities and concurred with by the Judicial Conference. 

U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The USBC hears only civil cases. needs only two circulation systems: public and restricttrials may be held by bankruptcy courts. When this occuvacant USDC courtroom. For an overview of the USBCpatterns, see Figure 3.5. USBC courtrooms are accessed by public and restricted near USDC courtrooms, associated spaces located near include attorney/witness rooms, accessed from public cconference/robing room (provided only if the judges’ chato the courtroom), accessed from restricted circulation. If located in the building, the bankruptcy administrator or access to the USBC clerk’s office. Although the USBC clerk’s office must be accessible to convenient access to courtrooms, judges’ chambers sulibrary, as well as the USDC clerk’s office (if located in tUsers and Capacities Users vary according to the size of the courthouse; the tythe number of maintenance staff, service company/agencthe purposes of certain references in this Desigdesignations apply:A small courthouse has 5 or fewer courtrooms.A medium courthouse has 6 to 12 courtrooms.A large courthouse has more than 12 courtrooms. Barrier-Free Access The federal courts are required to conform to the staBarriers Act of 1968 for new construction and renovatio

3-4 I Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Court
Architectural Barriers Act Standard (ABAAS) is the GSA accessibility standard. It 

replaces the pervious UFAS/ADAAG requirements for accessibility. The standard is based on the ADAAG published by U.S. Access Board on July 23, 2004. In addition, GSA policy requires compliance with local accessibility standards if they are more stringent (reference GSA P-100). All public areas in federal court facilities, including jury facilities, as well as restricted and secure areas, must be made accessible when newly constructed or renovated. Under ABAAS, an “accessible” facility must be usable by persons with disabilities. Disabled persons include not only those with mobility limitations but also persons with sight, speech, or hearing impairments. While the courtroom work areas (judge’s bench, clerk’s station, bailiff station, etc.) are permitted to be adaptable,2 ABAAS recommends providing access during initial design and 

construction instead of adapting the space later. This limits the need for more expensive alterations when accessibility is required. Accessibility within the courtroom should be achieved with minimum use of well space. The design team should contact the AOUSC for sample courtroom layouts. Access for judges and court personnel may be provided by way of ramps outside the courtroom, within the restricted circulation space. In addition to facility design, other features can assist disabled persons in the courthouse. First, a sign indicating the availability of assistance should be posted in a 

prominent place. Second, wireless assisted-listening systems (ALSs) using infrared transmission are to be provided in accordance with ABAAS. An appropriate number of ALS receiving units must be available for use when needed in the courthouse. Wireless ALSs, using infrared transmission, provide flexibility and privacy in the courtroom. ALS controls and emitters must be permanently installed and integrated with the courtroom sound system. The Courtroom Technology Manual provides a formula for determining the number of ALS receiver units needed in the courthouse. Hearing-impaired persons must also be accommodated. In some cases, a soundreinforcement system is sufficient; in others, a signer is necessary for proceedings involving deaf participants. Courtroom layouts must place the signer within the 

2 Adaptable for accessibility means providing maneuvering clearance and other features. 

reader’s field of vision and also provide the reader allows the participant to observe the speaker’s gestuvisual cues. Courtroom areas used by the public must be accessCourt participants with disabilities should approach the same way as nondisabled participants:  Public seating  Litigants’ tables  Jury box  Witness box  Lectern Private work areas, including the judge’s bench and court reporter stations, must be adaptable for accessiand court personnel stations need not be immediately court personnel must be accommodated if required. Additional design solutions and information should Facilities Division of the AOUSC. Space Allocations for Circulation: Gross vs. Rentable Areas Although building users are frequently unaware of allocated to building corridors and aisles, this circulato 50 percent of the usable space in a building. Ratthe actual area of this space, space planners multiply “net area,” by a net-to-usable circulation factor to footage to allocate to circulation. In order to understand this calculation, the project used to describe building area. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Planning for U.S
f Space Measurement Standards 

Design Guide Space Measurement Standards. Space criteria in the Design Guide are presented in terms of net square feet (NSF) and net square meters (Nm2). It is 

important to note that NSF (Nm2), as used in the Design Guide, is not synonymous 

with ANSI/BOMA’s definition of usable space.  Net square footage (NSF) is the square footage allocated to an assigned space, 

such as an office, workstation, storage space, or conference room. The sum of all net areas in the building is the total assigned space, also called net square footage. Net square feet are measured to the inside face of walls. 

 Circulation space includes corridors, aisles, and other similar space required for 

occupants to access means of egress and all other functions in and serving their space. Circulation may be fully enclosed, as in a corridor, or unenclosed, as in a phantom corridor in open office configurations. 

 Circulation factors are used in conjunction with a space requirements projection. 

The internal circulation factor is applied to the assignable net square foot area to calculate the required usable square foot area. It accounts for both internal corridors and wall thicknesses between offices. Care must be taken in the application of a circulation factor. For example, if the circulation factor is 25 percent, do not multiply the net square footage by 1.25. Instead, divide the net square footage by 0.75 (Rule: divide by the complement). 

 Usable square footage (USF) is a measure of usable area constituting the basis 

upon which the U.S. Courts will pay rent. 

 Total envelope of space is the total usable square feet with the circulation factors 

applied. A court unit has discretion to reconfigure this total envelope. The circulation factor is inclusive of wall thicknesses. 

The NSF criteria in the Design Guide do not include space for circulation among 

programmed spaces or vertical slab penetrating spaces. For example, the net space of a courtroom includes space for circulation within the courtroom; however, it does not account for the additional usable square footage that is calculated for the courtroom’s 

vertical penetrating slab, or the space for travel to and frothe net space of a workstation in an open office doamong workstations. Space needed to accommodate circulation among psignificantly with each facility’s specific design. Detercirculation factors depends upon many issues, such average size and depth of spaces, and the general “compressed” versus “spacious”). Based on a study designs, the Design Guide provides specific values to 

requirements for various offices and functional areas of a The NSF criteria in the Design Guide also do not account that are included in the building gross area. The building circulation, partitions, mechanical and electrical rooms stairs, public corridors and lobbies, public toilets, ithicknesses, and other areas. GSA Space Measurement Standards. The GSA uses the AInstitute (ANSI) and the Building Owners and Managers measurement standard (refer to ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-1Measuring Floor Area in Office Buildings). The following describes the spaces included in the Ausable, rentable, and gross square feet in a GSA building:  Usable square footage (USF) includes the space o

circulation between spaces and all other spaces that personnel and furniture. For planning purposes, circulation factor is 20 percent usable area. The usable area of a single organization is the “footpthe floor plan of the building. Usable area excludes busuch as mechanical rooms, and public toilets. 

3-6 I Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Court
Under ANSI/BOMA, in the case of vertical slab penetrating spaces such as some 

courtrooms, an additional rental charge is incurred due to the increase in the judiciary’s usable square footage equal to the area of the slab penetration. However, if an entire floor is double height, there is no penetrated slab measured and therefore no increase in usable square footage. The usable area typically accounts for 67 percent of the total gross area of court facilities. To calculate the total gross area, divide the usable area by 0.67. The resulting value is expressed in gross square feet (GSF) or gross square meters (Gm2). 

 Rentable square footage (RSF) is the quantity of square footage tenants pay for in 

a building. It includes the USF each tenant actually occupies, plus a pro-rated portion of other building spaces, such as a lobby, that are used by all tenants of the building. 

 Gross square footage (GSF) is the total enclosed area of a building, including 

exterior walls. If necessary, the gross area of an existing building can be calculated by measuring the outside surface of the building perimeter of a scaled drawing and computing the interior area. 

f Metrication 

The Metric Conversion Act of 1975, as amended by the Omnibus Trade Act of 1988, establishes the modern metric system (International System of Units) as the preferred system of measurement in the United States. To facilitate the transition to the metric system, English units in the text are followed by metric equivalents in parentheses. Metric units have been rounded to simplify their use in design and construction. Table 3.1 lists the equivalent types of English and metric units used in the Design Guide. 

Table 3.1 Metrication 

MEASUREMENT CATEGORY ENGLISH UNIT 

Area Length Thickness Weight/Mass Load Volume Temperature Air Flow Illuminance 

Square Foot (SF) foot (ft), inch (in) 

gauge (ga) 

ounce (oz) 

Pounds per Square Foot (PS

gallon (gal) 

degrees Fahrenheit (oF) 

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) 

Foot-Candles (FTC) 

Circulation Requirements for Cour

f Public Space3 

It is imperative that a consistent method of measuapplication of any formula used to form and manage is especially true when considering the criteria of dpercent. Efficiency is the ratio of usable area (all noccupants plus the circulation around those areas) tof a building, including exterior walls) without parkis used because parking quantities vary significanwould skew any formula. Gross area without pamultistory (unassignable) space. When unassignable and an efficiency of 67 percent is achieved, it is volume of public spaces. 3 Reference GSA P-100 for further guidance. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 P l a n n i n g f o r U . S 
Strict adherence to ANSI/BOMA standards will regulate the overall volume of 

buildings because every footprint of every multistory space will count against gross area. The project team should be required to evaluate where to employ multistory spaces, as they count against the gross. The design and anticipated population of each project will determine how area and volume should be distributed along the continuum. Every project will diverge somewhat from the formula but should not exceed the formula. Recommended area factors for public space are presented in Table 3.2. Table 3.2 Recommended Public Space Area Factors 

 BUILDING HEIGHT PUBLIC AREA FACTOR PUBLIC VOLUME FACTOR 

Low-Rise (0–4 floors above grade, not including a penthouse) 11.0% 22x Mid-Rise (5–9 floors above grade, not including a penthouse) 9.5% 25x High-Rise (10+ floors above grade, not including a penthouse) 10.5% 24x 

f Recommended Benchmarking Formula for Public Space 

The factors above are used to calculate the total square feet and volume of public space as follows: Total Public Area [in square feet (SF)] = Gross Building Area without 

Parking x Public Area Factor 

Total Public Volume [in cubic feet (CF)] = Total Public Area x Public 

Volume Factor 

Example: Given a gross building area without parking f200,000 GSF Total Public Area = 200,000 GSF x 9.5% = 1Total Public Volume = 19,000 SF x 25 = 4

f Court Space 

Courtrooms. The net areas specified in the Design Guid

required to accommodate circulation among spaces. The with no internal additional circulation space. Circulation considering the courtroom in conjunction with chamfacilities. While the amount of circulation space required specific design, an additional allotment of 17 percecourtroom/chambers floors during preliminary planning tarea of the facility. The additional allotment for circulatifor the thickness of walls. Judges’ Chambers. Table 6.1 identifies the spaces and chambers suite. If necessary, circulation space up to 8 psquare footage may be added. This circulation factor thickness of the walls. Circulation space may not be addenot dictated by the design. The amount of circucourtroom/chambers floors varies with the actual design; entire floor can be applied during preliminary planning. Iwithin the suite, the square footage is included in thcirculation on the courtroom/chambers floor. Jury Facilities. The net areas specified in the Design Guidaccommodate circulation among the listed spaces. Whcirculation space varies with each facility’s specific desof 13 percent can be applied to the jury assembly area jury suite during planning to determine the total usable estimated total usable area of the facility is equal tprogrammed spaces plus 11 to 13 percent). The trial jury usable space, with a circulation percentage of 17 percencirculation on the courtroom/trial jury suite/chambers floo

3 - 8 I P l a n n i n g f o r U . S . C o u r t h o u s e s U . S . C o u r t 
Central Court Libraries. The net areas specified in the Design Guide exclude the space 

required to accommodate circulation. While the amount of required circulation space varies with each facility’s specific design, an additional 24 percent can be applied during preliminary planning to determine the total usable area of the facility (i.e., the estimated total usable area of the facility is equal to the sum of all the net programmed spaces plus 24 percent). Clerk’s Office. Net areas specified in the Design Guide exclude the space required to 

accommodate circulation. While the amount of circulation required for the clerk’s office varies with each facility’s specific design, 24 percent of the net programmed space can be added to determine the total usable area of the clerk’s office (i.e., the estimated total usable area of the clerk’s office is equal to the sum of all the net programmed spaces plus 24 percent). Refer to Table 8.1 for additional detail regarding space sizes in the clerk’s office. Other Court Units. The net areas specified in the Design Guide exclude space required 

to accommodate circulation among the listed spaces. While the amount of circulation space required varies among court-related offices and with each facility’s specific design, 19 to 21 percent of the net programmed space can be added to determine the total usable area of the court-related offices (i.e., the estimated total usable area of the court-related offices is equal to the sum of all the net programmed spaces plus 19 to 21 percent, depending upon the department). See the criteria for specific judiciaryrelated departments for the percentage to be added. Add 21 percent for circulation within a department if specific criteria are not provided. Common Building Spaces. The net areas specified in the Design Guide exclude space required to accommodate circulation among listed spaces. While the amount of circulation space required varies with each facility’s specific design, 20 percent can be added to the net programmed space to determine the total usable area of the building support facilities (i.e., the estimated total usable area of the building support facilities is equal to the sum of all the net programmed spaces plus 20 percent). 

Table 3.3 Interior Circulation Requirements 

 SPACES 

Courtrooms1 

Judges’ Chambers2 

Jury Assembly Area Grand Jury Suite Trial Jury Suite Central Court Libraries Clerk’s Office Other Courtrooms Common Building Spaces 

1 This space enables movement from spaces associated with the 2 Varies based upon whether a collegial or collated scheme is sel

Office of the U.S. Courts. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Planning for U.S
Courthouse Zoning and 

Building Circulation Adjacency and circulation among spaces are determined by the movement of people and materials for court activities, security, and public access requirements. To accommodate movement within courthouses, three separate circulation zones must be provided: public, restricted, and secure. Public circulation requires a single controlled entry but allows free movement within the building. Restricted circulation has a controlled interior entry and is limited to judges, court personnel, and official visitors. Secure circulation is intended for prisoners and is controlled by the USMS. There are four separate and distinct entrances to courthouses—for the public and staff, judges, prisoners, and deliveries. Courthouses may also house other federal government agencies, and the team must review and optimize adjacencies between the courts and other government agencies to be located in the building. Figure 3.1 is a typical diagram of a multilevel courthouse. 

Figure 3.1 General Organizational Relationships 

Note: This plan is illustrative and not meant as a standard for design. 

3-10 I Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Court
Program Stacking Figure 3.2 

The plan for a courthouse should locate Typical Stacking Diagram all high-pedestrian-traffic functions on the lower floors and provide dedicated elevator and stairway systems for the public, court staff and judges, freight, and prisoner movement. 

Note: This plan is illustrative and not meant as a standard for design. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Planning for U
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

R

P

Attorney

Work Room

Public

Waiting

Circuit

Exec.’s

Office

Circuit

Judge s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge s

Chambers

Suite

Public

Waiting

Non-resident

Judge s

Chambers

Conference/

Training

Room

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge s

Chambers

Suite

Conf. Room

Robing Room

Appellate

Panel

Courtroom

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge s

Chambers

Suite

Conf. Room

Robing Room

Appellate

En Banc

Courtroom

Public

Entry

Circuit

Headquarters

Library

Senior

Staff

Attorney s

Office

Appellate

Clerk’s

Office

R

P

Keyto Sy mbols Figure 3.3 

U.S.Court of Appeals Adj acencyRelat ionships Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service

P Privacy Lock 

Conf. Room 1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 

2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int 

’’

’ ’

R 

P 

Public Room Attorney

Work Room 

Public 

Waiting 

Circuit 

Exec.’s 

Office 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Waiting 

Conference/

Training

Circuit 

Judge’s

Circuit 

Chambers Chambers 

Suite Suite 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Robing Room 

Appellate

Panel 

Courtroom 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Circuit 

Judge’s

Conf. Room 

Robing Room 

Appellate

En Banc 

Courtroom 

Public 

Entry 

Public Vertical Circulation 

’

’

Non-resident 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Circuit 

Headquarters

Library 

Senior 

Staff 

Attorney’s

Office 

Appellate

Clerk’s 

Office 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

3-12 I Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Court
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

P

R

F

U.S.

Probation

Office

Jury

Assembly

Suite

Public

Entry

U.S.

Attorney

S

Central

Cell

Block

Grand

Jury

Suite

Court

porter

S

Public

Waiting

District

Judge’s

Courtroom

and

Associated

Spaces

District

Judge’s

Courtroom

and

Associated

Spaces

Trial Jury

Suite

Trial Jury

Suite

Public

Waiting

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

S

Public

Waiting

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

and

Associated

Spaces

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

and

Associated

Spaces

Public

Waiting

Magistrate

Judge s

Chambers

Suite

Magistrate

Judge’s 

Chambers

Suite

District

Clerk’s

Office

Satellite

Court

Library

U.S.

Pretrial

Services

Office

Trial Jury

Suite

Trial Jury

Suite

Conference/

Training

Room

Share

Judge 

Confere

Room

Keyto Sy mbols Figure 3.4 

U.S.District Court Adjacency Relationships Public Circublic Circulation

Restricted Circu Circu lation

Secure Circul Circul ation

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Public 

Entry 

P 

U.S. 

Probation 

Office 

U.S. 

Pretrial 

Services 

Office 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

S 

R 

P 

F 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Re

’ 

R 

F 

Jury

Assembly

Suite 

Central 

District 

Satellite Conference/ U.S. 

Attorney 

S 

Cell 

Block 

Grand 

Jury

Suite 

Court 

Reporter 

S 

District 

Judge’s

Court Training

Public 

Waiting 

District 

Judge’s

Courtroom 

and 

Associated 

Spaces 

Judge’s

Courtroom 

and 

Associated 

Spaces 

Trial Jury

Suite 

Trial Jury

Suite 

Public 

Waiting 

District 

Judge’s 

Chambers 

Suite 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

S 

Public 

Waiting 

Magistrate Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom 

and 

Associated Associated 

Spaces Spaces 

Courtroom 

and 

Public 

Waiting 

Magistrate 

Judge’s 

Chambers 

Suite 

Magistrate

Judge’s 

Chambers 

Suite 

District 

Clerk’s 

Library Office

Trial Jury Trial Jury

Suite Suite 

Room 

Share

Judge

Confere

Room

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Planning for U.S
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

R

Unstaffed

Library

F

Public

Entry

P

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

and

Associated

Spaces

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

and

Associated

Spaces

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Conference/

Training

Room

Bankruptcy

Clerk’s

Office

R

F P

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 3.5 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Adjacency Relationships 

R 

Unstaffed 

Library 

F 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom 

and 

Associated 

Spaces 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom 

and 

Associated 

Spaces 

Bankruptcy 

Judge’s 

Chambers 

Suite 

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Public 

Waiting 

Public 

Waiting 

Conference/

Training

Room 

Bankruptcy

Clerk’s 

Office 

Public 

Entry 

P 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

3 - 1 4 I P l a n n i n g f o r U . S . C o u r t h o u s e s U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter applies to courtrooms and 

associated spaces for circuit, district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges. It provides descriptions of functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and includes adjacency diagrams for courtrooms and associated spaces. 

COURTROOMS AND ASSOCIATED SPA

Introduction The size and design of each type of federal courtroom varies according to the type of judge who will use it, as well as the functions and activities that the courtroom must accommodate. These functions are largely determined by the types of cases that the court hears, such as appeals, civil, criminal, or bankruptcy cases. While the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA) hears all appeals cases and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC) handles only bankruptcy cases, both civil and criminal cases are heard by the U.S. District Court (USDC) judges. Magistrate judges, who are appointed by each district court, can also handle certain types of civil and criminal cases. The major functions of each type of courtroom—appellate courtrooms, district judge courtrooms, magistrate judge courtrooms, and bankruptcy judge courtrooms—are described in the following sections. Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supplementary publications can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below relate specifically to this chapter.  Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility 

Standard (ABAAS) 

 Courtroom Technology M United States Courts, 

Manual: An Architect’s edition, Chapter 4. 

Programming and 

f Exceptions to the De

Authority of the Circuit JudiciaCircuit judicial councils play role by reviewing district-requests for new or modified to design guidelines. The authority over and responmanagement program (28 Udetermining the need for spaConference of the United Stathe standards in the Design respective circuit judicial couAuthority of the Committee Judicial Conference The authority to approve thDesign Guide standards restand Facilities: (1) exceeding court unit or the project as a configurations for judges’ chexceeding the plumbing standand Facilities disagrees wirequest for one of these excwill decide whether to grant t

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and Asso
Approved Exceptions Are Reported to GSA and Congress 

All approved exceptions are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) for more detailed information. Approvals for En Banc Courtrooms Specific approval is needed for en banc courtrooms located outside circuit headquarters courthouses. Refer to Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” Approvals for Special Proceedings Courtroom Circuit judicial council approval is required for special proceedings courtrooms located apart from the district’s headquarters. Refer to Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” Consult with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for further information. A special proceedings courtroom should be provided only when needed, and there must be at least four district judge courtrooms in the building before one of the four may be designated as a special proceedings courtroom. Provision of more than one such courtroom in any federal court facility requires judicial circuit council approval. A special proceedings courtroom may be provided for a new court building planned with fewer than four district judge courtrooms in states with small, widely dispersed populations, to accommodate multiple-party trials in those locations. The availability of district courtrooms for other proceedings and the sharing of courtrooms should be considered. Consult with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for further information. 

f USBC “Mega Proceedings” 

“Mega proceedings” require bankruptcy judge courtrooms larger than 1,800 net square feet (NSF, 167.2 net square meters [Nm2]). Courts should develop procedures 

for the routine use of district judge courtroom space to accommodate these large, complex bankruptcy proceedings. In unusual circumstances, a bankruptcy courtroom of 2,400 NSF (223 Nm2) may be programmed, but only if requested by the court and 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. A courtroom of this type might be 

considered at a location with more than one resident banknot located in the same building as the USDC and there mega proceedings on a regular basis. Consult with the AU.S. Courts for further information. A cooperative arrangement between the USDC and USfacilities are available to the USBC when needed. 

f Courtroom Availability 

The availability of district judge courtrooms for other procourtrooms should be considered. Refer to Chapter 2, “CoBudgetary Considerations.” 

f Normal Daily Usage of Special Proceedings 

Special proceedings courtrooms must be assigned for norbeing used for special proceedings and large multiple-par

f Attorney/Witness Rooms 

The number of conference/waiting rooms (typically twshould be determined by the practices and policies of the programmed for multiple functions, such as for use as a alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings. 

f Attorney Work Room 

There shall be only one attorney work room provided per Design Requirements, All Courtrooms Design requirements for various stations and overall fuMore detailed design direction is included for each district, magistrate, and bankruptcy) in the chapter subs12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings,” provides millwork design of courtroom furnishings. 

4 - 2 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
f Barrier-Free Accessibility 

Courtroom areas used by the public must be accessible to people with disabilities. Private work areas, including the judge’s bench and the courtroom deputy, law clerk, bailiff, and court reporter stations, must be adaptable to accessibility. While all judge’s benches and courtroom personnel stations do not need to be immediately accessible, disabled judges and court personnel must be accommodated. It is also recommended that private work areas be made accessible during initial design and construction to avoid more expensive alterations for accessibility in the future. See Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations,” for references pertaining to barrier-free accessibility within courtrooms. It is the policy of the Judicial Conference that federal court facilities conform with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). Specific solutions can be obtained from the AOUSC Space and Facilities Division or refer to the U.S. Access Board’s recommendations for accessibility courtroom design contained in “Justice for All: Designing Accessible Courthouses,” (November 2006). Court participants with disabilities should be able to approach and use the following spaces in the same way that nondisabled participants do:  Public seating  Litigants’ tables  Jury box  Witness box  Lectern Sample floor plans in this chapter illustrate barrier free design accommodations for courtrooms. 

f Windows 

Designing courtrooms with windows requires careful consideration of the benefits, potential problems, and costs. If a courtroom is designed with windows, precautions are necessary to maintain security and environmental controls. A courtroom may have windows (regular or clerestory) or skylights to obtain the benefits of daylight. 

Windows and skylights must be sealed, double- ocontrol heat gain/loss, brightness, glare, noise, andarkening the room must also be provided. To psecurity, higher windowsills or clerestory windows oExterior windows for all courtrooms must be balliLevel IV). 

f Ceiling Height 

Courtroom ceiling heights must be in proportion tnumber of people using the space and reflect the raised judge’s bench and ceiling height contribute proceedings. The ceiling height standards in the Desgenerally accepted principles of architectural proporeffective courtroom designs. The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be a uniforhave two or more planes and include elements surecesses, and reveals as required to integrate HVAC design. An adjustment of a ceiling surface may also curtain wall. In situations where there are severdifferent heights above the finished floor, there may which one(s) is the dominant plane. It is recommendmeasured from the finished floor to the principal suamount of ceiling square footage, or the surface thathe ceiling design. The design team must ensure thaceiling exceed the maximum ceiling height standards 

GSA P-100. Maximum ceiling heights for courtrooms and associa

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and Asso
Table 4.1 

Ceiling Heights 

SPACES En Banc Courtroom 

SIZE 

FEET (mm) 

18 (5,500) 

Panel Courtroom Attorney Work Room1Judges’ Conference/Robing Room2 

16 

10 

10 

(4,900) 

(3,000) (3,000) 

District Judge Courtroom 16 (4,900) 

Special Proceedings Courtroom 18 (5,500) 

Attorney/Witness Rooms Attorney Work Room1 

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room2 

10 

10 

10 

(3,000) 

(3,000) (3,000) 

APPELLATE COURTROOMS AND ASSOCIATED SPACES DISTRICT JUDGE COURTROOMS AND ASSOCIATED SPACES 

MAGISTRATE AND BANKRUPTCY JUDGE COURTROOMS AND ASSOCIATED Magistrate Judge Courtroom 16 (4,900) Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms 16 (4,900) Attorney/Witness Rooms 10 (3,000) Attorney Work Room1 10 (3,000) 

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room2 10 (3,000) 

1 Only one per courthouse, not one per court 2 Provided only when chambers are located in a remote location from the courtroom 

Ceiling heights that exceed these maximum heights are considered an exception. 

f Soundlocks 

Every courtroom must have a soundlock entry from the public lobby/circulation area. The judges’ entry in appellate courtrooms must also have a soundlock. 

f Judge’s Bench 

The height and location of the judge’s bench expresses the role of the judge and facilitates control of the court. The height of the judge’s bench and other courtroom stations is determined by the court. Generally, the judge’s bench should be elevated three or four steps (21–24 inches or 525–600 mm) above the courtroom well. 

f Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station 

The courtroom deputy clerk station must be one step abothe judge and courtroom deputy clerk can easily see and courtroom deputy clerk also must be able to see and clearly, especially witnesses. The station must be large second staff person, who would be present during trainihearings. The computer must be ergonomically pessential sight lines. 

f Spectator Area 

The public has the right to attend most court proceedings hear all participants as clearly as possible without impingthe well of the courtroom. For controversial and high-security trials, spectators entsubject to additional screening. Therefore, accommodatfirearms, bombs, and other weapons should be made at tarea in the public lobby outside the courtroom. A rail divides the well and spectator area. The rail must least 32 inches (815 mm) wide, to admit attorneys, witne(USMS) personnel, and other authorized persons into the USBC courtrooms. 

f Displays 

A wall-mounted writing/display/projection surface, eaparticipants and spectators, should be provided and may courtroom. The surface should be easily accessible to the are furniture items funded by the judiciary. 

f Image Projection 

Projectors, video monitors, and recorders should be storuse in the courtroom. A roll-up projection screen should bif it will be used on a regular basis. A portable, collapsibleasily stored should also be considered. If it is a built-in

4 - 4 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
into a wall. For presenting medical evidence, a built-in X-ray viewer or shadow box 

can be integrated with courtroom wall design. A portable unit can be shared by multiple courtrooms. Projection screens are considered equipment items funded by the judiciary. Architectural integration of screens and electrical infrastructure is provided as part of the construction cost. 

f Audiovisual Storage 

A storage location central to similar courtrooms must be provide for audiovisual equipment, including mobile video monitors and cameras, slide and film projectors, and audio recording/playback equipment. Audiovisual equipment remaining in courtrooms should be built into walls or courtroom furniture. The design team should refer to the Courtroom Technology Manual. 

f Clock 

A clock power outlet should be located in the courtroom directly opposite the bench wall, above the entry door(s). 

f Public Waiting Areas 

Public waiting areas serve as extensions of public lobby and circulation areas adjacent to courtrooms; therefore, the design and furnishing of these spaces must be consistent. Appellate Courtrooms Functions and Users and Capacities 

f Functions 

Courtrooms. The primary function of appellate courtrooms is the presentation of oral arguments by counsel to circuit judges. Arguments involve appeals of decisions by the USDC and USBC, as well as by the tax court and various federal administrative agencies. Other functions can include ceremonial events such as the induction of judges newly appointed to the bench. 

Judges’ Conference Rooms. Judges’ conference rotraining sessions, case conferences by circuit judgejudges. The facility includes a small service unit wcan be prepared. Judges’ Robing Room. The judges’ robing room is an 

courtrooms. Circuit judges use the robing room to before and after courtroom proceedings. User canumber of circuit judges and the type of courtroom (Attorney Work Room. The attorney work room is an courtrooms. The facility comprises both a waiting awork room while waiting to present arguments in USis used for discussions and last-minute preparatinumber of users varies with the number of attorneys Public Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas are ascourtrooms. The waiting areas are used by attorneys, 

f Users and Capacities 

The well of an en banc or panel courtroom must acjudges’ bench, court personnel workstations, and at lpanel and en banc hearings, a bailiff (in some locatand at least three law clerks are present. Judicial Officers. A panel of three judges hears apcases are heard by all judges sitting en banc, except ien banc panels. Bailiff. In some locations, the USCA requires a bail

preparing the courtroom prior to the start of procoperating the timing system and recording equipmen

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o 
Courtroom Deputy Clerk. In appellate courtrooms, the courtroom deputy clerk 

typically is responsible for announcing cases to be heard and for operating the timing system and recording equipment. The deputy clerk often confers with the judges during proceedings. Law Clerks. The law clerks provide research assistance to the judges and attend oral arguments. Security Personnel. Normally, no security personnel are present in the courtroom. Attorneys. In appellate cases, at least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Counsel must be accommodated in appellate courtrooms with two attorney tables, each seating at least four participants. Additional seating can be provided within the well for attorneys waiting for their cases to be called. Litigants. Typically, no litigants are present in the well of the courtroom. Witnesses and Interpreters. No witnesses or interpreters are present in the well of the courtroom. Jurors. No jurors are present. Spectators. Spectator seating should be provided as follows: en banc courtroom, seating for 120–150 spectators maximum; panel courtroom, seating for 40-80 spectators. Design Requirements for Appellate Courtrooms Design requirements for various stations and overall function are discussed here. More detailed design direction is included in Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings,” for the millwork design of courtroom furnishings. 

f Judges’ Bench 

An additional step is recommended in en banc courtroomen banc or in panels, benches must be curved or angled one another. 

f Law Clerk Station 

Circuit judges’ courtrooms must accommodate a worksleast three law clerks. 

f Bailiff Station 

Circuit judges’ courtrooms must accommodate either a cbailiff near the judges’ bench. If the bailiff is accommodated with a chair, the pcoordinated with the USMS so that the optimum location and security system components can be determined. If the bailiff is accommodated at a workstation, the woabove floor level. The station must be set so that the judand confer with one another. 

f Attorney Stations 

Attorney stations are not fixed; however, they are located courtroom well. Attorneys must see and hear other attorby judges and the bailiff. With the permission of the portable computers at or next to counsel tables. In appelmay be fixed but must be height adjustable. Table 4.2 lists the space and ceiling requirements for appe

4 - 6 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 4.2 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Appellate Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

COURTROOMS En Banc Courtroom 3,000 (278.7) Panel Courtroom 1,800 (167.2) ASSOCIATED SPACES Public Waiting Area 300 (27.9) Soundlock 80 (7.4) Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 (1.9) Judges’ Conference Room1 250 (23.3) 

Judges’ Robing Room2

 Soundlock 80 (7.4) Toilet 1 50 (4.7) Toilet 2 50 (4.7) Attorney Work Room – Waiting Area3 250 (23.3) 

Work Area 100 (9.3) AV Room 120 (11.1) Equipment Storage Room 100 (9.3) Exhibits Storage 50 (4.6) 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

FEET (mm) 

Courtrooms 18 (5,500) Judges’ Robing Room 10 (3,000) Judges’ Conference Room 10 (3,000) Attorney Work Room 10 (3,000) 1 Allocation of 250 NSF (23.3 Nm2) includes a service unit. 2 Allocate 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) plus 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) per judge for 

Judges’ Robing room.

3 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

Adjacency and Circulation The most effective configuration of the courtroom movement and conflicting circulation patterns of triEfficient circulation around the courtroom, especiarestricted circulation, is more readily achieved by interior of the building. For an overview of this topfor U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. 

f Courtrooms 

Appellate courtrooms must provide both public and is separated from the public corridor by a soundlocseparately for judges and court staff: for court stafjudges, close to robing and conference rooms, allowor behind the bench. For ceremonial functions, indirfrom the bench down to the well. Circulation space judge to arrive and depart without disrupting other ju

f Judges’ Robing Room 

The judges’ robing room must be directly accessiblthrough a soundlock; it must also be accessible from provide a processional path from the courtroom to throom, a robing room may also directly adjoin the Uroom. For additional information regarding adjacrobing rooms, see the USCA adjacency diagramU.S. Courthouses.” The judges’ robing room must allow access to privatseparate men’s and women’s toilet rooms. The a soundlock. 

C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o 
f Judges’ Conference Room 

The judges’ conference room is accessible from public circulation and adjoining robing room. 

f Attorney Work Room 

The attorney work room must be accessible from public circulation. It may also be directly accessible from an adjoining appellate courtroom. 

f Public Waiting Areas 

Public waiting areas are typically alcoves adjacent to, but separate from, public circulation or courtroom lobby areas. 4 - 8 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

R

Judge’s

Conf.

Room

Judges’ Robing

Room

Toilet Toilet 

1 3 3

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers Suite

Circuit

Non-Resident

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

3

3 P

Attorney

Work Room

(only one per courthouse)

Coat

Closet

3

2

Public

Waiting

2

Appellate En Banc

or Panel

Courtroom

3

333

3

12

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 4.1 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Appellate (Panel or En Banc Courtrooms) Adjacency Relationships 

Staff

Toilets

Service

Unit

33

Soundlock

2

Soundlock

AV

EquipmentStorageExhibitStorage

R 

Judge’s

Conf. 

Room 

Judges’ Robing

Room 

Toilet Toilet 

1 3 3

Circuit 

Judge’s

Chambers Suite 

Circuit 

Non-Resident 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Suite 

Staff 

Toilets 

Service 

Unit 

3 

3 3 

Soundlock 3 P 

2 

Attorney

Work Room 

(only one per courthouse) 

Coat 

Closet 

3 

2 

Public 

Waiting 

2 

Appellate En Banc

or Panel 

Courtroom 

3 

Soundlock 

AV 3 

EquipmentStorage 

3 

Exhibit Storage 

3 

3 

1 

2 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

One set of staff toilets is provided per floor. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.2 Appellate Panel Courtroom, 1800 NSF (167.2 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

4-10 I Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Court
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.3 Appellate En Banc Courtroom, 3000 NSF (278.7 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and Asso
District Judge Courtrooms 

Functions and Users and Capacities 

f Functions 

Courtrooms. The primary function of district judge courtrooms is to conduct criminal and civil proceedings. District judges conduct hearings, bench trials, and jury trials in both civil and criminal cases. Only district judges conduct felony criminal trials. The well of the courtroom must accommodate a judge’s bench, court personnel workstations, a witness box, a 16-person jury box, and at least four counsel tables. This allows for 15–20 lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, and interpreters. Space must be included for exhibit display and USMS personnel stationed around the perimeter of the well. In the district judge’s courtroom well, 10–20 people typically are present in addition to court personnel and the seated jury. Even larger groups of people are not uncommon. For example, a criminal trial involving six in-custody defendants could generate 50 or more participants, including the judge, courtroom deputy clerk, court reporter/recorder, law clerk, two assistant U.S. attorneys, two case agents, the six defendants and their defense attorneys, 12 deputy marshals, 16 jurors, a witness, and possibly an interpreter. Courtrooms frequently used for cases of this size must be designed with a large well and minimum seating capacity. Judges’ Conference/Robing Room. The conference/robing room is an associated facility for district judge courtrooms only when chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). Conference/robing rooms are used for private conferences with attorneys during brief trial recesses, and as a place for trial court judges to store robes and prepare to enter the courtroom. Attorney/Witness Room. Attorney/witness rooms are associated facilities for district judge courtrooms. Attorneys use the rooms to confer with one another, their clients, and witnesses. Witnesses requiring separation from the general public while in the courthouse use this room while waiting to testify. 

Public Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas are associated courtrooms. The waiting areas are used by attorneys, civout-of-custody criminal defendants, witnesses, spectatornews media. Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities. Court reporters/recordand review transcripts and store records and notes. Attorney Work Room. Only one attorney work room proprovided for attorney’s to use while waiting to appear in c

f Users and Capacities 

Judicial Officers. A single judge presides over civil although a limited number of district cases are heard by pCourtroom Personnel. In district judges’ courtrooms, a ccourt reporter/recorder are present. One or two law clerkdiscretion of the judge. Courtroom Deputy Clerk. The courtroom deputy clerk tracking all court activity during the proceedings, includias well as documenting decisions by the court and taggThe deputy clerk often confers with the judge during prthe jury and witnesses. Law Clerks. The law clerks provide research assistance tcourtroom proceedings. Court Reporter/Recorder. The court reporter/recorder recoSecurity Personnel. USMS personnel are responsible for of criminal defendants; the safety, security, and privacwitnesses; the security of the courtroom and safety of its order in the courtroom. Typically, one or more USMS p

4-12 I Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Court
courtroom. The total number of USMS personnel depends on the nature of the matter 

being heard. In criminal cases, two USMS personnel may be present for each incustody defendant in the courtroom. Attorneys. At least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Trial attorneys can be assisted by paralegals and other staff, all of whom are positioned in the courtroom at the discretion of the presiding judge. In USDC criminal cases, U.S. government attorneys are usually assisted in court by case agents from the investigative agency involved. Litigants. The number of litigants depends entirely upon the number of parties and the nature and complexity of the case. For civil cases, the number of litigants on each side might range from 1 to 10, although more than 10 litigants is not unusual. In criminal cases, the number of defendants might range from 1 to 20, although cases with more than 20 defendants do occur. Generally, each defendant is represented by an attorney. Witnesses and Interpreters. Witnesses are used. An interpreter is furnished if required 

by a witness or defendant. Jurors. In courtrooms of district judges, the jury for criminal trials consists of up to 16 jurors (12 jurors and 4 alternates) or up to 18 jurors (for special proceedings courtrooms). The jury for civil trials consists of 6 to 12 jurors. A 12-member jury is typically selected from a panel of 45–60 potential jurors; a 6-member jury is selected from 15–25 potential jurors. The number of potential jurors can equal 100 or more in cases with heavy media coverage, multiple parties, or lengthy trials. During impaneling, the potential jurors can be seated in the spectator area of the courtroom. These seats can be made available to the public after the jury has been impaneled. Spectators. The right to a public trial necessitates a certain volume of general public seating. Demand for spectator, news media, and family seating varies depending on the public interest and the number of parties in a particular case. Most trials will 

draw only a few or occasional spectators. Spectatofollows: special proceedings courtroom, seating courtroom, seating for 65-85. 

Design Requirements for District JDesign requirements for various trial participant sdiscussed here. More detailed design direction is iImprovements and Furnishings,” for the millwork de

f Witness Box 

Witnesses must be able to see and hear, and be participants as close to full face as possible. The witwitness and an interpreter, and the preferences of ththe box receive, examine, and return exhibits. The interpreter must be seated next to or slightly behwitness and the judge; however, the witness must remA separate interpreter station, accommodating two stsome locations. 

f Jury Box 

Jurors must be able to see, hear, and be seen by the During witness examination, all jurors must be abland witnesses as close to full face as possible. In adof sight to video evidence presentation monitors if thJury boxes for district judges’ courtrooms must aproceedings courtrooms must accommodate 18 jurorThe maximum allowable distance between a juror atable across the courtroom well is 40 feet (12,200 mm

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and As
If the witness box is located to one side of an 18-member jury box, two rows of nine 

jurors will be too far from the witness box. Jurors must be separated 6 feet (1,825 mm) from attorneys and litigants to prevent the overhearing of private conversations. Jurors must be separated from the public to avoid interference or intimidation. At least 6 feet (1,825 mm) of space must separate the jury box and rail dividing the spectator seating area and courtroom well. The floor level of the highest tier of the jury box must be at least one step (6 inches or 150 mm) lower than that of the judge’s bench. The front row of the jury box may be raised one step (6 inches or 150 mm) or on the same floor level as the courtroom well. A raised first row is preferred. If the first row is one step above the well, a ramp must be provided to allow unassisted access for jurors with disabilities using the same path as all other jurors. Gates and openings into the jury box, clear floor space, and vertical clearance shall allow for space to maneuver a wheelchair and for jurors with disabilities to participate from the same position as all other jurors. The front row may have a dedicated wheelchair space or a removable chair to provide the necessary space when needed. Refer to U.S. Access Board for detailed accessibility criteria. 

f Law Clerk Station 

In a district judge’s courtroom, the law clerk station must be set so that the judge and law clerk can easily see and confer with each other. 

f Court Reporter/Recorder Station 

The court reporter/recorder must be able to see the facial expressions of witnesses, attorneys, and the judge, and hear every word spoken. Thus, the court reporter/recorder station must be located close to the witness box. Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/recorder should be movable so that it can be rearranged easily to suit each court reporter or judge. 

f U.S. Marshals Service 

USMS personnel must be able to see all participants and personnel generally do not have fixed workstations in usually provided with chairs that can be moved to suit the 

f Attorney and Litigant Stations 

Attorney and litigant stations are not fixed; however, defined area of the courtroom well. In district judges’ courtrooms, attorneys and their clientprivate at their courtroom stations without being overopposing attorneys and litigants, spectators, or others imust be able to move easily within the well of the courtroWith the permission of the judge, attorneys may use portcounsel tables. A movable, height-adjustable lectern must be provided foTable 4.3 lists the space and ceiling requirements for distr

4 - 1 4 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 4.3 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for District Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

COURTROOMS Special Proceedings Courtroom 3,000 (278.7) District Judge Courtroom 2,400 (223) ASSOCIATED SPACES Public Waiting Area 400 (37.2) Soundlock 80 (7.4) Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 (1.9) Judges’ Conference/Robing Room1 200 (18.6) 

Attorney/Witness Room 1 150 (14.0) Attorney/Witness Room 2 150 (14.0) Court Reporter/Recorder Office 150 (14.0) Attorney Work Room – Waiting Area2 250 (23.3) 

Work Area 100 (9.3) Court Reporter/Recorder Storage 50 (4.7) Shared Work Room 100 (9.3) Transcriber/Typist Workstation 50 (4.7) A/V Room 120 (11.1) Equipment Storage Room 100 (9.3) Exhibits Storage 50 (4.6) 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

FEET (mm) 

District Judges’ Courtroom 16 (4,900) Special Proceedings Courtroom 18 (5,500) Attorney/Witness Rooms 10 (3,000) Attorney Work Room 10 (3,000) Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 10 (3,000) 

1 Provided when chambers are located on a separate floor 2 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

Adjacency and Circulation The most effective configuration of the courtroom movement and conflicting circulation patterns of triEfficient circulation around the courtroom, especiarestricted circulation, is more readily achieved by interior of the building. For an overview of this topfor U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. 

f Courtrooms 

Typically, district judge courtrooms must providaccess: (1) public circulation and access for spectatattorneys, litigants, and witnesses; (2) restricted cilaw clerks, courtroom deputy clerks, court reportersecure circulation and access for prisoners and circulation and access patterns must be separate to The courtroom must have separate entrances from rejury, courtroom deputy clerk, and court reporter/personnel; and the public. Entrances for the various as possible to their stations in the courtroom. Coupublic corridor by a soundlock. 

f Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 

Conference/robbing rooms are required for distrijudges’ courtrooms only when judges’ chambers are the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). Conference/robing rooms must be located close to threstricted circulation. Judges must have access to toilets convenient to through restricted circulation. If necessary, a toileconference/robing room. 

C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
f Attorney/Witness Room 

Attorney/witness rooms must be directly accessible from public circulation. In some instances, access from restricted or secure circulation is also desirable. Restricted access provides a higher degree of privacy and security, especially for sensitive witnesses. An occupancy indicator must be provided for each room (e.g., a small sign or view panel adjacent to the door). 

f Attorney Work Room 

The attorney work room must be accessible from public circulation. It may also be directly accessible from an adjoining courtroom. 

f Public Waiting Areas 

Public waiting areas are typically alcoves adjacent to, but separate from, public circulation or courtroom lobby areas. 

f Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities 

Court reporter/recorder facilities should generally be located near courtrooms. The facilities must be accessible primarily from restricted circulation areas; however, some public accessibility must also be provided to accommodate the public purchase of transcripts. 4 - 1 6 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Cell Block

Area

Use USMS Guide

P

Stor. Court Rep./

Rec. 3

Shared

Wkrm.

USDC

Special

Proceedings

Courtroom

R

1

District Judge

Courtroom

S

EquipStorage

Short

Term

Exhibits

Court

Rep./

Rec.

Stor.

1

3

2 2

3 3 

3

3 3

3

Trial Jury

Suite

3

AV

3

District Judge s

Chambers Suite

Dist

Cha

Equip

Storage

ShortTermExhibits

3

3

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Attorney/

Witness

Room

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

3

Sound

Lock

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Atto

Witn

Ro

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

3

Sound

Lock

P Public Waiting 

Area

2

Atto

Witn

Ro

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

Sound

Lock

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 4.4 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

U.S. District Court Adjacency Relationships 

2

Staff

Toilets

-

2

1

3

’

-

3 3

Cell Block 

Area 

Use USMS Guide 

2 

P 

Stor. Court Rep./

Rec. 3 

Shared 

Wkrm. 

USDC 

Special

Proceedings

Courtroom 

R 

Staff 

Toilets 

1 

District Judge

Courtroom 

S 

EquipStorage 

ShortTerm 

Exhibits 

Court 

Rep./

Rec. 

Stor. 

1 

3 

2 2 

2 

3 3 

1 

3 

3 3

3 

Trial Jury

Suite 

3 

AV 

3 

3 

District Judge’s 

Chambers Suite 

Dist

Cha

Equip

Storage 

ShortTerm Exhibits 

3 

3 

Public 

Waiting

Area 

2 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 2 2 3 

3 

Sound 

Lock 

3

3

Public 

Waiting

Area 

2 

Atto

Witn

Ro

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 2 2 3 

3 

Sound 

Lock 

Notes: The adjacency diagram is in tended only as an illustration. Only one set of staff toilets per floor. 

Conference/robing room(s) are allowed where chambers are not on the same floor as the courtroom. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.5 U.S. District Court Special Proceedings Courtrooms, 3000 NSF (278.7 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

4 - 1 8 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.6 U.S. District Judge’s Courtroom – Center Bench, 2400 NSF (223 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.7 U.S. District Judge’s Courtroom – Corner Bench, 2400 NSF (223 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

4 - 2 0 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Magistrate Judge Courtrooms 

Functions and Users and Capacities 

f Functions 

Courtrooms. The function of magistrate judge courtrooms is to hold hearings on preliminary matters in criminal cases (e.g., an arraignment, where a defendant is brought before a judge to enter a plea). Magistrate judges preside over these hearings and also conduct misdemeanor trials. Under certain circumstances, magistrate judges conduct the full range of proceedings in civil cases, up to and including jury trials. Proceedings conducted by magistrate judges typically include multiple defendants or litigants and a number of spectators. The well of the courtroom must accommodate a judge’s bench, court personnel workstations, a witness box, a 12-person jury box, and at least two counsel tables for lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, and interpreters. Space must be included for exhibit display and USMS personnel stationed around the perimeter of the well. In the courtroom well, 10–20 people typically are present in addition to court personnel and the seated jury. Even larger groups of people are not uncommon. For example, a criminal matter involving six in-custody defendants could generate 50 or more participants, including the judge, courtroom deputy clerk, court reporter/recorder, law clerk, two assistant U.S. attorneys, two case agents, the six defendants and their defense attorneys, 12 deputy U.S. Marshals, 12 jurors, a witness, and possibly an interpreter. Courtrooms frequently used for cases of this size must be designed with a large well and minimum seating capacity. Judges’ Conference/Robing Room. The conference/robing room is an associated facility for magistrate judge courtrooms when chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). Conference/robing rooms are used for private conferences with attorneys during brief trial recesses, and as a place for trial court judges to store robes and prepare to enter the courtroom. 

Attorney/Witness Room. Attorney/witness rooms 

magistrate judge courtrooms. Attorneys use the rootheir clients, and witnesses. Witnesses requiring sepwhile in the courthouse use this room while waiting tPublic Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas are assjudge courtrooms. The waiting areas are used by defendants, out-of-custody criminal defendants, members, and the news media. Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities. Court reporters/reand review transcripts and store records and notes. Attorney Work Room. Only one attorney work room provided for attorneys to use while waiting to appear 

f Users and Capacities 

Judicial Officers. A single judge presides over civmagistrate judge presides over a narrower range of ca district judge. Courtroom Personnel. In a magistrate judge’s courtand court reporter/recorder are present. One or two lthe discretion of the judge. Courtroom Deputy Clerk. The courtroom deputy cltracking all court activity during the proceedings, incas well as documenting decisions by the court and The deputy clerk often confers with the judge durinthe jury and witnesses. Law Clerks. The law clerks provide research assistacourtroom proceedings. Court Reporter/Recorder. The court reporter/recorder 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and As
Security Personnel. USMS personnel are responsible for the custody and movement 

of criminal defendants; the safety, security, and privacy of the judge, jurors, and witnesses; the security of the courtroom and safety of its occupants; and maintaining order in the courtroom. Typically, one or more USMS personnel are present in the courtroom. The total number of USMS personnel depends upon the nature of the matter being heard. In criminal cases, two USMS personnel may be present for each in-custody defendant in the courtroom. Attorneys. At least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Trial attorneys can be assisted by paralegals and other staff, all of whom are positioned in the courtroom at the discretion of the presiding judge. In criminal cases, U.S. government attorneys can be assisted in court by case agents from the investigative agency involved. Litigants. The number of litigants depends entirely upon the number of parties and the nature and complexity of the case. For civil cases, the number of litigants on each side might range from 1 to 10, although more than 10 litigants is not unusual. In criminal cases, the number of defendants might range from 1 to 20, although cases with more than 20 defendants do occur. Generally, each defendant is represented by an attorney. Witnesses and Interpreters. Witnesses are routinely called to testify in trials. An interpreter is furnished if required by a witness or defendant. Jurors. In magistrate judge courtrooms, the jury for civil trials is determined in consultation with the court. Jury boxes for magistrate judges’ courtrooms must accommodate 12 jurors. A 12-member jury is typically selected from a panel of 45–60 potential jurors; a 6-member jury is selected from 15–25 potential jurors. The number of potential jurors can equal 100 or more in cases with heavy media coverage, multiple parties, or lengthy trials. During impaneling, the potential jurors can be seated in the spectator area of the courtroom. These seats can be made available to the public after the jury has been impaneled. 

Spectators. The right to a public trial necessitates a certaseating. Demand for spectator, news media, and family the public interest and the number of parties in a partidraw only a few or occasional spectators. In a magistrashould be provided for 55-60 persons. 

Design Requirements for Magistrate JDesign requirements for various stations and overall fMore detailed design direction is included in Chapter 12, Furnishings,” for the millwork design of courtroom furnis

f Witness Box 

Witnesses must be able to see and hear, and be seeparticipants as close to full face as possible. The witness witness and an interpreter, and the preferences of the prthe box receive, examine, and return exhibits. The interpreter must be seated next to or slightly behind witness and the judge; however, the witness must remain A separate interpreter station, accommodating two staff psome locations. 

f Jury Box 

Jurors must be able to see, hear, and be seen by the judgDuring witness examination, all jurors must be able to and witnesses as close to full face as possible. In additioof sight to video evidence presentation monitors if they arThe maximum allowable distance between a juror and a table across the courtroom well is 40 feet (12,200 mm). 

4-22 I Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Court
Jurors must be separated 6 feet (1,825 mm) from attorneys and litigants to prevent 

the overhearing of private conversations. Jurors must be separated from the public to avoid interference or intimidation. At least 6 feet (1,825 mm) of space must separate the jury box and rail dividing the spectator seating area and courtroom well. The floor level of the highest tier of the jury box must be at least one step (6 inches or 150 mm) lower than that of the judge’s bench. The front row of the jury box may be raised one step (6 inches or 150 mm) or on the same floor level as the courtroom well. A raised first row is preferred. If the first row is one step above the well, a ramp must be provided to allow unassisted access for jurors with disabilities using the same path as all other jurors. Gates and openings into the jury box, clear floor space, and vertical clearance shall allow for space to maneuver a wheelchair and for jurors with disabilities to participate from the same position as all other jurors. The front row may have a dedicated wheelchair space or a removable chair to provide the necessary space when needed. Refer to U.S. Access Board for detailed accessibility criteria. 

f Law Clerk Station 

In magistrate judges’ courtrooms, the law clerk station must be set so that the judge and law clerk can easily see and confer with each other. 

f Court Reporter/Recorder Station 

The court reporter/recorder must be able to see the facial expressions of witnesses, attorneys, and the judge, and hear every word spoken. Thus, the court reporter/recorder station must be located close to the witness box. Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/recorder should be movable so that it can be rearranged easily to suit each court reporter or judge. 

f U.S. Marshals Service 

USMS personnel must be able to see all participants personnel generally do not have fixed workstatiousually provided with chairs that can be moved to su

f Attorney and Litigant Stations 

Attorney and litigant stations are not fixed; howedefined area of the courtroom well. Attorneys and liseen and heard by one another, the judge, witnesseclerk, and the court reporter/recorder. In magistrate judges’ courtrooms, attorneys and their private at their courtroom stations without being ovopposing attorneys and litigants, spectators, or othmust be able to move easily within the well of the coWith the permission of the judge, attorneys may use counsel tables. A movable, height-adjustable lectern must be providTable 4.4 lists the space and ceiling requirements for 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
Table 4.4 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Magistrate Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

COURTROOM Magistrate Judge Courtroom 1,800 (167.2) ASSOCIATED SPACES Public Waiting Area 400 (37.2) Soundlock 80 (7.4) Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 (1.9) Judges’ Conference/Robing Room1 200 (18.6) 

Attorney/Witness Room 1 150 (14.0) Attorney/Witness Room 2 150 (14.0) Court Reporter/Recorder Office 150 (14.0) Attorney Work Room – Waiting Room2 250 (23.3) 

Work Area 100 (9.3) Court Reporter/Recorder Storage 50 (4.7) Shared Work Room 100 (9.3) Transcriber/Typist Workstation 50 (4.7) AV Room 120 (11.1) Equipment Storage Room 100 (9.3) Exhibits Storage 50 (4.6) 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

FEET (mm) 

Magistrate Judge Courtroom 16 (4,900) Attorney/Witness Room 10 (3,000) Attorney Work Room 10 (3,000) Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 10 (3,000) 1 Provided when chambers are located on a separate floor. 2 Only one per courthouse, not courtroom. 

Adjacency and Circulation The most effective configuration of the courtroom floor movement and conflicting circulation patterns of trial parEfficient circulation around the courtroom, especially threstricted circulation, is more readily achieved by locinterior of the building. For an overview of this topic, refor U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. 

f Courtrooms 

Typically, magistrate judge courtrooms must provide thaccess: (1) public circulation and access for spectators, nattorneys, litigants, and witnesses; (2) restricted circulalaw clerks, courtroom deputy clerks, court reporters/recsecure circulation and access for prisoners and USMcirculation and access patterns must be separate to provThe courtroom must have separate entrances from restrictjury, courtroom deputy clerk, and court reporter/recopersonnel; and the public. Entrances for the various grouas possible to their stations in the courtroom. Courtroopublic corridor by a soundlock. 

f Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 

In a collegial design, conference/robing rooms muscourtroom and accessible from restricted circulation. Judges must have access to toilets convenient to the through restricted circulation. If necessary, a toilet maconference/robing room. 

f Attorney/Witness Room 

Attorney/witness rooms must be directly accessible from instances, access from restricted or secure circulation iaccess provides a higher degree of privacy and securiwitnesses. An occupancy indicator must be provided for eor view panel adjacent to the door). 

4 - 2 4 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
f Attorney Work Room 

The attorney work room must be accessible from public circulation. It may also be directly accessible from an adjoining courtroom. 

f Public Waiting Areas 

Public waiting areas are typically alcoves adjacent to, but separate from, public circulation or courtroom lobby areas. 

f Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities 

Court reporter/recorder facilities should generally be located near courtrooms. The facilities must be accessible primarily from restricted circulation areas; however, some public accessibility must also be provided to accommodate the public purchase of transcripts. U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Cell Block

Area

Use USMS Guide

P

Stor. Court Rep./

Rec. 3

Shared

Wkrm. 

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

R

1

Magistrate

Judge s

Courtroom

S

EquipStorage

Short

Term

Exhibits

Court

Rep./

Rec.

Stor.

1

3

2 2

3 3 

3

3 3

3

Trial Jury

Suite

3

AV

3

Magistrate Judge s

Chambers Suite

Magi

Cha

Equip

Storage

ShortTermExhibits

3

3

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Attorney/

Witness

Room

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

3

Sound

Lock

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Atto

Wit

Ro

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

3

Sound

Lock

1

P Public Waiting 

Area

2

Attorney/

Witness

Room

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

Sound

Lock

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Atto

Wit

Ro

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

Sound

Lock

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 4.8 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms Adjacency Relationships 

2

Staff

Toilets

’

-

2

3

’

-

3 3

Cell Block 

Area 

Use USMS Guide 

2 

P 

Stor. Court Rep./

Rec. 3 

Shared 

Wkrm. 

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom 

R 

Staff 

Toilets 

1 

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom 

S 

EquipStorage 

ShortTerm 

Exhibits 

Court 

Rep./

Rec. 

Stor. 

1 

3 

2 2 

2 

3 3 

3 

3 3

3 

Trial Jury

Suite 

3 

AV 

3 

3 

Magistrate Judge’s 

Chambers Suite 

Magi

Cha

Equip

Storage 

ShortTerm Exhibits 

3 

3 

3

3

Public 

Waiting

Area 

2 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 2 2 3 

3 

Sound 

Lock 

3

3

Public 

Waiting

Area 

2 

Atto

Wit

Ro

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 2 2 3 

3 

Sound 

Lock 

1 

Notes: The adjacency diagram is in tended only as an illustration. Only one set of staff toilets per floor. 

Conference/robing room(s) are allowed where chambers are not on the same floor as the courtroom. 

4 - 2 6 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.9 Magistrate Judge Courtroom – Center Bench, 1800 NSF (167.2 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and Asso
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.10 Magistrate Judge Courtroom – Corner Bench, 1800 NSF (167.2 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

4-28 I Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Court
Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms 

Functions and Users and Capacities 

f Functions 

Courtrooms. Bankruptcy judges conduct hearings, bench trials, and, in rare situations, jury trials in civil proceedings relating to debtor-creditor relationships. Bankruptcy judges sometimes sit on bankruptcy appellate panels. Proceedings conducted by bankruptcy judges typically require a well that accommodates a judge’s bench, court personnel workstations, a witness box, at least two attorneys’ tables, and seating for lawyers, creditors, debtors, plaintiffs, trustees, accountants, and interpreters. Space must also be allowed for the display of exhibits. Judges’ Conference/Robing Room. The conference/robing room is an associated space for bankruptcy judge courtrooms when chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). Conference/robing rooms are used for private conferences with attorneys during brief trial recesses, and as a place for trial court judges to store robes and prepare to enter the courtroom. Attorney/Witness Room. Attorney/witness rooms are associated facilities for bankruptcy judge courtrooms. Attorneys use the rooms to confer with one another and their clients, and witnesses. Witnesses requiring separation from the general public while in the courthouse use this room while waiting to testify. Attorney Work Room. Only one attorney work room is provided per courthouse. It is provided for attorneys to use while waiting to appear in court. Public Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas are associated facilities for bankruptcy judge courtrooms. The waiting areas are used by attorneys, civil plaintiffs and witnesses, spectators, family members, and the news media. Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities. Court reporters/recorders use this space to prepare and review transcripts and store records and notes. 

f Users and Capacities 

Judicial Officers. A single judge presides over civil pCourtroom Personnel. A courtroom deputy clerk, a cclerk are present. Courtroom Deputy Clerk. The courtroom deputy cltracking all court activity during the proceedings, incas well as documenting decisions by the court and The deputy clerk often confers with the judge during Law Clerk. The law clerk provides research assiscourtroom proceedings. Court Reporter/Recorder. The court reporter/recorder Security Personnel. In certain instances, USMS persoAttorneys. At least one attorney is present on each slegal staff may be present at the discretion of the prmight also be represented. Litigants. The number of litigants varies from 2 to 2defendants are present. Witnesses and Interpreters. Witnesses are routinelinterpreter is furnished if required by a witness. Jurors. Juries are rarely used in USBC proceedings.1 1 An available magistrate and district judge courtroom sho

jury. No jury box is provided in a bankruptcy judge’s cou

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Courtrooms and As
Spectators. Typically, family and friends of litigants, attorneys waiting to appear 

before the court, the general public, reporters from the news media, and other interested parties will be present. Spectator seating should be provided for 75-82 people. Design Requirements for Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms Design requirements for various stations and overall function are discussed here. More detailed design direction is included in Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings,” for the millwork design of courtroom furnishings. 

f Witness Box 

Witnesses must be able to see and hear, and be seen and heard by all court participants as close to full face as possible. The witness box must accommodate one witness and an interpreter, and the preferences of the presiding judge. Witnesses in the box receive, examine, and return exhibits. Interpreter(s) must be seated next to or slightly behind the witness and between the witness and the judge; however, the witness must remain the primary focus. A separate interpreter station, accommodating two staff persons, might be required in some locations. 

f Law Clerk Station 

In bankruptcy judges’ courtrooms, the station must be set so that the judge and law clerk can easily see and confer with each other. 

f Court Reporter/Recorder Station 

The court reporter/recorder must be able to see the facial expressions of witnesses, attorneys, and the judge, and hear every word spoken. Thus, the court reporter/recorder station must be located close to the witness box. 

Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/so that it can be rearranged easily to suit each court repor

f U.S. Marshals Service 

When present, USMS personnel must be able to see all Although USMS personnel generally do not have courtrooms, they are usually provided with chairs that can of a proceeding. 

f Attorney and Litigant Stations 

Attorney and litigant stations are not fixed; however, defined area of the courtroom well. With the permission of the judge, attorneys may use portcounsel tables. In bankruptcy judge courtrooms, a movable, height-aprovided for attorneys. Table 4.5 lists the space and ceiling requirements for bank

4 - 3 0 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 4.5 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

COURTROOM Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom 1,800 (167.2) ASSOCIATED SPACES Public Waiting Area 400 (37.2) Soundlock 80 (7.4) Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 (1.9) Judges’ Conference/Robing Room1 200 (18.6) 

Attorney/Witness Room 1 150 (14.0) Attorney/Witness Room 2 150 (14.0) Court Reporter/Recorder Office 150 (14.0) Attorney Work Room – Waiting Area2 250 (23.3) 

Work Area 100 (9.3) Court Reporter/Recorder Storage 50 (4.7) Shared Work Room 100 (9.3) Transcriber/Typist Workstation 50 (4.7) A/V Room 120 (11.1) Equipment Storage Room 100 (9.3) Exhibits Storage 50 (4.6) 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

FEET (mm) 

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom 16 (4,900) Attorney/Witness Rooms 10 (3,000) Attorney Work Room 10 (3,000) Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 10 (3,000) 

1 Provided when chambers are located on a separate floor. 2 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

Adjacency and Circulation The most effective configuration of the courtroom movement and conflicting circulation patterns of pEfficient circulation around the courtroom, especiarestricted circulation, is more readily achieved by interior of the building. For an overview of this topfor U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. 

f Courtrooms 

Typically, bankruptcy judge courtrooms must provaccess: (1) public circulation and access for spectatattorneys, litigants, and witnesses; and (2) restricjudges, law clerks, courtroom deputy clerks, and coucirculation and access patterns must be separate to pThe courtroom must have separate entrances from rethe jury, courtroom deputy clerk, and court repEntrances for the various groups must be located as in the courtroom. Courtrooms are separated from the 

f Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 

In a collegial design, conference/robing rooms courtroom and accessible from restricted circulation. Judges must have access to toilets convenient to through restricted circulation. If necessary, a toileconference/robing room. 

f Attorney/Witness Room 

Attorney/witness rooms must be directly accessible instances, access from restricted or secure circulataccess provides a higher degree of privacy and switnesses. An occupancy indicator must be provided or view panel adjacent to the door). 

C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
f Attorney Work Room 

The attorney work room must be accessible from public circulation. It may also be directly accessible from an adjoining courtroom. 

f Public Waiting Areas 

Public waiting areas are typically alcoves adjacent to, but separate from, public circulation or courtroom lobby areas. 

f Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities 

Court reporter/recorder facilities should generally be located near courtrooms. The facilities must be accessible primarily from restricted circulation areas; however, some public accessibility must also be provided to accommodate the public purchase of transcripts. 4 - 3 2 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

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S

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11

R

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Judge

Courtroom

1 3 

Bankruptcy

Judge

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Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers Suite

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers Su

AV

3

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Attorney/

Witness

Room

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

3

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Waiting 

Area

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Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 

3

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11

R

P Public Waiting 

Area

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Attorney/

Witness

Room

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 2

Sound

Lock

Public 

Waiting 

Area

2

Attorney/

Witness

Room 2 

Sound

Lock

Key toto Sy Sy mbols 

Figure 

4.11 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Adjacency Relationships 

Bankruptcy 

Judge’s 

Chambers Suite 

ShortTermExhibits

EquipStorage

3

R 

Bankruptcy

Judge

Courtroom 

ShortTerm Exhibits 

3 3 1

EquipStorage Storage 

3 

AV 

3 

3

3

Public 

Waiting

Area 

2 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 2 2 3 

3 

Sound 

Lock 

Staff

Toilets

2

ShortTermExhibits

3

Staff

Toilets

Staff 

Toilets 

11 

2 

P 

Bankruptcy

Judge

Courtroom 

ShortTerm Exhibits 

1 3 

Bankruptcy 

Judge’s 

Chambers Su

3

3

Public 

Waiting

Area 

2 

Attorney/

Witness 

Room 2 

3 

3 

Sound 

Lock 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

Only one set of staff toilets per floor.

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.12 U.S. Bankruptcy Judge’s Courtroom – Center Bench, 1800 NSF (167.2 Nm2) 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

4 - 3 4 I C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s s o c i a t e d S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Note: 

Sample floor plans are furnished for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to serve as standards for design. For each courtroom plan, design decisions must accommodate local custom and specific requirements. These requirements include the shape of the room, arrangement of furniture, size of the courtroom well, number of seats provided, arrangement of exits, and other features. The guidelines for floor area and ceiling height for each courtroom are intended to be prescriptive. 

Figure 4.13 Bankruptcy Judge’s Courtroom – Corner Bench, 1800 NSF (167.2 Nm2) 

. 

Notes: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

The swinging gate must meet accessibility standards. It may be eliminated to achieve greater accessibility. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o u r t r o o m s a n d A s 
This chapter applies to the areas of the 

courtroom designed to accommodate the jury selection and deliberation process, including jury assembly areas, trial jury suites, and the grand jury suite. It describes jury functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and contains adjacency diagrams. 

JURY FACILITIES 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supplementary publications can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference 

Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference, most current edition, Chapter 7. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s spacemanagement program (28 USC (§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, any significant exceptions to the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee Judicial Conference The authority to approve thDesign Guide standards restand Facilities: (1) exceeding court unit or the project as a configurations for judges’ chexceeding the plumbing standand Facilities disagrees wirequest for one of these excwill decide whether to grant tApproved Exceptions Are RepAll approved exceptions are Administration (GSA) aAdministrative Office of the detailed information. 

f Space Envelope Flex

A total space envelope for jusing appropriate circulation type spaces, and the spacsection. Courts have the flexthe envelope to meet their office and open workstation with the square footage standceiling requirements. If the space standards described requirements without exceedfor the unit, it must seek appjudicial council. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
f General Programming Notes 

Multiuse Jury Facilities. Jury facilities are generally used intermittently. Courthouse programs should consider multiuse opportunities for jury facilities, including training, conferences, alternative dispute resolution, and so on. Jury assembly areas may be equipped with movable walls to facilitate use for other activities. Alternate functions should be considered when determining furnishings and equipment. Size of Jury Deliberation Rooms. The size of the trial jury deliberation room is dependent upon the type of court. Jury deliberation rooms for district court judge courtrooms are 350 NSF (32.5 Nm2) and 250 NSF (23.2 Nm2) for magistrate judge 

courtrooms. One trial jury deliberation room at 500 NSF shall be provided for every four district judge courtrooms. In buildings with fewer than four district judge courtrooms, one of the jury deliberation rooms to be constructed shall be 500NSF. If a special proceedings courtroom is planned, the 500NSF jury deliberation room shall be placed adjacent to it. Jury Facilities for Bankruptcy Judges. A cooperative arrangement between the U.S. District Court (USDC) and U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC) ensures that jury facilities will be available to the USBC when needed, jury facilities shall not be incorporated into the USBC courtroom. 

Functions and Activities The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. Although the judge decides the law in the case and instructs the jury on the law, it is the jury’s role to decide the facts in the case and apply the law on which the judge has instructed it to reach a verdict. In cases in which there is contradictory evidence, it is the jury’s job to resolve the conflict and decide what really happened. Broadly speaking, juries are of two types. A trial jury, which is also called a petit jury, serves in both criminal and civil trials as described above. In federal criminal cases, there are usually 12 jurors and from 2 to 6 alternate jurors. Alternate jurors 

replace jurors who become ill, disqualified, or unable federal civil cases there are from 6 to 12 jurors. Unlike cnot have alternate jurors. A grand jury is a group of citizens who listen to evpresented by the government in order to determine whethto justify issuing an indictment, in which they charge tFederal grand juries have from 16 to 23 members. Uselected to serve on one trial only, grand jurors serve sitting one or two days a week, and may hear evidence in Congress requires that each district court develop a Generally, the selection process begins when the clerk names from the list of registered voters in the judicial dother sources, such as the list of licensed drivers. This master wheel. The clerk then sends questionnaires to awheel to determine whether they meet the requirements ffall into certain categories may ask to be excused at teligible to serve and not excused is called the qualified wThe jury administrator then chooses by random means a from the qualified wheel, who receive a summons to aserve on juries as trials are scheduled. Potential jurocourthouse jury assembly suite or remain available to be during their term of service. When a jury is needed for a 

a panel of potential jurors, is chosen and sent to the couthe case are then selected from the panel, in the courtroanswer process called voir dire. Once a petit jury has been selected for a criminal or civsides give their opening statements to provide the jury athey will present. After the evidence has been presentedmake their closing arguments to the jury to review the each side’s case. Following the closing arguments, the jujury, explaining the relevant law, how the law applies t

5-2 I Jury Facilities U.S. Court
what questions the jury must decide. After receiving its instructions from the judge, 

the jury retires to the trial jury suite to discuss the evidence and to reach a verdict (a decision on the factual issues in the case). A grand jury is different from a trial jury, or petit jury. A grand jury determines whether a person may be tried for a crime; a petit jury listens to the evidence presented at the trial and determines whether the defendant is guilty of the charge. A criminal case formally begins with an indictment or information. An indictment may be obtained when a lawyer for the executive branch of the U.S. government— the U.S. attorney or an assistant U.S. attorney, also referred to as the prosecutor— tells a federal grand jury about the evidence that, according to the government, indicates a person committed a crime. The U.S. attorney tries to convince the grand jury that there is enough evidence to show that the person probably committed the crime and should be formally accused of it. If the grand jury agrees, it issues a formal accusation, called an indictment. After the indictment is issued, the accused person (the defendant) is summoned to court or arrested (if not already under arrest), depending upon the severity of the crime. The major functions of courthouse spaces designed to accommodate juries are as follows. 

f Jury Assembly Suite 

Potential jurors receive orientation in the jury assembly area and wait there to be called to a courtroom for jury selection. Jurors often spend long periods waiting; therefore, comfortable and appropriate facilities are needed. Because the jury assembly area significantly impacts the jurors’ perception of the justice system, it must reflect the importance of jury service to the administration of justice. 

f Trial Jury Suite 

The jury uses the trial jury suite throughout the trial and during deliberations at the conclusion of the trial. The deliberations of a trial jury must be strictly confidential. During deliberations, the jury discusses testimony and reviews transcripts, exhibits, and other materials. If audiovisual (AV) or graphical displays were used during the proceedings, the displays might also be reviewed during deliberations. Trial jury deliberations can vary in length from less than an hour to several days. 

f Grand Jury Suite 

The U.S. Attorney uses the grand jury suite to presegrand jurors, who then decide whether to return an trial. Deliberating grand jurors and waiting witneseparate, adjacent spaces. Jurors take notes and ask qUsers and Capacities 

f Jury Assembly Suite 

The number of users varies, depending on the nujurors (usually between 60 and 200), and courtrooms 

f Trial Jury Suite 

In district judge cases, users consist of up to 18-memalternates). In magistrate judge cases, users consist o

f Grand Jury Suite 

Users consist of 16 to 23 jurors, U.S. attorney persothe secretary, and the court reporter/recorder. Design Requirements 

f Ceiling Height 

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be a uniforhave two or more planes and include elements surecesses, and reveals as required to integrate HVAC design. An adjustment of a ceiling surface may also curtain wall. In situations where there are severdifferent heights above the finished floor, there may which one(s) is the dominant plane. It is recommendmeasured from the finished floor to the principal suamount of ceiling square footage, or the surface tha

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
the ceiling design. The design team must ensure that at no point should the finished 

ceiling exceed the maximum ceiling height standards set forth in the Design Guide or 

GSA P-100. Ceiling heights shall be in accordance with the standard set forth in GSA P-100 except as noted below. Special ceiling heights (above finished floor) in jury facilities spaces are set as follows: Jury Assembly 10 feet (3,000 mm) Trial Jury Suite 10 feet (3,000 mm) Grand Jury Hearing Room 11 feet (3,350 mm)1 

Ceiling heights that exceed these maximum heights are considered an exception and will require Judicial Conference approval. 

f Jury Assembly Suite 

In the jury assembly area, a jury clerk station is provided near the check-in counter in the reception area. The workstation must accommodate a desk and movable chair. Storage must be provided for jurors’ personal belongings (i.e., coats, hats, handbags), preferably in the entrance vestibule. Exterior windows in the jury assembly area, lounges, and staff work areas are encouraged. 

f Trial Jury Suite 

In the trial jury suite, a sworn-jury custodian station must be provided outside the soundlock entrance. The station must accommodate a work surface with a drawer and an armchair located to allow visual surveillance of the circulation areas leading to the trial jury suite. 1 10'-0" above the highest tier of juror seating. 

Storage must be provided for jurors’ personal belongings preferably in the entrance vestibule. Lockable cabinets maudiovisual equipment, and supplies that must be left in thFor trial jury suites located above the ground florecommended. For trial jury suites on the ground level, pthrough clerestory windows or other design features confidentiality should be considered. In both cases, ligwith blinds or drapes. 

f Grand Jury Suite 

In the grand jury suite, a court security workstation at thbe provided. The workstation must accommodate a woand a swivel-base armchair. Storage must be provided for jurors’ personal belongings preferably in the entrance vestibule. Lockable cabinets maudiovisual equipment, and supplies that must be left in thTo help maintain security and privacy, grand jury suites however, if windows are provided, opaque shades must b

5 - 4 I J u r y F a c i l i t i e s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 5.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Jury Facilities 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

JURY ASSEMBLY SUITE Check-In 100 (9.3) Jury Clerk’s Office, per clerk 96 (9.3)Coat Closet1Jurors’ Toilets2Service Unit 100 (9.3) Vending Area, per machine 15 (1.4) Juror Lounge, per person3 20 (1.9) 

Orientation Area, per person 10 (0.93) Equipment Storage 150 (13.9) Supplies Storage (minimum space) 50 (4.6) 

TRIAL JURY SUITE Soundlock Entry, minimum dimension 50 (4.6) Sworn-Jury Custodian Station 50 (4.6) Jurors’ Toilets, 2 each @ 50 NSF (4.6 Nm2) 100 (9.3) 

Coat Closet 20 (1.9) Trial Jury Room (@ special proceedings courtroom)4 500 (46.4) 

Trial Jury Room (District Judge Courtrooms)4 350 (32.5) 

Trial Jury Room (Magistrate Judge Courtrooms)4 250 (23.2) 

Service Unit 20 (1.9) Exhibits Display 50 (4.6) Video Equipment Closet 10 (0.93) 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

SPACES 

GRAND JURY SUITE Entry Area Security Workstation Jurors’ Toilets, 2 each @ 50 NSF (4.6 Nm2) 

Service Unit Witness Room Witness Room Hearing Room Video Equipment Closet Closet 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

Jury Assembly Room Trial Jury Deliberation Room Grand Jury Room5 

1 Provide 3 lineal inches of coats space (75 mm) per juror.

2 Provide juror toilets per code.3 Provide jury lounge space for 20% of jurors.

4 One jury deliberation room at 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2) shall be pro

Courtrooms. In courthouses with fewer than four District Courrooms to be constructed shall be 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2). If a Spe

the 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2) Jury Deliberation Room shall be adja

5 Ceiling to be 10’-0” above the highest tier of juror seating. 
Adjacency and Circulation 

f Jury Assembly Suite 

The jury assembly area must be easy to find from public entrances and must be conveniently accessible to all jury courtrooms. A reception area located outside the assembly space must be provided. A set of barrier-free toilet facilities for the exclusive use of jurors can be provided inside the space through a soundlock. Access to the courtrooms can be through either public or restricted circulation. Overall size varies, but the assembly area requires 10 NSF (0.93 Nm2) per person for 

the number of people expected to be called for jury service. In addition, 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) per person for 20 percent of the prospective jurors must be provided for a 

lounge area. The suite must accommodate the necessary furniture with sufficient room for unencumbered movement. The ceiling height must be in proportion to the area of the space. For further detail and the sizes of jury spaces, see Table 5.1. 

f Trial Jury Suite 

Jurors must access the trial jury suite from public circulation through a controlled access point into a restricted corridor. The jury must not pass through the public seating area of the courtroom when moving to or from the trial jury suite; instead, jurors must access the courtroom directly from the trial jury suite or through a restricted corridor. Trial jury suites must not be located where the public, attorneys, and litigants can see, hear, or gain access to jurors. During deliberations, access to the suite is strictly controlled by the sworn-jury custodian. 

f Grand Jury Suite 

The grand jury suite must be accessible through public circulation, with an entrance controlled by U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) personnel. The suite must be easily accessible to U.S. attorney staff without requiring them to enter the courts’ restricted access areas. The suite must be located in an area with light public traffic, and on a floor not occupied by courtrooms. Protected and in-custody witnesses must enter this area through the USMS secure circulation system. During grand jury hearings, the suite must be secure. 

Adjacency diagrams (Figures 5.1-5.3) are located on 

number of spaces shown on the adjacency diagramillustration; the actual number of spaces required for a spin the building program. The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning circulation factors. 

5 - 6 I J u r y F a c i l i t i e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 5.1 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Jury Assembly Suite Adjacency Relationships 

Juror 

Orientation 

1 

Equip.Storage 

JuryClerk’s Office 

Recep.Check In Counter 

3 3

3 

3 

1 3 

3 1 

SupplyStorage Coats 

1 1 

1 

Toilet 

As Req’d. 

Toilet 

As Req’d. 

Service 

Unit 

Vending

Machine 

Juror 

Lounge 

1 1 1 1 1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Jury

Custodian

ToiletToilet

1 1

1

PP 3

1

Exhibits

Storage

3 Trial Jury

Deliberation Room

(District and

Magistrate Judges)

1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 5.2 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Trial Jury Suite Adjacency Relationships 

Coat Closet 

Video Equ Equ ipment Closet 

Service Unit 

Soundlock Entry 

Jury

Custodian 

Toilet Toilet 

1 1 

1 

P P 3 

1 

Exhibits 

Storage 

3 Trial Jury

Deliberation Room 

(District and

Magistrate Judges) 

1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

5 - 8 I J u r y F a c i l i t i e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Grand Jury

Hearing Room

P

Witness Room

Witness

Room

Security

Workstation

S

3

P

1

1

1

1

3

2

S

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 5.3 

Grand Jury Suite Adjacency Relationships Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

Video EE quipment Clo

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service

P Privacy Lock 

Grand Jury

Hearing Room 

3 

2 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

S 

R 

P 

F 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Service Un Un it Public Vertical Circulation 

Toilet

Entry

1

1

P 

Witness Room 

Witness 

Room 

Security

Workstation 

S 

Entry 

P 

1 

1 

1 

1 1 

3 

1 

Closet 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
This chapter applies to judges’ chambers

suites for the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), the U.S. District Court (USDC), and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC). It describes their functions and activities, users and capacities,design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and contains adjacency diagrams. 

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITES 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supplementary publications can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference 

Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference, most current edition, Chapter 5. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important spacemanagement role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s spacemanagement program (28 USC (§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, any significant exceptions to the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee Judicial Conference The authority to approve thDesign Guide standards restand Facilities: (1) exceeding the court unit or the projecstandard configurations for exceeding the plumbing standand Facilities disagrees wirequest for one of these excshall decide whether to grant Approved Exceptions Are RepAll approved exceptions are Administration (GSA) aAdministrative Office of the detailed information. 

f Standardized Chamb

All resident and non-residentmust be designed in a standacircuit, district, magistratchambers). Judges must agrecourt type. Any exceptions to the Committee on Space andisagrees with the request, decide to grant the exception. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
f General Programming Notes 

Courtroom Deputy Clerk Location. Each suite can also require a courtroom deputy clerk work area within or close to the chambers suite. When not located in chambers, the deputy clerk work area must be excluded from the total net square feet (NSF) of the chambers suite. This applies to chambers for district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges. Circulation in Chambers. Additional circulation space is not to be included in the chambers design unless needed. The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses” for circulation factors. Shared Reference (Library) Collections. The total NSF allocated for shared reference collections must not exceed the NSF allotted in chambers suites for this purpose. Space programmed for shared reference collections must be deducted on a pro rata basis from each chambers suite. Although space savings may be minimal, the cost of maintaining two separate collections is significantly reduced. Shared collections may save net programmed space but may increase space required for circulation. Efficient planning may decrease total space requirements and provide enhanced library services. Refer to page 6-4. Functions and Activities The chambers suite includes the judge’s private chambers (with adjoining private toilet and vestibule), a reference/conference room, work areas, offices, and other associated spaces used by the judge and support staff. See Figures 6.1 through 6.15 for adjacency diagrams and typical/representative layouts of judges’ chambers suites. Judges’ chambers suites provide an area for receiving and screening visitors; storage for staff members’ and visitors’ coats and other belongings; storage for files used by the judge and staff; a small service unit for coffee and light food preparation; a research area for law clerks; a clerical work area for the judge’s judicial assistant; and space for a copier, printer, and other equipment. 

In addition to judicial assistants and law clerks, many judschool externs/interns. Although the guidelines that followork spaces for externs/interns, workstations are oftereference/conference room. 

Users and Capacities 

f U.S. Court of Appeals 

Chief Judge’s Chambers Suite. Users consist of the chief three judicial assistants1 (or four law clerks and two jud

five or more authorized judgeships plus six visitors. Circuit Judge’s Chambers Suite. Users consist of one judgjudicial assistants (or four law clerks and one judicial assi

f U.S. District Court 

Chief Judge’s Chambers Suite. Users consist of the chief one judicial assistant (or three law clerks), plus six to tmay have a third law clerk or second judicial assistanauthorized judgeships in the district. District Judge’s Chambers Suite. Users consist of one judjudicial assistant (or three law clerks and no judicial visitors. Magistrate Judge’s Chambers Suite. Users consist of one clerk, and one judicial assistant (or two law clerks anten visitors. 1 A judicial assistant is the judge’s chambers office manager. 

6 - 2 I J u d g e s ’ C h a m b e r s S u i t e s U . S . C o u r t 
f U.S. Bankruptcy Court 

Bankruptcy Judge’s Chambers Suite. Users consist of one bankruptcy judge, one law clerk, and one judicial assistant (or two law clerks and no judicial assistant), plus six to ten visitors. Design Requirements 

f General Design Elements 

The following is a description of the design elements in the judge’s chambers suite. Privacy. Total enclosure of the judge’s chambers suite is necessary for acoustic and visual privacy, to protect confidentiality, and to prevent distraction. An entrance to the judge’s chambers located directly off restricted circulation must be provided with a vestibule to ensure confidentiality. Natural Light. Access to natural light is required for all workstations. Windows are desirable; however, natural light must be controlled to eliminate excessive brightness, glare, or heat. 

f Ceiling Height 

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be a uniformly flat, neutral plane, or it may have two or more planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall. In situations where there are several different surfaces at play at different heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one(s) is the dominant plane. It is recommended that ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the principal surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team must ensure that at no point should the finished ceiling exceed the maximum ceiling height standards set forth in the Design Guide or 

GSA P-100. The ceiling height is a maximum of 10 feet above finished floor. Ceiling heights that exceed the maximum height shall be considered an exception. 

f Specific Design Elements 

Judicial Assistant Work Area. The judicial assistant allow the suite entrance to be continuously monitoreSpace for a computer printer must be convenientassistant work area but separate from the recconfidentiality of documents being printed. Law Clerk Office(s). A separate office for each Alternatively, clerks can be provided with semipralcove or separated by modular partitions, bookcasjudge’s preference. Reference/Conference Room. The reference/conferenlaw clerks to research and discuss cases, as well as court staff or attorneys. It may also house workstatimust be provided to accommodate the chambers refearea must accommodate a conference table and chairRequirements for bookshelves are changing becausresearch. The increasing use of electronic databasebound volumes are resulting in smaller chambers rein legal research methods provide an opportunity to maintaining collections and the space needed to housInformal sharing among chambers should be encourcourthouse designs should be encouraged by provichamber from a shared reference/conference room. flexibility for individual judges to share books. The sharing of chambers reference collections is cuand is encouraged when planning courthouse conscost savings, sharing collections may offer other addepth of the collection available to judges and promlaw clerks and judges. Disadvantages may includincreased possibility that a desired book may be in u

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
The judiciary’s Committee on Court Administration and Case Management has Within the judge’s private chambers, storage should be pr

identified space-planning scenarios for sharing chambers reference collections.Variations of the scenarios listed below may be adapted to fit the myriad possible  The judge’s personal belongings (storage should be loconfigurations for chambers suites.  Office supplies (in conveniently located drawers or  In courthouses where chambers suites are clustered on the same floor, there may 

be a central shared collection augmented by a minimal number of often-used volumes maintained in chambers. This arrangement increases the possibility of providing library staff and offers the greatest opportunity to increase the depth of the collection; however, access to books may be less convenient. 

 The collegial arrangement of chambers suites also provides an opportunity for 

shared conference rooms and other support spaces. A shared conference room may be larger and better equipped than individual conference rooms in chambers suites. 

 In courthouses that do not have clustered chambers suites, reference collections 

may be shared between adjoining suites. A single shared reference/conference room, situated between the suites, with controlled access into each chamber can be used to store books and legal research. This arrangement preserves convenient access to the collection and provides flexibility for individual judges to share books. This scenario places responsibility for administering the collection on the judges’ staff. 

Storage. The general storage area in the judge’s chambers suite must provide the following:  Space for lateral files or other appropriate filing equipment  A closet convenient to the reception area that provides hanging and shelf space 

for visitors’ and staff members’ coats and other belongings 

 Space for general office and coffee/refreshment supplies  At least one range of bookshelves for each staff member, including the 

judicial assistant 

accommodate legal-sized pads and files) 

 Files (storage should be lockable; file storage m

chambers but should have convenient access) 

 Law books (shelves should be conveniently located) Toilet. A private toilet room must be provided in the chtoilet should be through a vestibule that also provides acrestricted circulation area. See Table 6.1 for more detail o

6-4 I Judges’ Chambers Suites U.S. Court
Table 6.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Judges’ Chambers Suites 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

CIRCUIT JUDGE’S RESIDENT CHAMBERS SUITE Judge’s Chambers Office 600 (55.8) Judge’s Private Toilet 50 (4.7) Storage 100 (9.3) Filing Room 140 (13.0) Law Clerks: 3 @ 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2) 450 (41.9) 

Conference/Reference Room 240 (22.3) Judicial Assistant Work Space: 2 @ 120 NSF (11.2 Nm2) 240 (22.3) 

Copier Area 50 (4.7) Fax Area 10 (.9) Service Unit 20 (1.9) Coat Closet 10 (.9) Vestibule 50 (4.7) Reception Area 100 (9.3) Total NSF1 2,060 (191.6) 

DISTRICT JUDGE’S RESIDENT CHAMBERS SUITE Judge’s Chambers Office 500 (46.5) Judge’s Private Toilet 50 (4.7) Storage 80 (7.4) Filing Room 140 (13.0) Law Clerks: 2 @ 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2) 300 (27.9) 

Conference/Reference Room 240 (22.3) Judicial Assistant Work Space 120 (11.2) Copier Area 50 (4.7) Fax Area 10 (.9) Service Unit 20 (1.9) Coat Closet 10 (.9) Vestibule 50 (4.7) Reception Area 100 (9.3) Total NSF1 1,670 (155.3) 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

SPACES 

MAGISTRATE & BANKRUPTCY JUDGE'S RESIDENT CJudge’s Chambers Judge’s Private Toilet Storage Filing Room Law Clerk Conference/Reference Room Judicial Assistant Work Space Copier Area Fax Area Service Unit Coat Closet Vestibule Reception Area Total NSF1 CIRCUIT JUDGE’S NON-RESIDENT SUITE (HEADQUARTERS AND NON-HEADQUARTERS)2 Judge’s Chambers Office Judge’s Private Toilet Law Clerks Open Workstations: 3 @ 64 NSF (5.8 Nm2) 

Judicial Assistant Workstation & Reception Total NSF1 

CEILING HEIGHT Chambers Spaces 1 If a different complement of judicial assistants and law clerks i

be exceeded. If the Courtroom Deputy Clerk is assigned to cha(13.9 Nm2) is provided and has not been included in total chamspace shall be provided for the Courtroom Deputy Clerk in the 

2 All other Non-resident Judge’s chambers shall be 900 NSF (83

J u d g e s ’ C 
Adjacency and Circulation 

Each judge’s chambers suite is accessible only through restricted circulation. The suite is located to be conveniently accessible to the judge’s courtroom and its associated areas, unless a collegial chambers floor scheme is selected. See the adjacency diagrams that follow (Figures 6.1–6.5) for additional detail regarding adjacency and circulation. Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” provides a discussion on circulation factors to be used in initial programming and design studies. 6-6 I Judges’ Chambers Suites U.S. Court
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Judge’s

Chambers

Conference/

Reference

Room

Law

Clerk

Law

Clerk

Law

Clerk

Judicial

Assistant(s)

Reception

3

2

1

3

3

1

333

1 1

Storage, Fax,

Copier, Files, and 

Service Unit

1

Vest.

Toilet

1

3

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 6.1 

Coat Closet

Judge’s

Chambers 

Conference/

Reference 

Room 

Law 

Clerk 

Law 

Clerk 

Law 

Clerk 

Judicial 

Assistant(s) 

Reception 

Coat Closet 

3 

2 

1 

3 

3 

1 

3 3 3 

1 1 

Storage, Fax,

Copier, Files, and

Service Unit 

1 

Vest. 

Toilet 

1 

3 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Circuit Resident Judge’s Chambers Adjacency Relationships 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Judge’s

Chambers

Law

Clerk

Law

Clerk Judicial Assistant/

Reception

3

1

Law

Clerk

2

111

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 6.2 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Circuit Judge’s Non-resident/Visiting Chambers (Headquarters and Outside Headquarters) Adjacency Relationships 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Law 

Clerk 

Law 

Clerk Judicial Assistant/

Reception 

3 

1 

Law 

Clerk 

2 

1 1 1 

Toilet 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

6 - 8 I J u d g e s ’ C h a m b e r s S u i t e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Law

Clerk

Conference/

Reference

Room

Judge’s

Chambers

Law

Clerk

Storage,

Fax,

Copier, Files,

and

Service Unit

Judicial

Assistant

Reception

3

2

1

3

3

333

1 1

3

Vest.

Toilet

1

3

1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol 

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

S 

R 

P 

F 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Figure 6.3 District Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships 

Coat

Closet

Law 

Clerk 

Conference/

Reference 

Room 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Law 

Clerk 

Storage,

Fax, 

Copier, Files,

and 

Service Unit 

Judicial 

Assistant 

Reception 

Coat 

Closet 

3 

2 

1 

3 

3 

3 3 3 

1 1 

3 

Vest. 

Toilet 

1 

3 

1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

If a courtroom deputy clerk is provided an office in chambers, no additional office shall be provided in the clerk’s office

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Judge’s

Chambers

Law

Clerk

Judicial

Assistant/

Reception

File/

Copy/

Storage

3

1

3

Law

Clerk

2

11

Key toto Sy Sy mbols 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol 

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Figure 6.4 District, Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Visiting Chambers Adjacency Relationships 

Judge’s

Chambers 

Law 

Clerk 

Judicial 

Assistant/

Reception 

File/

Copy/

Storage 

3 

1 

3 

Law 

Clerk 

2 

1 1 

Toilet 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

If a courtroom deputy clerk is provided an office in chambers, no additional office shall be provided in the clerk’s office.

6 - 1 0 I J u d g e s ’ C h a m b e r s S u i t e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Conference/

Reference

Room

Magistrate

or Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Law

Clerk

Storage,

Fax,

Copier, Files,

and

Service Unit

Judicial

Assistant

Reception

3

2

1

3

1

33

1 1

3

1

Vest.

Toilet

1

3

Key toto Sy Sy mbols 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol 

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Figure 6.5 Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships 

Coat

Closet

Conference/

Reference 

Room 

Magistrate

or Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers 

Law 

Clerk 

Storage,

Fax, 

Copier, Files,

and 

Service Unit 

Judicial 

Assistant 

Reception 

Coat 

Closet 

3 

2 

1 

3 

1 

3 3 

1 1 

3 

1 

Vest. 

Toilet 

1 

3 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

If a courtroom deputy clerk is provided an office in chambers, no additional office shall be provided in the clerk’s office

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
The following figure illustrates sample Figure 6.6 

Sample Plan – Circuit Judge’s Resident Chambers (2060 NSF) layouts for chamber suites. The actual design 

of chambers will vary according to the overall design of the courthouse. The samples have been provided to illustrate adjacencies and relative sizes of spaces. 

Note: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

6 - 1 2 I J u d g e s ’ C h a m b e r s S u i t e s U . S . C o u r t 
The following figure illustrates sample Figure 6.7 

Sample Plan –Circuit Judge’s Non-resident Chambers (602 NSF) layouts for chamber suites. The actual design 

of chambers will vary according to the overall design of the courthouse. The samples have been provided to illustrate adjacencies and relative sizes of spaces. 

Note: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
The following figure illustrates sample Figure 6.8 

Sample Plan –District Judge’s Resident Chambers (1670 NSF) layouts for chamber suites. The actual design 

of chambers will vary according to the overall design of the courthouse. The samples have been provided to illustrate adjacencies and relative sizes of spaces. 

Note: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

6 - 1 4 I J u d g e s ’ C h a m b e r s S u i t e s U . S . C o u r t 
The following figure illustrates sample Figure 6.9 

Sample Plan – Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers (1340 N

layouts for chamber suites. The actual design of chambers will vary according to the overall design of the courthouse. The samples have been provided to illustrate adjacencies and relative sizes of spaces. 

Note: The floor plan is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 J u d g e s ’ C 
This chapter applies to central court libraries, 

including circuit headquarters, satellite, and unstaffed libraries. It describes functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and includes adjacency diagrams. 

CENTRAL COURT LIBRARIES 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference 

Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference, most current edition, Chapter 5. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important space management role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s spacemanagement program (28 USC (§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, any significant exceptions to the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee Judicial Conference The authority to approve thDesign Guide standards restand Facilities: (1) exceeding the court unit or the project aplumbing standards. If the Codisagrees with the circuit judthese exceptions, the Judiwhether to grant the exceptioApproved Exceptions Are RepAll approved exceptions are Administration (GSA) aAdministrative Office of the detailed information. 

f Space Envelope Flex

A total space envelope for calculated using appropriate for support-type spaces, and this section. Courts have thwithin the envelope to meprivate office and open wcompliance with the square the space and ceiling requiremexceed the space standards drequirements without exceedfor the unit, it must seek appjudicial council. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C e n t r a l 
f General Programming Notes 

Establishing the Size of Libraries. Specific requirements for central court library collections should be defined by the court in consultation with the circuit librarian. The lack of availability/proximity of adequate alternate means for obtaining needed materials, such as nearby law library collections and the availability of interlibrary loan arrangements, may impact the size of the library. The size of a court library is determined largely by the size of its collection. Factors that influence the size of the library, and that must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the circuit judicial council in order to justify special requirements above guidelines, are listed below. These factors are not intended to be used to unreasonably increase the library size above the spaces listed in Table 7.1.  Research population needs, including the numbers, types, and jurisdictions of 

judges served by the library; the numbers of court staff and public users; the size of the library staff; the extent to which chambers law book collections are pooled; the extent to which judges served by the library have reduced their chambers collections, and therefore place greater reliance on the library collection; and the inability to use and the expense of compact shelving and microforms. 

 Compact shelving for library collections should be considered where appropriate 

to reduce the size of the library collection space. 

 The library service needs of active circuit, district, magistrate, and bankruptcy 

judges and their staff, as well as the requirements of judges located outside the courthouse within the same city or a designated radius, must be considered. 

 Planning must take into account the need for patron/user space, including court 

public patron access policies requiring greater space for public access terminals, workstations, and study spaces; the court-approved need for private research areas for judges, law clerks, staff attorneys, and court staff; and the lack of alternative intern, extern, law clerk, and/or staff attorney research study space. 

Preferences for Rectangular Spaces. Square or rectangular spaces, with minimum columns and partitions, shall be designed for court libraries. 

Cost-Control Issues. The cost of and space for new or shashould be partially offset by reducing judges’ chambers a shared chambers’ collection is planned, reducing ochambers conference/reference room must be approved band shall not exceed the two chambers’ envelopes of spacTo reduce unnecessary duplication, the impact of scollections and the coordination of central court library must be considered. Informal sharing among chambeAdjacent chambers in new courthouse designs should bcontrolled access to each chambers from a shared referdesign provides additional flexibility for individual judgeSpace for shared chambers law book collections shalallocated to the chambers suites on a pro rata basis. This an exception to the space standards in the Design Guide. The impact on library staffing requirements must be conslibraries located on more than one floor. 

Functions and Activities Court librarians assist patrons by collecting and organizilibrary to support the research process. The central court with collections maintained in chambers and other clibraries are administered by the U.S. Court of Appautonomously from circuit to circuit. Each circuit requires a circuit headquarters library, wlibraries provided elsewhere in the circuit as required for 

f Circuit Headquarters Library 

The circuit headquarters library is the hub for the admicircuit’s library services. The library also houses the research collection in the circuit. 

7 - 2 I C e n t r a l C o u r t L i b r a r i e s U . S . C o u r t 
Administrative and management functions may include space planning, policy 

development, personnel, budgeting, and procurement. The circuit headquarters library has specialists and technicians who provide centralized services for the circuit. These services may include cataloging; acquisitions for libraries, chambers, and offices; interlibrary loans; and in-depth research requiring online expertise. All these functions require office and work space in addition to the stack areas and patron seating typical in any library. Other services and features of circuit headquarters libraries include study areas and computer access for judges and staff, as well as photocopy equipment. An integrated library system is installed in each circuit headquarters library. The system provides comprehensive library management software, including an online public access catalog of holdings in all libraries within the respective circuit. Separate or large public atria, reading rooms, entryways, or other purely “ceremonial” spaces that do not house essential library functions shall be avoided. If these spaces are determined by the circuit judicial council to be necessary and they do not cause the library space to exceed the total envelope of space, they may be developed. Consideration must be given to ensure flexible design for future reconfiguration. 

f Satellite Library 

Satellite libraries are typically established for any court location with at least 10 judges served by the library (whether in the same building or in another location). It is the role of the circuit judicial council to approve the need for and size of a satellite library at a given location. The libraries are usually located in district courthouses and are staffed by one professional or technical staff person (sometimes part-time). Satellite libraries vary in terms of service level and collection size and are staffed based upon the court’s needs and number of patrons. The libraries may house shared chambers collections or augment chambers collections. Similar to the circuit headquarters library, satellite libraries include work space for library staff, photocopy equipment, and study areas and computer access for judges and staff. Additional secure and separate spaces and features may be required if the satellite library is available to the public. 

As is the case with the circuit headquarters libraryreading rooms, entryways or other purely “ceremoessential library functions shall be avoided. If thescircuit judicial council to be necessary, the inclusion the library space to exceed the total envelope of spato ensure flexible design for future reconfiguration. 

f Unstaffed Library 

Unstaffed libraries are created in smaller courthouapply: space is available, judges agree to pool their judges (e.g., bankruptcy) has chambers outside the cstaffing support is not available. Occasionally, an usame building as a circuit headquarters or satedifferent floor. Users and Capacities 

f Patrons 

 Court personnel who use the libraries inclu

staff attorneys, circuit and district court execu

 Other users may include the general public a

attorney personnel, and federal defender perso

f Library Staff 

 Library staff include the circuit librarian

professional, automation, and technical staff. 

 Staffing levels depend upon the size of 

facility served. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Central 
Design Requirements 

f Ceiling Height 

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be a uniformly flat, neutral plane, or it may have two or more planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall. In situations where there are several different surfaces at play at different heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one(s) is the dominant plane. It is recommended that ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the principal surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team must ensure that at no point should the finished ceiling exceed the maximum ceiling height standards set forth in the Design Guide or 

GSA P-100. Ceiling heights in library stack areas can vary between a minimum of 8 feet (2,440 mm) and a maximum of 10 feet (3,000 mm) above the finished floor. The ceiling height should be proportional to the library stack area but cannot exceed 10 feet at the maximum ceiling height. Ceiling heights that exceed the maximum height are considered an exception and will require Judicial Conference approval. 

Planning Issues 

f General 

Whenever planning occurs for new libraries, or for relocations or renovations of existing libraries or shared collections in a court, it is strongly encouraged that a representative from the circuit library committee (if existing) and the circuit librarian serve on the space planning committee. 

f Circulation/Reference Areas 

The circulation/reference desk counter must allow flexitechnologies as well as provide space for computers, Space for returning books must include a book cart area. the online catalog must be provided near the circulationDepository Library Program (FDLP) libraries, space muaccess computer workstation near the circulation/referenc

f Bookstacks 

The area allocated for the collection (stack areas) scontiguous rectangle to maximize the efficiency of colleenable future use of compact shelving where appropriarounded areas are to be avoided. When providing such aallocated to the collection must be increased. Planning must take into account collection development n“maturity” of the existing library collection, patterns development among the circuit’s libraries, the degree to specialization of collections is employed to avoid duplinumber of states and territories within the circuit, the slaw collections, and the number of related state volumes. Aisles must be at least 36 inches (925 mm) wide, with aisles at the end; each aisle must be no more than sevlong. A unit of shelving is 3 feet wide by 7 shelves high. at least 60 inches (1,525 mm) wide. Floors must accommodate live loads of at least 150 poun7,200 pascals (Pa), for normal stack areas. Libraries with collections located on more than one fldumbwaiters large enough to accommodate a library cart. Compact shelving for library collections should be coavailable) where appropriate to reduce the size of librasupporting this type of shelving must accommodat300 PSF (14,350 Pa). 

7 - 4 I C e n t r a l C o u r t L i b r a r i e s U . S . C o u r t 
The impact of increased automation (e.g., DVD and online materials) on shelf space 

and electronic equipment must be considered. 

f Court Work Space Requirements 

Work space requirements for judges and staff are influenced by the extent of pooled chambers law book collections and the proximity to chambers facilities. Court policies on the public use of the library also affect work space requirements. 

f Study Spaces 

In libraries and unstaffed libraries, group study rooms must have adequate space for tables and chairs. For libraries, a room reserved solely for court personnel may have either tables or study carrels, depending upon court needs. 

f Periodical Area 

Periodical shelving units, newspaper racks, and magazine displays must be arranged with lounge chairs and side tables. 

f Technical Services Area 

The technical services area must accommodate bookshelf units, worktables, book carts, supply cabinets, and file cabinets. In some libraries, staff workstations can be incorporated into this space. A built-in counter with a sink must be provided; other furnishings must be movable. Other special equipment, such as copiers, a fax machine, and microform duplicator(s), can also be located in this area. 

f Microform Area (Patrons and Staff) 

Carrels with microform readers/printers must be located near microform storage cabinets. Because allowable live load requirements for microform storage cabinets can reach 500 PSF (23,950 Pa), equipment selection and location must be coordinated early in the planning process. 

f Copier Area (Patrons and Staff) 

Each copier area contains a copier, a worktable or counter, and supply storage. 

Space Allotments Table 7.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Cenarea allotments because each circuit can have threshown in Table 7.1 for satellite libraries will appllibraries. For circuit headquarters libraries and exspace requirements are determined by the circuit licircuit judicial council. The spaces shown in Table actual spaces are determined by the program of requguideline for specific library space size criteria. standard sizes to meet the operational needs of tenvelope of space must be demonstrated to judicial council. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C e n t r a l 
Table 7.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Central Court Libraries 

CIRCUIT HQ SATELLITE UNSTAFFED 

SIZE SIZE SIZE SPACES NSF (Nm2) NSF (Nm2) NSF (Nm2) 

LIBRARY SPACES Public Entry/Lobby 200 (18.6) 100 (9.3) 0 Circulation/Reference Desk 500 (46.5) 200 (18.6) 0 Periodical Area 400 (37.16) 200 (18.6) 100 (9.3) Reference Catalog 0 0 100 (9.3) 

Computer-Assisted Legal Research 292 (27.1) 96 (8.9) 0 (CALR): Public CALR: Staff 0 0 96 (9.3) 

Stack Area 5,000 (465) 1,500 (139.5) 500 (46.5) 9 NSF/21 LF Shelves Study Area: Table 0 280 (26) 140 (13) Study Area: Carrel 0 128 (11.9) 64 (5.9) 

Court Personnel Work Area: 0 0 128 (11.9) 64 NSF (6.0 Nm2) Staff 

Seating: 20 seats @ 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2) 700 (65.1) 0 0 

OFFICE SPACES Circuit Librarian 240 (22.3) 0 0 Deputy Circuit Librarian 180 (16.7) 0 0 

Professional Staff 150 (13.9) 150 (13.9) 0 

Technical Staff 64 (5.9) 64 (5.9) 0 

OTHER SPACES Fax Machine Area 10 (0.9) 10 (0.9) 0 Copier: Coin-Op Public 80 (7.4) 40 (3.7) 0 Copier: Staff 40 (7.4) 40 (7.4) 40 (7.4) Microform Area: Public & Staff 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)/Machine 200 (18.6) 100 (9.3) 0 

15 NSF (1.4 Nm2)/Cabinet 

Supplies Storage 100 (9.3) 100 (9.3) 0 Technical Services Area 400 (37.2) 200 (18.6) 0 Storage Area 0 0 100 (9.3) 

Freight Mail Receiving 9 NSF/Shelf 200 (18.6) 100 (9.3) 0 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

FEET (mm) 

Shelving Area 500 (46.5) 250 (23.2) 0 Stack Area  Minimum 8 (2,400) Maximum 10 (3,000) 

Adjacency and Circulation All libraries require accessibility from restricted circulaaccess can also be required. Libraries must accommohours without compromising security. Entrances and exlibrary staff can monitor them during on-duty hours. 

f Library Components 

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR). CALR statithey can be closely monitored by library staff. Staff Offices. Library staff offices must be loccirculation/reference areas. Technical staff require wtechnical services area. Microform Area (Patrons and Staff). The microform arereference area. Copier Room (Patrons and Staff). The public copier(s) located near the circulation/reference areas. The staff copstaff offices and technical services area. Support Spaces. Areas for supply storage, general storstaging, and shelving must be located near the technicathe freight staging area must be conveniently accessible to Refer to the adjacency diagrams in Figures 7.1 through 7regarding adjacency and circulation in libraries. These adjacency diagrams must be interpreted to responceiling requirements for the circuit headquarters, satellitdetermined by the court and circuit librarian and judicial council. The number of spaces shown on the illustrative purposes only; the building program determspaces required for a specific facility. The design team “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. 

7 - 6 I C e n t r a l C o u r t L i b r a r i e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Circuit

Librarian

Technical

Services Area Copier + Fax

Supplies

Storage + Shelving

Area

Freight

Receiving

+ Mail

2

Public

Entry/

Lobby

Stack Area

Study

Seating 

F

1 3

2

R

Periodical

Area

3

Prof.

Staff

1

Prof.

Staff

1

Prof.

Staff

1

Deputy

Circuit

Libr’n

3

3

Circulation/ 

Reference Desk

2

Public

Copier

2

1

1

1

Technical

Staff

3

1

2

2

2

2 2

F

R

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 7.1 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Circuit Headquarters Library Adjacency Relationships 

3

2

3

MicroformAreaPublicCALR Freight Elevator

3

Circuit 

Librarian 

Technical 

Services Area Copier + Fax 

Supplies

Storage + Shelving

Area 

Freight

Receiving

+ Mail 

2 

Public 

Entry/

Lobby 

Stack Area 

Study

Seating 

F 

1 3 

2 

R 

Periodical 

Area 

3 

2 

3 

Prof. 

Staff 

1 

Prof. 

Staff 

1 

Prof. 

Staff 

1 

3 

Deputy

Circuit 

Libr’n 

3 

3 

Circulation/

Reference Desk 

2 

Public

Copier 

2 

Microform Area Public CALR Freight Elevator 

3 

1 

1 

1 

Technical 

Staff 

3 

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 2

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

Mailroom may be remote. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C e n t r a l 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Stack Area

Periodical

Area

Public

Copier

Study

Tables & Carrels

F

R

Circulation/ 

Reference Desk

Sup.

Stor

Freight

Staging

+ Mail

Storage

+ Shelving Area

Technical

Services

Staff

Copier Prof.

Staff

Public

Entry

1

3

2

1 3

2

3

2

2 2

3

1 1

1 1

22

2

F

R

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 7.2 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Satellite Libraries Adjacency Relationships 

1

PublicCALRMicroformArea

Fax

Stack Area 

Periodical 

Area 

Public 

Copier 

Study

Tables & Carrels 

F 

R 

Circulation/

Reference Desk 

Sup.

Stor 

Freight

Staging

+ Mail 

Storage

+ Shelving Area 

Technical 

Services 

Staff 

Copier Prof. 

Staff 

Public 

Entry 

1 

3 

2 

1 3 

2 

3 

2 

2 2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1 1

Public CALR Microform Area 2 

2 

2 

Fax 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

Mailroom may be remote. 

7 - 8 I C e n t r a l C o u r t L i b r a r i e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Periodical

Area

Court

Personnel

Work Area

Storage

Area

Copier

CALR

13

1

1 1

F 3

R

Stack Area

Study

Tables & Carrels

3

F

R

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 7.3 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Unstaffed Libraries Adjacency Relationships 

Periodical 

Area 

Court 

Personnel 

Work Area 

Storage

Area 

Copier 

CALR 

1 3 

1 

1 1 

F 3

R 

Stack Area 

Study

Tables & Carrels 

3 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C e n t r a l 
This chapter applies to the clerks’ offices of 

the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), the U.S. District Court (USDC), and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC). It describes functions and activities, users and capacities,design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and includesadjacency diagrams. 

CLERK’S OFFICE 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference 

Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference, most current edition, Chapter 9. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s spacemanagement program (28 USC (§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, any significant exceptions to the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee Judicial Conference The authority to approve thDesign Guide standards restand Facilities: (1) exceeding court unit or the project as plumbing standards. If the Codisagrees with the circuit judthese exceptions, the Judiwhether to grant the exceptioApproved Exceptions Are RepAll approved exceptions are Administration (GSA) aAdministrative Office of the detailed information. 

f Space Envelope Flex

A total space envelope for a using appropriate circulation type spaces, and the spacsection. Courts have the flexthe envelope to meet their office and open workstation with the square footage standceiling requirements. If the space standards described requirements without exceedfor the unit, it must seek appjudicial council 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
f General Programming Notes 

Space Standards for Clerk’s Office Personnel. Space standards in the Design Guide for clerk’s office personnel must be allocated according to benchmark occupational groups described in the judiciary’s Human Resources Manual and the clerk’s office 

space requirements (Tables 8.1 and 8.2) in this chapter. Shared Spaces. Any decision to share various space areas shall be left to the discretion of all courts and court units, the design team should consult with the courts and AO. The sharing of various space areas between different courts and units should be considered when courts are collocated in the same building, but only when doing so would be practical and economical and would not compromise functional ability. Conference and Training Spaces. Conference and training rooms in the clerk’s office must accommodate the number of managers and first-line supervisors. See the clerk’s office space requirements (Tables 8.1 and 8.2) for specific size criteria. Requirements for larger conference and training spaces must be accommodated in shared conference/training rooms or multiuse spaces within the courthouse. Staff Toilet Rooms and Breakrooms. Staff toilets are provided to ensure there is no inappropriate contact that would compromise the judicial process by the parties or participants in cases. The staff toilets and breakrooms must be located within restricted circulation on floors with court-related offices. For courthouses housing more than one court unit, the design team should consider a shared staff breakroom. Consideration should be given to staff use of public restrooms rather than programming separate facilities. If separate staff toilets are necessary, only one set of men’s and women’s toilets per floor should be provided. 

Functions and Activities A clerk’s office receives files, documents, and filing fees from attorneys; maintains case dockets and court calendars; distributes court directives, including notices, subpoenas, and summonses; responds to public inquiries; and serves as a central source of public information for the court. In addition, each clerk’s office performs the specialized functions required by the particular court it serves. For example, the USDC clerk’s office assists with jury management. 

The level and type of activity at the clerk’s public intake the type of court served. The appellate courts differ signtypes of courts in terms of the nature of the cases heard

continues to manage a high volume of paper case filings reception services for the staff attorney’s office. Most buPublic traffic volume is generally low except on hearing can be relatively high. The USDC and USBC clerks’ opeaks of public traffic at the counter in the early morconstant but moderate stream of traffic throughout tHowever, with the implementation of electronic case counter is decreasing. Additional space may be requiadditional monitors, printers, scanners, and other types oclerk’s office can establish a separate counter to accomsuch as pro se filings. The implementation of case management/electronic cacourts has changed the process in which filings are procCM/ECF has increased the number of filings that a improving the office’s overall productivity and efficienchave been impacted by CM/ECF. The higher the level lower the number of visitors there will be to the intake coDue to electronic case filing, the USDC and USBC experience a large volume of public visitors but do republic to access documents at a computer access stationthe records examination area. Spaces are provided for and/or scan documents. 

Users and Capacities 

f U.S. Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office 

User capacity varies depending upon the number of USCjudges and support staff, other USCA staff (e.g., stgovernment attorneys, legal messenger services, news megeneral public. 

8 - 2 I C l e r k ’ s O f f i c e U . S . C o u r t 
f U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office 

User capacity varies depending upon the number of USDC clerk’s office staff; district judges, magistrate judges, and support staff; court reporters/recorders; private and government attorneys; legal messenger services and other attorney support services; title companies and other private concerns researching court records; news media representatives; and the general public. 

f U.S. Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office 

User capacity varies depending upon the number of USBC clerk’s office staff, bankruptcy judges and support staff, bankruptcy administrator staff (where applicable), court reporters/recorders, U.S. Trustee staff, private and government attorneys, legal messenger services and other attorney support services, title companies and other private concerns researching court records, private copying vendors, news media representatives, and the general public. Users vary according to the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public. For the purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following designations apply: A small courthouse has 5 or fewer courtrooms.A medium courthouse has 6 to 12 courtrooms.A large courthouse has more than 12 courtrooms. Design Requirements 

f Ceiling Height 

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be a uniformly flat, neutral plane, or it may have two or more planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall. In situations where there are several different surfaces at play at different heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one(s) is the dominant plane. It is recommended that ceiling heights should be 

measured from the finished floor to the principal suamount of ceiling square footage, or the surface thathe ceiling design. The design team must ensure thaceiling exceed the maximum ceiling height standards 

GSA P-100. Ceilings in the clerk’s office and all restricted corrminimum of 9 feet (2,740 mm) and a maximum of 1ceiling height should be proportional to the largeworkstations) but cannot exceed 12 feet at the maximCeiling heights that exceed the maximum height awill require Judicial Conference approval. 

f Mail Room 

Requirements for the central mail rooms are provBuilding Spaces.” Within the clerk’s office, a spacdistribution of mail after it has been delivered from t

f Acoustics 

The public counter area must be acoustically separatAcoustic requirements are provided in Chapter 14, “A

f Video 

At least one master antennae television (MATV) satellite broadcast system must be provided in the coshould consult with the Space and Facilities Division 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
Table 8.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Court of Appeals Clerks’ Offices 

SIZE

SPACES 

PRIVATE OFFICES 

NSF (Nm2) 

Clerk 240 (22.3) Clerk of Court Visiting Office 150 (14.0) Chief Deputy Clerk 180 (16.7) Manager 180 (16.7) Professional Administrative and Line Positions 150 (14.0) Attorney 150 (14.0) 

OPEN WORKSTATIONS Executive Secretary/Reception Area 170 (15.8) Operational and Administrative First-Line Supervisor 96 (8.9) 

Operational and Administrative Court Support Positions 64 (6.0) Counter and Cashier Workstation 45 (4.2) 

PUBLIC SPACES Queuing Area/Work Areas 105 (9.8) Public Counter (including cashier stations)/per person 5 LF Accessory Stand-up Work Counter/per person 25 (2.3)  Plus Open Area 100 (9.3) Public Pay Copier 100 (9.3) Records Exam Area/per person 25 (2.3)  Plus Open Area 125 (11.6) Public Access Computer Station 35 (3.3) Public Pay Fax 35 (3.3) GENERAL OFFICE SPACE Secured Storage, per shelf unit 8 (.7) Active Storage, per shelf unit 9 (.9) Inactive Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 (.9) Transfer Box Storage 50 (4.7) Work Area1 105 (9.8) 

Supplies  Minimum 150 (14.0) Maximum 300 (27.9) Forms Storage 150 (14.0) Equipment Storage  Minimum 150 (14.0) Maximum 300 (27.9) 

8-4 I Clerk’s Office 

SPACES 

Financial Vault Copier Area (per Copier)  Low Volume  Medium Volume  High Volume Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) Conference Room (20 or more occupants) Computer Training Room  Small/Medium Courthouse (12 or less courtrooms)  Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) Fax Shared Printer Evidence Vault  Minimum Maximum Shredder Staff Breakroom2

 Minimum Maximum Staff Toilets3 

Exhibit Storage Room Coat Closets Mail Work Area Safe 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

Clerk’s Office Suite  Minimum  Maximum4 

1 Space allowance for Work Area: 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff membe

(9.8 Nm2).

2 Area requirements for Staff Breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.32 Nm2

NSF (1.9 Nm2) for a service unit. The minimum Staff Breakroom reand the maximum is 600 NSF (55.7 Nm2). 

3 Only one set of Staff Toilets per floor. 

4 The ceiling height should be proportional to the largest open area (i.e.

cannot exceed 12 feet at the maximum point. 

U.S. C o u r t 
Table 8.2 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for District and Bankruptcy Court Clerks’ Offices 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

PRIVATE OFFICES Clerk 240 (22.3) Clerk of Court Visiting Office 150 (14.0) Chief Deputy Clerk 180 (16.7) Deputy Clerk in Charge 180 (16.7) First-Line Supervisors 180 (16.7) Manager 180 (16.7) Professional Administration and Line Positions 150 (14.0) Courtroom Deputy1 150 (14.0) 

Pro se Law Clerk 150 (14.0) 

OPEN WORKSTATIONS Operational and Administrative Support First-Line Supervisor 96 (8.9) Executive Secretary/Reception Area 170 (15.8) Deputy Clerk 64 (6.0) PUBLIC SPACES Public Counter and Clerk Workstation, Including Cashier Stations  Small Courthouse (5 or less Courtrooms)  10 LF of Counter Space @ 10 ft depth 100 (9.3)  Medium Courthouse (6 to 12 Courtrooms)  15 LF of Counter Space @ 10 ft depth 150 (14.0) Large Courthouse (13 or more Courtrooms) 25 LF of Counter Space @ 10 ft depth 250 (18.6) Public Scanning Workstation, and Public Pay Copier  Small Courthouse (5 or less Courtrooms)  2 Open Workstations at 64 NSF (51.1 Nm2) 128 (11.8) 

 Plus Open Area 110 (10.2)  Medium Courthouse (6 to 12 Courtrooms)  3 Open Workstations at 64 NSF (51.1 Nm2) 192 (17.7)  Plus Open Area 110 (10.2) Large Courthouse (13 or more Courtrooms) 5 Open Workstations at 64 NSF (51.1 Nm2) 320 (29.5)  Plus Open Area 110 (10.2) Records Exam Area, Including Public Fax and Computer Access Station Small Courthouse (5 or less Courtrooms) 100 (9.3) Medium Courthouse (6 to 12 Courtrooms) 150 (14.0)  Large Courthouse (13 or more Courtrooms) 180 (16.7) 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

SPACES 

Queuing Area Small Courthouse (5 or less Courtrooms) 

Medium Courthouse (6 to 12 Courtrooms) 

Large Courthouse (13 or more Courtrooms) 

GENERAL OFFICE SPACE Inactive Storage, per shelf unit Active Storage, per shelf unit Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit Transfer Box Storage Work Area2 

Supplies  Minimum Maximum Equipment Storage  Minimum Maximum Financial Vault Copier Area (per Copier)  Low Volume  Medium Volume  High Volume Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) Conference Room (20 or more occupants) Computer Training Room  Minimum Maximum Fax Shared Printer Evidence Vault  Minimum Maximum Shredder Staff Breakroom3

 Minimum Maximum Staff Toilets4 
Table 8.2 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for District and Bankruptcy Court Clerks’ Offices (cont’d) 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

Exhibit Storage Room 100 (9.3) Coat Closets 20 (1.9) Mail Work Area 100 (9.3) Safe 20 (1.9) 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

FEET (mm) 

Clerk’s Office Suite  Minimum 9 (2,743)  Maximum5 12 (3,658) 

1 If not included in Chamber. 2 Space allowance for Work Area: 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 

105 NSF (9.8 Nm2).

3 Area requirements for Staff Breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.32 Nm2) for every 3 staff 

members plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) for a service unit. The minimum Staff Breakroom 

requirement is 200 NSF (18.5 Nm2) and the maximum is 600 NSF (55.7 Nm2).

4 Only one set of Staff Toilets per floor. 5 The ceiling height should be proportional to the largest open area (i.e., Deputy Clerk 

Workstations) but cannot exceed 12 feet at the maximum point. 

Adjacency and Circulation Convenient and direct circulation must be provided for apotential volume of public traffic (Figures 8.1 and 8.2). have quick and convenient restricted access to and from and for the district court clerk’s office access to and from The number of spaces shown on the adjacency diagrams illustrative purposes only; the actual number of spaces reis determined in the building program. The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning circulation factors. 

8 - 6 I C l e r k ’ s O f f i c e U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

MedVol.

Copiers

Fax 

Equipment

Storage

Supplies

Forms

Private

Office

Private

Office

Computer/

Equip Room

Private

Offices

Private

Office

Financial

Secr.

Conference

Room

Clerk

Counter

Wkstn. Open

Clerical

Public

Counter

Public

Pay

Copier

Public

Record

Exam

Public Counter

Public Queuing 

Active

Records

Storage

Open

Supervisor Shared Printer 

3

1 1

1333

1 1 1

1

1 1

4 4

Counter Wkstn. 1 1

3 3

2

2

2 2

22

3

11

2

4

1 1

3

Evidence

Vault

High-Vol.

Copier

Secured

Record

Storage

Exhibit

Storage

Room

1

3 4

Open 3

Clerical

1 1

1 1

3

3313

3

3 3

1

3

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 8.1 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office Adjacency Relationships 

2

Low-Vol. ShredderCopier

Accessory Public

Fax

2

InactiveRecordsStorage

WorkArea

FinancialVaults

SafeCoatCloset

1

Copier

MailWorkArea

MedVol. 

Copiers 

Fax 

Equipment

Storage 

Supplies 

Forms 

Private 

Office 

Private 

Office 

Computer/

Equip Room 

Private 

Offices 

Private 

Office 

Financial 

Secr. 

Conference 

Room 

Clerk 

Counter 

Wkstn. Open

Clerical

Public 

Counter 

Public 

Pay

Copier 

Public 

Record 

Exam 

Public Counter 

Public Queuing 

Active 

Records 

Storage 

Open

Supervisor Shared Printer 

3 

1 1 

1 3 3 3 

1 1 1 

1 

1 1 

4 4

Counter Wkstn. 1 1

3 3 

2 

2 

2 2 2 

22 

Low-Vol. ShredderCopier 

Accessory Public 

Fax 

3 

1 1 

2 

4 

2 

1 1 

3 

Evidence 

Vault 

High-Vol.

Copier 

Secured 

Record 

Storage 

Exhibit 

Storage

Room 

1 

3 4 

Open 3

Clerical 

1 1 

1 1

3 

3 3 1 3 

3 

Inactive Records Storage 

Work Area 

3 3

Financial Vaults 

Safe Coat Closet 

1 

1 

Copier 

3 

Mail Work Area 

Stand-up Computer Work CC ounter 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

MedVol

Copier

Fax 

Equipment 

Storage 

Room 

Supplies

Private

Office

Private

Office

Computer/

Training

Room

Private

Offices

Chief

Deputy

Clerk

Financial

Vault

Secr.

Conference

Room

Clerk

Counter

Wkstn. Open

Clerical

Public

Counter(Pro Se)

Public 

Scanning

Wrkstn.

Public

Record

Exam

Public Counter

Public Queuing 

Active

Records

Storage

Open

Supervisor Shared Printer 

3

1 1

13

1 1 1

1 1

4 4

Counter Wkstn. 1 1

3 3

2

2

22

3

112

4

1

1

3

Evidence

Vault

High-Vol

Copier

Secured

Record

Storage

Exhibit

Storage

Room

1

3 4

3

Open 3

Clerical

1 1

1 1

3

313

3

3 3

1

3

Courtroom

Deputy

Clerk

33

1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 8.2 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

District and Bankruptcy Clerks’ Offices Adjacency Relationships 

Low-Vol ShredderCopier

2

InactiveRecordsStorage

WorkTableArea Safe

CoatCloset

Public PayCopier/Fax

TransferBoxStorage

MailWork Area

MedVol 

Copier 

Fax 

Equipment 

Storage 

Room 

Supplies 

Private 

Office 

Private 

Office 

Computer/

Training

Room 

Private 

Offices 

Chief 

Deputy

Clerk 

Financial 

Vault 

Secr. 

Conference 

Room 

Clerk 

Counter 

Wkstn. Open

Clerical 

Public 

Counter (Pro Se) 

Public 

Scanning

Wrkstn. 

Public 

Record 

Exam 

Public Counter 

Public Queuing 

Active 

Records 

Storage 

Open

Supervisor Shared Printer 

3 

1 1 

1 3 

1 1 1 

1 1 

4 4

Counter Wkstn. 1 1

3 3 

2 

2 

22 

Low-Vol ShredderCopier 

3 

1 1 2 

4

2 

1 

1 

3 

Evidence 

Vault 

High-Vol

Copier 

Secured 

Record 

Storage 

Exhibit 

Storage

Room 

1 

3 4 

3 

Open 3

Clerical 

1 1 

1 1

3 

3 1 3 

3 

Inactive Records Storage 

Work Table Area 

3 3

Safe Coat Closet 

1 

Public PayCopier/Fax 

3 

Courtroom 

Deputy

Clerk 

3 

3 

1 

Transfer Box Storage 

Mail Work Area 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

8 - 8 I C l e r k ’ s O f f i c e U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter applies to the U.S. Pretrial 

Services Office (PSO) and the U.S. Probation Office (PO), which are components of the U.S. District Court (USDC). In some courts the offices function independently of each other, and in other courts they are a combined unit. The chapter describes their functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and contains adjacency diagrams. 

PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICESupporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference 

Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference, most current edition, Chapter 10. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s spacemanagement program (28 USC (§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, any significant exceptions to the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee Judicial Conference The authority to approve thDesign Guide standards restand Facilities: (1) exceeding court unit or the project as plumbing standards. If the Codisagrees with the circuit judthese exceptions, the Judiwhether to grant the exceptioApproved Exceptions Are RepAll approved exceptions are Administration (GSA) aAdministrative Office of the detailed information. 

f Space Envelope Flex

A total space envelope for office will be calculated usinallowances for support-type described in this section. Cconfigure space within the enHowever, private office and oin compliance with the square the space and ceiling requiremchange the space standards drequirements without exceedfor the unit, it must seek appjudicial council 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S 
f Space Standards for PSO and PO Personnel 

Space standards for PSO and PO personnel must be allocated according to the benchmark occupational groups described in the judiciary’s Human Resources Manual and the space requirements (Table 9.1) in this chapter, Space Standards for Clerk’s Office Personnel. 

f General Programming Notes 

Opportunities for Shared Support Spaces  Locating the PSO and PO in close proximity provides an opportunity for shared 

support spaces. 

 The urinalysis toilet, supplies storage closet, and testing and specimen storage 

room may be shared by the PSO and PO; however, access to the shared facility is required within each office’s restricted circulation. 

 An electronic monitoring equipment storage/repair room may be shared by the 

PSO and PO; however, access to the shared room is required within each office’s restricted circulation. 

 The secure computer terminal/printer and secure LAN equipment rooms may be 

combined and shared by the PSO and PO; however, access to the shared room is required within each office’s restricted circulation. 

 Conference rooms in PSO and PO offices must accommodate the number of 

managers and first-line supervisors. See the PSO and PO space and ceiling requirements (Table 9.1) for specific size criteria. Requirements for larger conference and training spaces will be accommodated in shared conference/training rooms or multiuse spaces within the courthouse as described in Chapter 11, “Common Building Spaces.” 

 Conference rooms should be shared by court units off common areas 

whenever possible. 

 The fax workstation, computer/printer, and shredder should be shared by the PO 

and PSO whenever possible. 

Staff Toilet Rooms and Breakrooms. The staff toilets and within restricted circulation on floors with court-relatehousing more than one court unit, the design team shobreakroom. Consideration should be given to staff use of programming separate facilities. If separate staff toilets armen’s and women’s toilets per floor is provided. ConsOffice of the U.S. Courts for more detailed information. 

Functions and Activities The primary mission of the PSO and the PO is essentprovide the court with thorough, verified information on informed release or detention decisions. Their goal is which is the successful completion of the term of supindividual commits no new crimes, is held accountable responsibilities toward others, and prepares for cimprovements in his or her conduct and condition. The main difference between the PSO and the PO is thengaged with an individual, with the transfer of responsPO coming at the time the defendant has been convicted oThe PSO and PO both supervise persons released into ensure community safety, and investigate and supervise pprograms. Officers recommend, implement, and monconditions of release, and work to facilitate an individcommunity as a law-abiding and productive member of organizations interact with law enforcement, enforce defendants and offenders, and recommend sentences. Theinterpreting sentencing guidelines, investigate backgrolearn case law. Finally, they assist individuals by admidentifying and solving problems, and providing cocommunity agencies. The nature of these officers’ work often requires them dangerous situations, both in their offices and throughout 

9 - 2 I P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S e r v i c e s O f f i c e s U . S . C o u r t 
the power to make arrests, although arrests are normally performed by the U.S. 

Marshals Service (USMS), and they may be granted authority by a court to carry and use weapons, although not all do. Following an arrest, a PSO officer interviews the individual about his or her family, residential, employment, financial, educational, health, and criminal history. The information is verified, the individual’s flight risk and potential danger to the community are assessed, and a recommendation is made regarding potential release from pretrial custody. The report is submitted to the judge, prosecutor, defendant, and defense attorney. In the case of the PO, once a defendant has been found guilty, an officer conducts additional interviews and prepares another report, which assists the court in its sentencing function and serves as a detention resource for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). PO officers are community corrections professionals who serve as officers of the court and as agents of the U.S. Parole Commission. They are responsible for the supervision of persons conditionally released to the community by the courts, the Parole Commission and BOP, and military authorities. Users and Capacities Users vary according to the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public. Forthe purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the followingdesignations apply:A small courthouse has 5 or fewer courtrooms.A medium courthouse has 6 to 12 courtrooms.A large courthouse has more than 12 courtrooms. Design Requirements 

f Ceiling Height 

PO and PSO office ceiling height shall be in accordance with the standards set forth in GSA P-100. 

Ceiling heights that exceed the maximum limit are require Judicial Conference approval. 

f Reception Counter 

A reception counter is provided with counter-to-ceiliIn leased locations where weapons screening is not pthe building, the PSO and PO will work with resistant glazing. The AOUSC should be consulted accommodations for screening equipment will leased location. 

f Urinalysis Toilet 

Urinalysis toilet rooms are used solely for collectinand supervised environment. Each room must providing the specimen and an officer to visually either directly or through the use of an observation mBarrier-free access must be provided to each room, door is to be used by the offender from the unsecurother door for the officer from the secured private planning allows only one room access point, it iunsecured public waiting room. This will eliminate tthe secured space only to provide a specimen. Any doors into a urinalysis toilet must be locked at is in use. Additionally, the design of the room must psuch as through partitions, the ceiling plenum, a pipe 

f Urinalysis Supplies Storage 

The urinalysis supplies storage closet must be secuclosets in it must have door locks and the same parttesting laboratory. Any means of access through the must be eliminated. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S 
The urinalysis toilet room(s) and testing lab must be adjacent to supplies storage. The 

storage area must be accessible through restricted circulation only. 

f Urinalysis Testing and Specimen Storage Room 

In some cases, the testing of urinalysis specimens will be undertaken outside the PSO and PO offices, thereby eliminating the need for a testing laboratory. Even if this is the case, there will still be the need for secured specimen storage until such time that the specimens may be transported off-site. The specimens will be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. The room must accommodate the following items:  Two countertop enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) machines, 

each requiring a footprint area of at least 30 inches (775 mm) deep by 60 inches (1,525 mm) wide; 110-volt dedicated power; and additional adjacent counter space at a height of 44 inches (1,125 mm) above finished floor level 

 Two operator stools  A double stainless steel sink with disposal, set in a millwork base cabinet at least 

8 feet (2,425 mm) long with a counter height of 44 inches (1,125 mm) above finished floor level; adjacent 110-volt convenience outlets; and millwork storage cabinets above and below 

 Two full-sized refrigerators with freezers, one for specimens awaiting testing and 

the other for chain-of-custody storage of specimens with positive test results (If a testing laboratory is not required, these refrigerators/freezers should be housed in the urinalysis supplies storage room.) 

 Trash disposal  Chemical-resistant, laboratory-type finishes on all countertops Both the urinalysis testing laboratory and specimen storage, as applicable, must be accessible only from the restricted office circulation. These rooms and all storage closets in them must have door locks and the same partitioning as the urinalysis rooms. 

f Electronic Monitoring Equipment Storage/R

The equipment needed to monitor one individual currentcubic feet of space. The boxes are normally about 3 fee(300 mm) wide by 1 foot (300 mm) deep and are stored storage/repair room also contains a millwork base cabinelong, with a counter height of 44 inches (1,125 mm) adjacent 110-volt convenience outlets; and millwork stoin equipment repair. The door to the room must have a from the secured office circulation. 

f Secure Computer Terminal/Printer and Secu

Equipment Rooms 

Computer terminal/printer and LAN equipment rooms secure cipher lock, card reader, or keypad to limit entranAny means of access through the ceiling plenum, a pspaces must be eliminated. 

f Office Size Alternatives and Interview Room 

For the PSO and PO, there are two options for oroom allocations. 1. Officers shall be provided a 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2) pr

must facilitate egress for the officers in an emergencno interview rooms are provided (see Figure 9.1). 

OR 

2. Officers shall be provided a 120 NSF (11.1 Nm2) p

rooms based on the following formula: one 120 NSF 

for 7 or fewer officers, two interview rooms for 8 to rooms for 12 to 15 officers, and so on. The design interview room are required to facilitate egresFigure 9.2). 

9 - 4 I P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S e r v i c e s O f f i c e s U . S . C o u r t 
f Satellite Offices 

To cover a wide geographic area, staffed satellite offices might be needed. These offices must be equipped to perform urinalysis, and they have the same security requirements as a main office. Facilities within the main office must be available for occasional use by officers stationed in satellite offices. 

f Staff Breakroom and Toilets 

If necessary, the staff breakroom and toilets must be located within restricted circulation when these spaces are collocated on floors with court-related offices. 

f Acoustics 

Acoustic requirements are addressed in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.” All interview rooms and offices of PSO and PO supervision officers must be acoustically separate from adjacent areas. 

f Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning 

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems must economically accommodate early morning and late evening hours. See Chapter 15, “Building Systems.” U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S 
Table 9.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Probation and Pretrial Services Offices 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

PRIVATE OFFICES Chief Probation Officer 240 (22.3) Executive Secretary/Reception Area 170 (15.8) Deputy Chief Probation Officer 180 (16.7) Manager 180 (16.7) Professional First-Line Supervisor1 180 (16.7) 

PSO and PO Officers: Two Options Professional Administrative and Professional Line Positions 150 (13.9) 

1) Office Only 150 (13.9) 

2) Office 120 (11.1) Shared Interview Room2 120 (11.1) 

OPEN WORKSTATIONS Operational Administrative Support First-Line Supervisor 96 (8.9) Clerks 64 (5.9) Counter Workstations 45 (4.2) GENERAL OFFICE SPACE Reception/Waiting, per person 15 (1.4)  Minimum area required 150 (13.9) Counter/Screening, per staff position 5 LF (1,525 mm) Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 8 (0.74) Active Records Storage Lateral, per shelf unit 9 (0.84) Inactive Records Storage Lateral, per shelf unit 9 (0.84) Transfer Box Storage 50 (4.6) Worktable 90 (8.4) Supplies  Minimum 50 (4.6) Maximum 100 (9.3) Equipment Storage  Minimum 50 (4.6) Maximum 150 (13.9) Work Area3 105 (9.8) 

Copier Area (per copier)  Low Volume 50 (4.6)  Medium Volume 80 (7.4)  High Volume 120 (11.1) 

9 - 6 I P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S e r v i c e s O f f i c e s 

SPACES 

Conference Rooms (fewer than 20 occupants) Conference Rooms (20 or more occupants) Fax Shared Printer Vault or Safe  Minimum  Maximum Microform Reader/Printer Microform Storage Cabinet, per cabinet Shredder Staff Breakroom4

 Minimum Maximum Staff Toilets5 

Coat Closets Special Office Spaces  Toilet for Urinalysis Sample Collection  Urinalysis Supplies Storage  Urinalysis Testing/EMIT Lab & Sample Storage6 

 Electronic Monitoring Equipment Storage/Repair Room  Secure Computer Terminal/Printer Room and LAN server Gun locker 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices 

1 In a divisional office, first-line supervisors include a supervisor

supervisory probation officer. 

2 For 7 or less offices, one shared interview room is allotted. For 

shared interview rooms. For 12-15 offices, provide three shared 

3 Space allowance for Work Area: 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff m

NSF (9.8 Nm2).

4 Area requirements for Staff Breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.32 

members plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) for a service unit. The minimu

200 NSF (18.5 Nm2) and the maximum Staff Breakroom is to b

5 Only one set of Staff Toilets allowed per floor. 

6 Urinalysis Testing/EMIT Lab may not be provided within the P

provided, all urinalysis spaces can be eliminated. 

U.S. C o u r t 
Adjacency and Circulation 

Both the PSO and the PO require public access to reception areas during the day and in the evenings. Restricted access for office staff is also required during these times; staff must be able to enter and leave the office without passing through the public reception/waiting area or extensively using the public circulation system. If the office is located in a facility where weapons screening is not conducted at the entry, a magnetometer and X-ray machine may be provided by the USMS. Space must be provided to accommodate this screening equipment. Refer to Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications (USMS Publication 64). The PO requires proximity to the main public entry area, after the security screening point. If the PO requires off-hours access for staff and clients, the most desirable location is on the main public entry level, with separate off-hours controlled access. The PSO also requires proximity to the main public entry area, after the security screening point. Access must be provided to the USMS Command and Control Center and magistrate judge courtrooms. The number of spaces shown on the adjacency diagrams (Figures 9.1 and 9.2) is for illustrative purposes only; the actual number of spaces required for a specific facility is determined in the building program. The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Probation and Pretrial S
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Professional

Staff

Prof.

Staff

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

Conference

Room

Professional

First-Line

Supervisor

Prof.

Staff

Secure

Computer

Terminal/

Printer 

Equipment

Storage

Sup.

Storage

Inactive

Record

Storage

Shredder

Operational &

Administrative

Workstations

Operational

Administrative

Supervisor

Electronic

Monitoring

Stor./Repair

Unit Executive

Private Office

Secr.

Recept.

Counter

Work Area

Copier

3

3

3 3

1

1 1

1 1

1

3

1

3

11

11

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

1 1

1

3

1

1

Reception/

Waiting

12 3

4

3

Secured

Rec. Stor. Vault

3

3

1

3

Secure

LAN/

Server 3

Urinalysis Test

Lab and

Specimen

Stor. Rm.

3

3

3

1

1

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

1

1

1 1 1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol 

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

S 

R 

P 

F 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Figure 9.1 Option 1: Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, 150 NSF Officer Offices 1 

Shared Printer

MicroformReader/PrinterTransferBoxStorage

Fax

3

Professional 

Staff 

Prof. 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

Conference 

Room 

Professional 

First-Line 

Supervisor 

Prof. 

Staff 

Secure 

Computer

Terminal/

Printer 

Equipment

Storage 

Sup.

Storage 

Inactive 

Record 

Storage 

Shredder 

Operational &

Administrative 

Workstations 

Operational

Administrative 

Supervisor 

Electronic 

Monitoring

Stor./Repair 

Unit Executive 

Private Office 

Secr. 

Recept.

Counter 

Work Area 

Copier 

3 

3 

3 3 

1 

1 1 

1 1 

1 

3 

1 

3 

Shared Printer 1 

Microform 1Reader/Printer Transfer Box Storage 

Fax 1 

1 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff

1 1 

1

3

1 

3 

1

1

1 

1 

Reception/

Waiting 

1 2 3 

4 

3 

Secured 

Rec. Stor. Vault 

3 

3 

1 

3 

Secure 

LAN/

Server 3 

3 

3 

1

1

1 

1 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

1

1

1 

1 

1 1 1 

1 This diagram illustrates suite with 10 officers and n

Urinalysis this option. See also text in this chapter under the 

Supply

Urinalysis Test

Lab and 

Specimen

Stor. Rm. 

3 

3 Toilet and Interview Room Allocations” for additional info

Storage 

Urinalysis

intended only as an illustration. 

9 - 8 I P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S e r v i c e s O f f i c e s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Interview

Room

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

Secure

Computer

Terminal/

Printer 

Professional

Staff Equipment

Storage

Sup.

Storage Inactive Record

Storage

Shredder

Operational &

Administrative

Workstations

Operational

Administrative

Supervisor

Electronic

Monitoring

Stor./Repair

Unit Executive

Private Office

Secr.

Recept.

Counter

Work Area

Copier

3

3

3 3

1 1

1 1

1

1

3

1

3

1 1

C

D

1

1

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

1 1 1

1

3 1

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

1 1

1

Reception/

Waiting

12

3

4

3

Secured

Rec. Stor. Vault

3

3

3

1

Secure

LAN/

Server

Prof

Fir

Sup

1

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

1 1

Conference

Room

3

1

Interview

Room

3 3

3

3

3

Urinalysis Test

Lab and

Specimen

Stor. Rm.

Professional

Staff

Professional

Staff

1 1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol 

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

S 

R 

P 

F 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Figure 9.2 Option 2: Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, 120 NSF Officer Offices 1 

1 This diagram illustrates suite with 10 officers 

are provided for this option. See also text in Size Alternatives and Interview Room Allocaadjacency diagram is intended only as an ill

Shared Printer

Microform Reader/Printer

TransferBoxStorage

Fax

Gun Lock

3

Urinalysis

Supply

Storage

Urinalysis

Toilet

3

Interview 

Room 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

Secure 

Computer

Terminal/

Printer 

Professional 

Staff Equipment

Storage 

Sup.

Storage Inactive Record 

Storage 

Shredder 

Operational &

Administrative 

Workstations 

Operational

Administrative 

Supervisor 

Electronic 

Monitoring

Stor./Repair 

Unit Executive 

Private Office 

Secr. 

Recept.

Counter 

Work Area 

Copier 

3 

3 

3 3 

1 1 

1 1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

3 

Shared Printer 

1 1 

C

D

Microform Reader/Printer 

Transfer Box Storage 

Fax 1 

1 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

1 1 1 

1 

3 1 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

1 1 

1 

Reception/

Waiting 

1 2

3 

4 

3 

Secured 

Rec. Stor. Vault 

3 

Gun Lock

3 

3 

3 

1 

Secure 

LAN/

Server 

Prof

Fir

Sup

1 

Professional 

Staff 

Professional 

Staff 

1 1 

Conference 

Room 

3 

1 

Interview 

Room 

3 3

Urinalysis

Supply

Storage 

Urinalysis

Toilet 

3 

3 

3 

3 

Urinalysis Test

Lab and 

Specimen

Stor. Rm. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 P r o b a t i o n a n d P r e t r i a l S 
This chapter includes the Office of the Circuit 

Executive, the Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk, the Office of the Senior Staff Attorney, the Office of the Pre-argument/ Conference Attorney, the Office of the District Court Executive, the Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator, and the Office of the Federal Defender’s trial preparation suite. It describes offices’ functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and contains adjacency diagrams. 

OTHER COURT UNITS 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference 

Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference, most current edition, Chapter 10. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils Circuit judicial councils play an important spacemanagement role by reviewing district- wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over and responsibility for a circuit’s spacemanagement program (28 USC (§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, any significant exceptions from to the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee Judicial Conference However, the authority to appthe Design Guide standards 

Space and Facilities: (1) exceither the court unit or the exceeding the plumbing standand Facilities disagrees wirequest for one of these excshall decide whether to grant Approved Exceptions Are RepAll approved exceptions are Administration (GSA) aAdministrative Office of the 

detailed information. 

f Space Envelope Flex

A total space envelope focalculated using appropriate for support-type spaces, and this section. Courts have thwithin the envelope to meprivate office and open wcompliance with the square the space and ceiling requirechange the space standards drequirements without exceedfor the unit, it must seek appjudicial council 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 O 
f General Programming Notes 

Staff Toilet Rooms and Breakrooms. The staff toilets and breakrooms must be located within restricted circulation on floors with court-related offices. For courthouses housing more than one court unit, the design team should consider a shared staff breakroom. Consideration should be given to staff use of public restrooms rather than programming separate facilities. If separate staff toilets are necessary, only one set of men’s and women’s toilets per floor is provided. Consult with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for more detailed information. Functions and Activities 

f Office of the Circuit Executive 

The Office of the Circuit Executive provides legal and administrative support in each circuit. 

f Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk 

In some circuits, bankruptcy appellate panels hear and determine appeals from judgments, orders, and decrees entered by bankruptcy judges. 

f Office of the Senior Staff Attorney 

The Office of the Senior Staff Attorney provides legal assistance to circuit judges. 

f Office of the Pre-argument/Conference Attorney 

In some circuits, a pre-argument/conference attorney is provided under the Civil Appeals Mediation Program. The pre-argument/conference attorney assists the court by working to effect settlements in appellate cases. 

f Office of the District Court Executive 

The Office of the District Court Executive provides legal and administrative support for a particular judicial district. Not every district has this office. 

f Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator 

In some locations, an Office of the Bankruptcy AdmBankruptcy Court (USBC) by overseeing the admsupervising case trustees and other fiduciaries. Such seprovided by the U.S. Trustee (executive branch) in other l

f Office of the Federal Defender’s Trial Prepa

The Office of the Federal Defender provides counsel to pcriminal offenses who are financially unable to representation. Federal defenders’ staffed offices mucourthouse unless the federal defender determines that becompromise the organization’s mission. If the Judicial Defender Services approves the request by a federal defnew courthouse, the comparable office space standards apply. The office must be distanced from the offices opreparation suite of 450 usable square feet (4.7 usable s

includes internal circulation for use by federal defendprovided in the U.S. District Court (USDC) courthouse. 

Users and Capacities Users vary according to the size of the courthouse; the tythe number of maintenance staff, service company/agencthe purposes of certain references in this Desigdesignations apply:A small courthouse has 5 or fewer courtrooms.A medium courthouse has 6 to 12 courtrooms.A large courthouse has more than 12 courtrooms. 

1 0 - 2 I O t h e r C o u r t U n i t s U . S . C o u r t 
Design Requirements 

f Ceiling Height 

The ceiling height in other court unit office spaces shall be in accordance with the standards set forth in GSA P-100. Ceiling heights that exceed the maximum limit are considered exceptions. 

f Bulk Storage Area 

The design team shall collocate all court unit bulk storage areas adjacent to the loading dock and central mail facility. U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 O
Table 10.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Units 

SIZE 

SPACES SPACES 

CIRCUIT EXECUTIVE AND DISTRICT COURT EXECUTIVE PRIVATE OFFICES 

NSF (Nm2) 

Shredder Staff Breakroom3

Circuit Executive/District Court Executive 240 (22.3) Minimum Deputy 180 (16.7) Maximum Assistant Circuit Executive 180 (16.7) Staff Toilets4 

Professional Staff 150 (14.0) OPEN WORKSTATIONS 

BANKRUPTCY APPELLATE PANEL (BAP) CLERK PRIVATE OFFICES 

Executive Secretary 170 (15.8) Clerk Professional and Administrative Line Position 96 (8.9) Attorney Operational and Administrative Support Positions 64 (5.6) 

OPEN WORKSTATIONS 

GENERAL OFFICE SPACES Deputy Clerks 

General Reception Area, per visitor 15 (1.4) Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit1 8 (.7) PUBLIC AREAS

Active Storage, per file unit 9 (.9) Queuing/Work Area1 

Inactive Records Storage, per file unit 9 (.9) Intake Counter Transfer Box Storage 50 (4.7) Accessory Stand-up Work Counter 

Worktable 90 (8.4) Records Examination Area, including fax machine 

Supplies Public Access Computer Stations 

 Minimum 50 (4.7) Maximum 100 (9.3) GENERAL OFFICE SPACES Equipment Storage Shared Printer Areas 

 Minimum 50 (4.7) Evidence Vault Maximum 150 (14.0) Minimum 

Work Area1 105 (9.8) Maximum 

Copier Area (per Copier) Equipment Storage  Low Volume 50 (4.7) Minimum 

 Medium Volume 80 (7.4) Maximum 

High Volume 120 (11.2) Mail Work Area/Copier 

Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 (27.9) Fax Workstation 

Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 (37.2) Safe Catalog Library2 Shredder Facility 

Fax 10 (.9) Forms Storage 

Shared Printer 20 (1.9) Supplies Safe Minimum 

 Minimum 20 (1.9) Maximum 

Maximum 80 (7.4) Coat Closets 

1 0 - 4 I O t h e r C o u r t U n i t s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 10.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Units (cont’d) 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 8 (.7) Active Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 (.8) Inactive Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 (.8) Exhibit Storage Room 150 (14.0) Financial Vault 150 (14.0) Conference Room 300 (27.9) Staff Breakroom3

 Minimum 200 (22.3) Maximum 600 16.7) Staff Toilets4 100 (9.3) SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY PRIVATE OFFICES Senior Staff Attorney 240 (22.3) Senior Supervising Staff Attorney 180 (16.7) Other Supervising Staff Attorney 180 (16.7) Staff Attorneys 150 (14.0) OPEN WORKSTATIONS Executive Secretary 170 (15.8) Secretary 64 (6.0) GENERAL OFFICE SPACES Reception/Waiting Area 105 (9.8) Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 8 (.7) Active Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 (.9) Inactive Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 (.9) Transfer Box Storage 50 (4.7) Worktable 90 (.9) Supplies Storage 50 (4.7) Equipment Storage 50 (4.7) Work Area1 105 (9.8) 

Copier Area 50 (4.7) Conference Room 300 (27.9) Coat Closets 20 (1.9) Fax 10 (.9) 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 

SPACES 

Shared Printer Area Shredder Staff Breakroom3

 Minimum Maximum Staff Toilets4 PRE-ARGUMENT/CONFERENCE ATTORNEY PRIVATE OFFICES Senior Pre-Argument Conference Attorney Conference Pre-Argument Attorney OPEN WORKSTATIONS Executive Secretary Secretary GENERAL OFFICE SPACES Reception/Waiting Area Secured Records Storage, per unit Active Records Storage, per unit Inactive Records Storage, per unit Worktable Supplies  Minimum Maximum Equipment Storage  Minimum Maximum Work Area1 

Copier Area Fax Shared Printer Shredder Staff Breakroom3

 Minimum Maximum Staff Toilets4 

O
Table 10.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Units (cont’d) 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

BANKRUPTCY ADMINISTRATOR PRIVATE OFFICES Bankruptcy Administrator 240 (22.3) Estate Analyst 150 (14.0) Administrative Analyst 150 (14.0) OPEN WORKSTATIONS Estate Administrative Clerks 96 (8.9) GENERAL OFFICE SPACES Records, Copier Area, Work Room, Storage 350 (32.6) Shared Printer Area 50 (4.7) Reception/Waiting Area 150 (14.0) Coat Closets 20 (1.9) Financial Vault 150 (14.0) Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 (27.9) Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 (37.2) Creditor Meeting Room (341) 1,500 (139.9) Staff Breakroom3 Minimum 200 (18.6) Maximum 600 (55.8) Staff Toilets4 100 (9.3) FEDERAL DEFENDER’S TRIAL PREPARATION SUITE Attorney Offices, 2 @ 150 300 (27.9)  Conference/Reception/Waiting Room 100 (9.3)  Copy/Fax 50 (4.7) 

10-6 I Other Court Units 

SPACES 

CEILING HEIGHTS Circuit Executive and District Court Executive Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (Bap) Clerk Senior Staff Attorney Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney Bankruptcy Administrator Federal Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite 1 Space allowance for work area: 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff member

 (9.8 Nm2).

2 For circuit executive’s office only. Space allowance: 9 NSF (.8 Nm2

catalogs. Add 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) per person and 64 NSF (6.5 Nm2) p

3 Area requirements for Staff Breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) 

NSF (1.9 Nm2) for a service unit. The minimum Staff Breakroom is t

maximum staff lounge is to be 600 NSF (55.7 Nm2).

4 Only one set of Staff Toilets allowed per floor. 

U.S. C o u r t 
Adjacency and Circulation 

The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation factors. The Office of the Circuit Executive (Figure 10.1) requires restricted access for office staff, circuit judges and their support staff, and other court staff. The need for public access is infrequent but must not be precluded. Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk (Figure 10.2) requires public access to intake counter and records examination areas. Access for BAP attorney’s and staff as well as access to active and bulk storage areas shall be from restricted circulation. The Office of the District Court Executive (Figure 10.1) requires restricted access for office staff, district and magistrate judges and their support staff, and other court staff. The need for public access is infrequent but must not be precluded. The Office of the Senior Staff Attorney (Figure 10.3) primarily requires restricted access for USCA staff; limited access from public circulation is also required. The office must be located close to the court library and circuit clerk’s office. The Office of the Pre-argument/Conference Attorney (Figure 10.4) requires public access. The Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator (Figure 10.5) requires public access. Office of the Federal Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite (Figure 10.6) must be distanced (for example, at a minimum on a different floor) from the Office of the U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Pretrial Services Office, Bureau of Prisons, and any other law enforcement agencies as described in 18 USC 1114. This separation is essential due to the federal defender’s mission and role in the legal process. U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 O
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Operational &

Administrative

Supervisor

Flat Files / 

Catalog

Library

1

Equipment

Storage

Sup.

Storage

Safe

Inactive/

Active

Record

Storage

Shredder

Operational &

Administrative

Workstations

Executive

Private

Office

Chief

Deputy

Secr.

Reception/

Waiting

Work Area

Staff

Copier

Professional

Staff/Line

Professional

Staff/Line

Supervisor

Professional

Staff

33

1

1

3 3

3

1

1

3

1

1

1 1

1

1

3 3

1 3 3

3

3

Conference

Room

33

3

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 10.1 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Office of the Circuit Executive and Office of the District Court Executive Adjacenc

Transfer Box Box 

Secured Records 

Shared

Printer

Storage

Storage

Fax 1CoatCloset 1

Operational &

Administrative 

Supervisor 

Flat Files /

Catalog

Library

1 

Equipment

Storage 

Sup.

Storage 

Safe 

Inactive/

Active 

Record 

Storage 

Shredder 

Operational &

Administrative 

Workstations 

Executive 

Private 

Office 

Chief 

Deputy 

Secr. 

Reception/

Waiting 

Work Area 

Staff 

Copier 

Professional 

Staff/Line 

Professional 

Staff/Line 

Supervisor

Professional 

Staff 

Shared 

Printer 

3 3 

1 

1 

3 3 

3 

1 

1 

3 

1 

1 

1 1 

1 

1 

3 3 

1 3 3 

3 

3 

Conference 

Room 

Storage 

Storage 

Fax 1 

3 3 

1 3

Coat Closet 1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

1 0 - 8 I O t h e r C o u r t U n i t s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Fax 

Bulk

Storage 

(may be remote)

Archival

Storage

Sup.

Storage

BAP

Attorney

BAP

Attorney

Private

Offices

BAP

Attorney

Financial

Vault

Secr.

Conference

Room

BAP

Clerk

Public 

Access

Computer

Wrkstn.

Public

Record

Exam

Intake Counter

Public Queuing 

Active

Records

Storage

Open Shared Ptr. Supervisor

3

1

13

1 1

1 1

4 4

Accessory Room

Counter Workstation

1 1

3 3

2

22

3

13

3

Evidence

Vault

Safe Mail

Secured

Record

Storage

Exhibit

Storage

3

3 4

3

3 Open Deputy

Clerks

1 1

3 1

3

3

3

3

1

3

3

1

Forms

Storage

3

3

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 10.2 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk Adjacency Relationship

Shredder

InactiveRecordsStorage

SafeCoatStorage

PublicCopier/Fax

Fax 

Bulk 

Storage 

(may be remote) 

Archival 

Storage 

Sup.

Storage 

BAP 

Attorney 

BAP 

Attorney 

Private 

Offices 

BAP 

Attorney 

Financial 

Vault 

Secr. 

Conference 

Room 

BAP 

Clerk 

Public 

Access 

Computer

Wrkstn. 

Public 

Record 

Exam 

Intake Counter 

Public Queuing 

Active 

Records 

Storage 

Open Shared Ptr. Supervisor

3 

1 

1 3 

1 1 

1 1 

4 4

Accessory Room

Counter Workstation 

1 1

3 3 

2 

22 

Shredder 

3 

1 3 

3 

Evidence 

Vault 

Safe Mail 

Secured 

Record 

Storage 

Exhibit 

Storage 

3 

3 4 

3 

3 Open Deputy

Clerks 

1 1 

3 1

3 

3 

3 

3 

Inactive Records Storage 

Safe Coat Storage 

1 

Public Copier/Fax 

3 

3 

1 

Forms 

Storage 

3 

3 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 O 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Staff

Attorney

Staff

Attorney

Staff

Attorney

Equipment

Storage

Sup.

Storage

Secured

Record

Storage Active Record

Storage

Shredder

Reception/

Waiting

Inactive

Records

Storage

Senior

Staff

Attorney

Table and

Work

Area

Copier

Staff

Attorney

Supervisory

Staff

Attorney

333

3 3

3

1

1 1

1 1

1

1

3 3 3

1

3 3

Conference

Room

3 Secr.

3

Senior

Supervisory

Staff

Attorney 3 3

Executive

Secretary

1

1

1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 10.3 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Office of the Senior Staff Attorney Adjacency Relationships 

Fax

SharedPrinter

TransferBox StorageCoatCloset

Staff 

Attorney 

Staff 

Attorney 

Staff 

Attorney 

Equipment

Storage 

Sup.

Storage 

Secured 

Record 

Storage Active Record 

Storage 

Shredder 

Reception/

Waiting 

Inactive 

Records 

Storage 

Senior 

Staff 

Attorney 

Table and 

Work 

Area 

Copier 

Staff 

Attorney 

Supervisory

Staff 

Attorney 

3 3 3 

3 3 

3 

1 

1 1 

1 1 

1 

1 

3 3 3 

1 

Fax 

3 3 

Conference 

Room 

3 

Shared Printer 

Transfer Box Storage 

Secr. 

3 

Senior 

Supervisory

Staff 

Attorney 3 3 

Executive 

Secretary 

1 

Coat Closet 1 1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

1 0 - 1 0 I O t h e r C o u r t U n i t s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Reception/

Waiting

Equipment

Storage

Sup.

Storage

Secured

Records

Storage Active Record

Storage

Secretary

Senior

Conference

Attorney

Table and

Work

Area

Copy

Conference

Attorney

333

3

1

1 1

1 1

1

1

3

3

Executive

Inactive Secretary

Records

Storage 3

1

3

1

1

1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 10.4 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney Adjacency Relationships 

CoatCloset

Shared

Printer

Shredder

Fax

Reception/

Waiting 

Equipment

Storage 

Sup.

Storage 

Secured 

Records 

Storage Active Record 

Storage 

Secretary 

Senior 

Conference 

Attorney 

Table and 

Work 

Area 

Copy 

Conference 

Attorney 

3 3 3 

3 

1 

1 1 

1 1 

1 

1 

3 

3 

Executive 

Secretary 

Shredder 

Inactive 

Records 

Storage 3 

1 

3 

1 

Fax 

1 

1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 O 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Estate

Admin.

Clerks

Estate

Admin.

Clerks

Estate

Admin.

Clerks

Records, 

Copier,

Work Room,

Storage

Estate

Analyst

Secretary

Reception/

Waiting

Admin.

Analyst

1 1

3

3

1

2

3

Conference

Room

3

Financial

Vault

Creditors

Meeting

Room

2

3

1

3

Bankruptcy

Administrator

3

1

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 10.5 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator Adjacency Relationships 

SharedPrinter

1

Fax

Estate 

Admin. 

Clerks 

Estate 

Admin. 

Clerks 

Estate 

Admin. 

Clerks 

Records, 

Copier,

Work Room, 

Storage 

Estate 

Analyst 

Secretary 

Reception/

Waiting 

Admin. 

Analyst 

1 1 

3 

3 

1 

2 

3 

Conference 

Room 

3 

Shared Printer 

Financial 

Vault 

Creditors 

Meeting

Room 

2 

3 

1 1 

Fax 

3 

Bankruptcy

Administrator 

3 

1 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

1 0 - 1 2 I O t h e r C o u r t U n i t s U . S . C o u r t 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

Copier/ 

Fax 

Attorney

Office

Attorney

Office

Reception/

Waiting

1

1

3

3

3

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 10.6 

Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se 

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service 

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff 

P 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

S 

R 

F 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way 

Office of the Federal Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite Adjacency Relationsh

Copier/

Fax 

Attorney

Office 

Attorney

Office 

Reception/

Waiting 

1 

1 

3 

3 

3 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

Federal Defender trial preparation areas may not exceed a total of 450 occupiable square feet.

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 O 
This chapter applies to common building and 

court support spaces, including shared judges’ conference rooms, judges’ dining areas news media rooms, guidance on space for alternative dispute resolution proceedings, mail and package screening areas, central mail facilities, bulk and archival storage, and communications (telecommunications and data) distribution rooms. It describes functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and contains an adjacency diagram. 

COMMON BUILDING SPACES 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below relate specifically to this chapter.  “AnyCourt” (Program of Requirements), the judiciary’s 

automated space-planning tool used to provide a court’s space program of requirements. 

 Courtroom Technology Manual  Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and 

Support Space Manual (also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management Group Engineering Engineering and Architectural, most current edition 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and 

Support Space Manual (also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and Hardware, most current edition 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and 

Support Space Manual (also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications, most current edition 

 United States Courts, 

Manual: An Architec

current edition 

Functions and Acti

f Shared Judges’ Conf

Shared judges’ conference rotraining sessions, and other fucourt. Circuit judges cothese spaces. One shared conference room courts present in the courmagistrate), and bankruptcy. 

f Judges’ Dining Area 

A judges’ dining area shall Services Administration (Gbuilding and shall be locacafeteria. The room provides cafeteria to ensure judgesproceedings are not comproma member of the public, jury, 

f News Media Room 

Reporters use the news media report on court matters. The facility for all courts. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o m m o n 
f Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Proceeding 

ADR proceedings will be accommodated in unoccupied courtrooms and related attorney/witness rooms, trial jury deliberation rooms, or other available conference rooms. 

f Mail and Package Screening Area 

Adequate space must be provided adjacent to the loading dock or delivery entrance for secure, safe, and efficient screening of all mail and packages delivered to the courthouse. 

f Central Mail Facility 

The central mail facility is designed to provide a safe location for opening and sorting mail in a contained environment. If a contamination occurs, the mail room is designed to prevent the spread of the threat agent throughout the building. However, all court units housed in the courthouse must agree to open and sort their mail and packages in the central mail facility or the function of the mail facility will be compromised. In a courthouse with U.S. Attorneys or other government agency, separate mail facilities may be required; however, all should be designed to contain a threat agent from spreading throughout the building. 

f Bulk and Archival Storage 

Space shall be provided adjacent to the loading dock for secure storage of office or related equipment, supplies, and furniture. 

f Communications (Telecommunications and Data) 

Distribution Room 

A secured-entrance room is required to house equipment from both telecommunications and data service providers and the demarcation point. A separate main distribution frame (MDF) room and telephone switch room (or area if located in the MDF room) shall be centrally located to maintain recommended cabling distances and may include a cross-connect for an adjacent equipment distribution area. 

Telecommunications requirements are based on the requirements must provide flexibility for future telecommunications system. Within the communications distribution room, a horirequired for horizontal cross-connects from the distributequipment distribution area. In addition, a zone floor diststructured cabling for the floor-standing equipment, and area is required to place equipment cabinets and racdissipate heat from electronics. 

Users and Capacities Users vary according to the size of the courthouse; the tythe number of maintenance staff, service company/agencthe purposes of certain references in this Desigdesignations apply:A small courthouse has 5 or fewer courtrooms.A medium courthouse has 6 to 12 courtrooms.A large courthouse has more than 12 courtrooms. Shared Judges’ Conference Room. The primary users are number of users varies with the size of the court and the nJudges’ Dining Area. The number of users varies accordias noted in the program of requirements. News Media Room. The number of users varies, of requirements. 

1 1 - 2 I C o m m o n B u i l d i n g S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
Design Requirements 

f General Design Elements 

Building support functions described in this chapter are limited to court-occupied spaces. Many of these areas are related functionally and spatially to general building support areas such as loading docks; refuse areas; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and elevator service rooms; and so on. Supporting documents should be referred to for detailed spatial requirements and design criteria. 

f Ceiling Height 

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be a uniformly flat, neutral plane, or it may have two or more planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall. In situations where there are several different surfaces at play at different heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one(s) is the dominant plane. It is recommended that ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the principal surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team must ensure that at no point should the finished ceiling exceed the maximum ceiling height standards set forth in the Design Guide or 

GSA P-100. Ceiling heights shall be in accordance with the standard set forth in GSA P-100 except as noted below. Shared Judges’ Conference Room 10 feet (3,000 mm) Judges’ Dining Area 10 feet (3,000 mm) Ceiling heights that exceed the maximum height are considered an exception and will require Judicial Conference approval. 

f Central Mail Facility 

The design of a central mail facility provides physthe transmittal of biological agents through the include the central mail facility’s location, finishseparation should be planned at the design stage. A central mail facility should be constructed for sorting, and distribution. This joint-use facility distribution and mail sorting facilities within court uand non-judiciary) agree to use a central mail facilithe design team shall refer to GSA’s Facilities StaService (P-100) for size and design specificatioconsidered to be building joint-use space, worganizations’ pro rata share of the facility. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o m m o n 
Table 11.1 

Space and Ceiling Requirements for Common Building Spaces 

SIZE

SPACES NSF (Nm2) 

SHARED JUDGES’ CONFERENCE ROOMS1 Minimum 200 (18.6) Maximum 600 (55.7) JUDGES’ DINING AREA2 Minimum 200 (18.6) Maximum 300 (27.8) NEWS MEDIA ROOM Small Courthouse (5 or less courtrooms) 150 (13.9)  Medium Courthouse (6 to 12 courtrooms) 250 (23.2)  Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) 450 (37.1) CENTRAL MAIL FACILITY3 GSA P-100 Small/Medium Courthouse (12 or less courtrooms) 880 (81.7) 

GSA P-100 Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) 1,100 (102.1) 

DELIVERY, DISPOSAL, AND STORAGE AREAS 

See Building Program/ Loading Dock GSA P-100 See Building Program/ Temporary Storage GSA P-100 See Building Program/ Archival Storage Areas AnyCourt See Judicial Security Systems Requirements 

Mail- and Package-Screening Stations and Specifications. 

USMS Volume III Publication 64 

1 1 - 4 I C o m m o n B u i l d i n g S p a c e s 

SPACES 

EQUIPMENT ROOMS AND RISERS 

Telephone Switchroom Communications Server Room  Small Courthouse (5 or less courtrooms)  Medium Courthouse (6 to 12 courtrooms)  Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) Telecommunications Closets4 

CEILING HEIGHTS 

Shared Judges’ Conference Room Judges’ Dining Area New Media Room Central Mail Facility Delivery, Disposal and Storage Equipment Room and Risers 

1 Conference Room at 100 NSF (9.2 Nm2) plus 25 NSF/judge (2.

allocation for minimum and maximum is inclusive of 20 NSF (

2 Dining area allocation is 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per judge plus 20 N

minimum allocation is 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2) and the maximum 

Nm2) inclusive of the service unit. 

3 Areas given are exclusive of the mail- and package-screening a

one Central Mail Facility is funded for new construction. 

4 The space allocation for Telecommunications Closets is 110 NS

NSF (930 Nm2) of program area. 

U.S. C o u r t 
Adjacency and Circulation 

Public access must be provided for vendors and other service providers. Delivery personnel must enter the building through the loading dock area after first notifying the appropriate personnel. Reference Figure 11.1 for adjacencies. 

f Shared Judges’ Conference Room 

The shared judges’ conference room shall be in a central location to allow access for all judges. The conference room must be accessible from the courtroom by restricted circulation or a controlled reception area. 

f Judges’ Dining Area 

The dining area must be placed adjacent to the cafeteria. 

f News Media Room 

The news media room shall be placed on the ground floor or adjacent to a courtroom. The room must be accessed only from public circulation. 

f Central Mail Facility 

The mail room should be located adjacent to the loading dock on an exterior wall. 

f Bulk and Archival Storage 

Equipment, furniture, and court or tenant storage must be accessed from restricted circulation and conveniently located near the loading dock and service elevator to allow for easy movement of materials throughout the building. In the archival storage area, each court-related office must have access only to its assigned space, as this area houses case records, administrative files, and other confidential materials. 

f Communications Distribution Rooms 

To prevent vandalism, access to communications distribution rooms must be strictly controlled, especially when the rooms are located on public corridors. The switch room or area within the main communications distribution room must be secured with controlled access. U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 C o m m o n 
S

R

P

F

S

R

P

F

R

F

Key toto Sy Sy mbols Figure 11.1 

Common Building Support Spaces Adjacency Relationships Public Circublic Circulation 

Restricted Circu Circu lation 

Secure Circul Circul ation 

1 Unscreened PP ublic Access 2 Screened Public Access 

Screened PP ublic Access, 

locked ww hen no no t in uu se

3 

1 Restricted Acc Acc ess, Uncontrolled 

2 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Remote Ac Ac cess CC ontrol

3 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Direct AA ccess Co Co ntrol/Keylock

4 Restricted Acc Acc ess, 

Counter/Window Service

P Privacy Lock 

1 Secure Acc Acc ess, Authorized SS taff 2 Secure AA ccess, 

Prisoner/Security SS taff

S 

R 

P 

F 

Circulation/Access CC ontrol Po Po int Public Vertical Circulation 

Restricted VV ertical Crtical Circulation 

Note: Locate communications eqwall closest to communication ser

Secure VV ertical Circulal Circulation 

Loading

Dock 

Central 

Mail 

Facility 

R 

F 

Storage

Areas 

Communications 

(Telecom 

and Data)

Distribution 

Room 

1 1 

3 

3 3

1 

22 

number of spaces shown on the aonly as an illustration; the actual na specific facility is determined in 

Freight Vertical Circulal Circulation 

Direct Visual AA ccess, OO ne-Way 

Direct Visual AA ccess, TT wo-Way Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration. 

1 1 - 6 I C o m m o n B u i l d i n g S p a c e s U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter addresses tenant improvements 

(interior finishes and millwork) and furnishings for all areas of the courthouse. GSA P-100 finishes shall be applied wherever requirements are not addressed in this chapter. 

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS AND FURN

Introduction Tenant improvements are the finishes and fixtures that typically take a space from the “shell” condition to a finished, usable condition. The tenant improvement allowance is the funding source provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) that enables the space to be built out to meet the court’s specific requirements. There are two components in the tenant improvement allowance: general and customization. The general tenant improvement allowance takes the unfinished shell to the standard GSA level of finish for office space. The customization allowance provides funding to meet court specific requirements.  Tenant Improvements – Interior Finishes. The finish section 

of this chapter includes the judiciary’s requirements and GSA P-100 finish levels. 

 Tenant Improvements – Millwork. The millwork section of 

this chapter addresses millwork, doors, and some furniture items that are built into and procured as part of the GSA construction process. 

 Furnishings. The Design Guide identifies furnishings 

provided by the GSA as well as some loose furnishings that are funded by the judiciary. Furnishings are itemized in the Design Guide for the purpose of assisting designers during the conceptual design and the coordination of electrical requirements. 

Supporting DocumeA comprehensive guide to found in Chapter 2, “CBudgetary Considerations.” Tdesign criteria, courthouse ppolicies, and information on construction of federal coubelow relate specifically to th Facilities Standards for 

(GSA P-100) 

 Guide to Judiciary Polic

“Property Management an

 Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual Publication 64), Volume Group Engineering Engincurrent edition 

 Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual Publication 64), Volume Hardware, most current e

 Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual Publication 64), Volume Requirements and Specific

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Tenant Improvements 
 United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition 

Programming and Budgetary Notes 

f Appropriate Level of Millwork and Finishes 

Tenant improvements such as millwork and finishes in the interior of the courthouse must reflect the seriousness of the judicial mandate and the dignity of the judicial system. To this end, the finishes, millwork, and furnishings selected for a courthouse facility must express solemnity, integrity, rigor, and fairness. Any action taken by a court or circuit judicial council that would lead to extravagance in courthouse construction or renovation is prohibited; however, the Judicial Conference of the United States recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that courthouses will last well into the future. Colors should be subdued and complement the natural materials used in the design. The materials employed must be consistently applied and durable, and must invoke a sense of permanence. Products with sustainable characteristics (i.e., regionally produced, natural, recycled content, and recyclable) should be utilized but must still meet the other criteria established for product selection. The selection of finish materials must be appropriate for the specific space uses and compatible with the project budget. A limited palette of finishes that responds to construction cost limitations, optimizes life-cycle costs, and satisfies functional requirements should be selected for each project. The use of exotic woods is prohibited. Maintenance costs and other life-cycle costs of finish materials must be considered. 

Tenant Improvements – InterThis section includes information on finish materials and use of finishes. The finish schedule, Table 12.1, shselections for special-use areas of the courthouse. The tawhat can be provided within the tenant improvement budFinish Materials When selecting any courthouse finish, the following must  Finishes represent a standard or benchmark of du

sustainability and are not intended to dictate or treatments. 

 Finishes selected must meet the most stringent codes 

governed. Standards referred to shall be the most curinternational, federal, or local code authorities. 

 Accepted industry standards for products and inst

conditions, use, and substrate shall be utilized for the of all materials. 

f Floors 

Carpet (CPT) and Carpet Tile (CPTT) Carpet shall be commsoil-hiding characteristics. The product shall have a memethod utilized must have dye lots adequate to meet obacking system, with the recommended installation methwarranted for use over access flooring and capable of beiand reinstalled. Long-term appearance retention ratings 2.5 for moderate traffic levels, 3.0 for heavy traffic, and 3Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) appearance retention ratiof loop pile carpets shall be 20 pounds for heavy and seve

12-2 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
All carpet shall have a minimum density of 4,000 threads per inch and a quickrelease backing for access to raised flooring, and shall adhere to the CRI’s 

appearance retention rating guidelines for foot traffic per ASTM-5252 Hexapad as outlined in the following spaces:  Public Spaces – Severe 3.5–4 (Chapter 3)  Courtrooms and Associated Spaces – Heavy 3.0–3.5 (Chapter 4)  Jury Facilities – Moderate 2.5–3.0 (Chapter 5)  Judges’ Chambers Suites – Moderate 2.5–3.0 (Chapter 6)  Central Court Libraries – Heavy 3.0–3.5 (Chapter 7)  Clerk’s Office – Heavy 3.0–3.5 (Chapter 8)  Other Court Units – Heavy 3.0–3.5 (Chapters 9 and 10) Ceramic Tile (CT). Use ceramic tile floor that meets ANSI A137.1 specifications for ceramic tile, installed using Tile Council of America Handbook methods; thin-set waterproof mastic method F122 is a preferred method if appropriate for the substrate and product selected. Vinyl Inset Tile (VIT). Use the raised flooring system manufacturer’s vinyl tile or a similar finish for high traffic areas (e.g., copier and file rooms). VIT flooring for central mail facilities minimizes the contamination of the underfloor system during a biochemical incident. This system should also be used for the probation and pretrial services office urinalysis lab. 

f Bases 

Ceramic Tile (CT). Provide a ceramic tile base that is 4 inches (100 mm) high, with a sanitary cove and a bull nose top, meeting ANSI A137.1 specifications for ceramic tile, installed using Tile Council of America Handbook methods. Thin-set waterproof mastic method F122 is a preferred method if appropriate for the substrate and the product selected. In addition, the system shall have tile trim pieces on corners and edges. Vinyl or Rubber Base (V/RB). The vinyl or rubber base shall be a minimum of 4 inches (100 mm) in height. The profile of the base shall be appropriate for the flooring material and flooring installation method. The selection should allow the replacement 

of the flooring material without necessitating replacetimeless color should be considered to reflect the pone generation of flooring. Use a straight base winoncarpet floors. Wood Base (WDB). All wood bases shall be solid hashall be fabricated and installed in compliance wiInstitute (AWI) premium-grade standards. The wood and a clear sealer. Minimize the variety of wood spemaintenance of the initial project budget and long-tConvention on International Trade in Endangered Swood species is prohibited in courthouse projects. 

f Walls 

Acoustic Fabric Wrapped Panel (AFWP). Sound-absofor courtrooms and other sound-sensitive areas. Fabric Wall Covering (FWC). Fabric wall coverings mbuilding walls. Paint (PNT) (over gypsum board). Paints shall be (VOC) products. The paint finish shall be determinscrubbable to the extent that is considered current be Paint 1 (PNT1). Latex with eggshell finish. Pr

otherwise. 

 Paint 2 (PNT2). Latex with semigloss finish. To 

service units and restroom wet walls. 

 Paint 3 (PNT3). Water-based catalyzed epoxy or 

urinalysis lab. 

Ceramic Wall Tile (CWT). Three feet above the finispaint above for toilets. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Tenant Improvements 
Wood (WD). All wood used in courthouses shall be fabricated and installed in 

compliance with AWI standards. Wood shall be finished with stain and a clear sealer. Minimize the variety of wood species on the project to support the maintenance of the initial project budget and optimize long-term life-cycle costs. The use of CITESlisted threatened wood species is prohibited in courthouse projects.  Paneling (Pln) and Wainscot (Wnst). AWI premium-grade hardwood veneer.  Architectural Trim (chair rail, crown molding, pilasters, and partial column 

surrounds). Use AWI premium-grade solid hardwood decorative moldings. Trim and decorative moldings include but are not limited to base, chair rail, crown and panel molds, caps, moldings, and pilasters, as required for design. 

f Ceilings 

Acoustic Ceiling Tile (ACT). Lay-in acoustic tile systems must support both the design intent and the functional requirements of the spaces in which they are used. Functional requirements include but are not limited to the acoustic requirements of the space, lighting sources and needs, and above-ceiling access requirements. The specification details of the product should be selected to support long-term durability, with special consideration given where local environmental conditions or space uses might impact the product. Paint (PNT) (over gypsum board). Paints shall be low-VOC products. The paint finish shall be determined by the space use and shall be scrubbable to the extent considered current best practice.  Paint 1 (PNT1). Latex with eggshell finish 

 Paint 2 (PNT2). Latex with semigloss finish Acoustic Plaster (AP). Acoustic plaster finish is a sound-rated interior spray-applied 

texture finish for ceilings and other noncontact surfaces. It is intended for use over base-coat plaster, concrete, metal decks, and gypsum panels. 

Design Requirements for Finishes The selection of finishes for each project must address construction costs, life-cycle costs, and maintainability oeach construction project’s budget must be maintained, priority when selecting project finishes. Life-cycle cost are not limited to reducing maintenance issues and durability, and maximizing the long-term appearance reLimiting the number of different products selected can mmore affordable while also limiting maintenance procedtaken in selecting materials for points where routine use soil materials, such as in electrical switch-plate locations. Below are requirements that apply to the selectiothe courthouse:  A palette of finishes for each space type in the court

must be consistently applied throughout the courthocan have variations in color and texture but the overathe interior architecture. Once a palette of finishes palette shall be made the standard for the courthoand alterations. 

 Equivalent spaces shall utilize the same finishes.  Finishes selected must consider light reflectance (lum Acoustic treatment, detailing, or material must be pr

noise criteria specified in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.” 

 Where access to infrastructure maintenance is ab

finished ceiling assemblies should be used. Other soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals, should integrate heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (Hsystems into a harmonious design. 

12-4 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
 Where access to the electrical system, low-voltage systems (communications and 

audiovisual systems), and HVAC installed within the raised access flooring requires upgrades or maintenance, the raised access flooring finish must be easily removed and reinstalled without the additional expense of full removal and replacement of the finish. Refer to the section on floor finishes. 

f Public Spaces 

The interior architecture of public spaces in the courthouse should reflect a civic presence. Elevator lobbies on floors housing courts must be considered an extension of the main public lobby spaces. Similarly, for floors currently not housing courts but designated for court occupancy to meet future growth requirements, public and elevator lobbies must be designed with the proper physical structure and dimensions so that equivalent finish levels can be added. All finishes must be compatible with the overall architectural characteristics of the building. Some designs for public spaces utilize a uniform palette of materials and finishes throughout the length of the procession, with minimal or no variations from inside the lobby to the doors of the courtroom. Alternative approaches involve changing materials and finishes from one segment of the procession to the next. Other design requirements include the following:  The materials and finishes must be able to stand up to heavy use and frequent 

cleaning with cleaning solutions and maintenance equipment. 

 Hard, non-sound-absorptive surfaces in public areas, in particular in the main 

building entrances and atrium, introduce clamorous acoustics that detract from decorum and are fatiguing to security personnel at the screening station. The design of the public spaces should mitigate acoustic problems. 

f Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 

Courtrooms. Finishes in the courtroom must reflect the seriousness and promote the dignity of court proceedings. Finishes are an integral part of the courtroom’s architectural design. The materials and colors must be consistent with the overall quality of that design. 

The following specific requirements apply to courtro Decorative moldings include base, chair rail, c

other moldings. Trim and molding may be used design or existing building design details. 

 Since walls are the primary surface for acoustic 

design must consider the need and optimize the diffusing, and/or reflecting surfaces. 

 Ceilings are another primary sound-reflection sur

useful early reflection to all parties within the shall be sound-reflecting gypsum board or similcase basis, some limited sound-absorbing treatceiling in order to meet the acoustic standardsdesign. Ceiling finishes can be more pronouncewith lower ceilings. 

Attorney Work Rooms and Attorney/Witness Rmaintenance, and the wall design must consider lighceiling must provide sound absorption and attenuatilight reflection, and floors must be carpeted fobe provided in attorney/witness rooms. News Media Room. Select carpet for this space in ordstains, and retain appearance under the rolling traffic 

f Jury Facilities 

Jury Assembly Area. Furnishings and finishes musservice. Prospective jurors should be provided witwhich to carry out their jury service. 

f Judges’ Chambers Suites 

The finishes in judges’ chambers suites should recourtroom; chambers should be viewed as an extensi

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
The following specific requirements apply to judges’ chambers: 

 The application of paneling must be limited to wainscot and accent details to 

achieve the desired design objective. 

 Trim and molding may be used in the space as dictated by the design or existing 

building design detailing. 

 The degree of acoustic privacy specified in Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” for 

chambers, conference rooms, and support offices must be considered in the selection of wall construction and finishes. 

f Central Court Libraries 

The following finish requirements shall be addressed when selecting central court libraries’ finishes:  Outside corners of walls must be protected to prevent damage by book carts.  Coffered ceilings shall be avoided.  The carpet selected for the library must be able to accommodate heavy traffic and 

rolling book carts. 

 Storage and work areas must have water- and mar-resistant floor finishes. The 

design team should consider using vinyl composition tile. 

f Clerk’s Office 

Public areas of the clerk’s office must be provided with durable finishes compatible with the design style of the courthouse’s public areas. 

f Probation and Pretrial Services Offices 

Urinalysis Testing Lab, Sample Collection, and Supply Stoshall be water-based catalyzed epoxy paint or another material. The floor finish shall be vinyl inset tile. 

f Shared Building Spaces 

Central Mail Facility. Finishes shall be easy to clean and derooms must be water-resistant gypsum board finished epoxy paint. The floor finish shall be vinyl inset tile. Ceil

1 2 - 6 I T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s a n d F u r n i s h i n g s U . S . C o u r t 
Sample Finish Schedule Table 12.1 

Table 12.1 shows an example of finish Sample Finish Schedule selections for a U.S. courthouse. The sample is from a successful federal SPACES FINISHES courthouse project that was designed and 

COURTROOMS

FLOOR BASE WALLS 

constructed within the tenant 

Stained wood ve

improvement (TI) construction budget paneling flanked allotment. The schedule shows a range of 

CPT 

Stained WDB above wood ven

wainscot w/ arch

finishes to meet aesthetic quality trim expectations and project constraints. These finish schedules should not be 

Side: Painted GB wood veneer waw/ architectural tr

considered to be prescriptive. The design team must develop a finish schedule that 

Back: AFWP abowood veneer waw/ architectural tr

complements and maintains the integrity of the building’s architectural design and JUDGE’S CHAMBERS OFFICEstyle while meeting the project’s quality requirements and cost limitations. Consult 

CPT 

Stained WDB FWC above woo

veneer wainscot 

with the Administrative Office of the JUDGES’ CONFERENCE/REFERENCE ROOM U.S. Courts. 

CPT 

Stained WDB FWC above woo

veneer wainscot 

TOILET

CT wainscot to 3

CT 

CT AFF on wet wall 

PNT on all other 

RECEPTION AREA CPT Stained WDB FWC above woo

veneer wainscot 

JUDICIAL ASSISTANT OFFICE CPT Stained WDB FWC above woo

veneer wainscot 

LAW CLERK OFFICE 

CPT Stained WDB PNT 

FAX/COPY/WORK ROOM VCT V/RB PNT 

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITES 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Table 12.1 

Sample Finish Schedule (cont’d) 

SPACES FINISHES 

FLOOR BASE WALLS 

SERVICE AREA VCT V/RB PNT CHAMBER CORRIDOR CPT Stained WDB FWC/PNT 

COURTROOM DEPUTY OFFICE CPT V/RB PNT STORAGE/CLOSET CPT V/RB PNT 

ASSOCIATED SPACES ATTORNEY/WITNESS ROOM 

CPT Stained WDB Side: Painted GB abo

wood veneer wainscot Back: AFWP above wood veneer wainscot 

JUDGES’ CONFERENCE/ROBING ROOM CPT Stained WDB FWC above wood veneer wainscot 

SOUNDLOCK CPT Stained WDB PNT 

ATTORNEY WORK ROOM 

CPT Straight Rubber Base FWC 

APPELLATE ROBING ROOM CPT Stained WDB FWC w/ architectural trim TRIAL JURY SUITE 

CPT V/RB FWC/PNT 

GRAND JURY SUITE 

CPT V/RB FWC/PNT 

JURORS’ TOILET CT 

CT PNT 

12-8 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
Table 12.1 

Sample Finish Schedule (cont’d) 

SPACES FINISHES 

FLOOR BASE WALLS 

OTHER COURT UNITS AND SPECIAL FACILITIES SHARED JUDGES’ CONFERENCE ROOM 

CPT Stained WDB Chair rail & FWC 

CIRCUIT EXECUTIVE PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT Stained WDB Chair rail & FWC 

SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT Stained WDB Chair rail & FWC 

CLERK OF COURT PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT Stained WDB Chair rail & FWC 

CHIEF PROBATION/PRETRIAL SERVICES PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT Stained WDB Chair rail & FWC 

CIRCUIT LIBRARIAN PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT V/RB Chair rail & FWC 

STACK AREA CPT 

V/RB PNT 

BANKRUPTCY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 

CPT V/RB Chair rail & FWC 

CONFERENCE ATTORNEY PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT V/RB Chair rail & FWC 

DISTRICT COURT EXECUTIVE PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT V/RB Chair rail & FWC 

BANKRUPTCY/APPELLATE CLERK PRIVATE OFFICE 

CPT V/RB Chair rail & FWC 

PROBATION URINALYSIS LABORATORY VIT V/RB PNT ACT - Acoustic Tile Ceiling AFWP - Acoustic Fabric Wrapped Panel CPT - Carpet CT - Ceramic Tile 

FWC - Fabric Wall Covering GB - Gypsum Board PNT - Paint 1: Latex eggshell finish VCT - Vinyl Composition Tile V/RB - Vinyl Base/Rubber Base 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Tenant Improvements – Millwork 

This section is intended to provide requirements for the overall quality and amounts of millwork in the courthouse. This section addresses funding responsibilities, materials, and design requirements and includes a schedule (Table 12.2) indicating the millwork in each type of space in the courthouse. For specific information on station plans, sections, details, and dimensions refer United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference. Information on the layout of millwork within particular types of spaces is addressed in the space chapters of this document. Refer to Chapters 14-16 for acoustics, building systems, and security requirements that must be addressed in the construction of millwork. Millwork Funding Responsibilities All costs for millwork described in this section, including the movable attorney/prosecutor lectern and attorney/litigant tables, shall be funded out of the construction project. This does not include the evidence presentation cart. Any movable items included below must be constructed as part of the millwork to ensure continuity of veneer type, stain, and style. Materials Requirements Millwork for courtrooms, courtroom associated spaces, and judges’ chambers suites shall be constructed to AWI standards for premium-grade millwork. The millwork in all other courthouse spaces shall be constructed to AWI standards for premiumgrade millwork. Design Requirements for Millwork 

f All Spaces 

Many components of building systems and security are integrated into millwork and must be able to be serviced, upgraded, or replaced over the life cycle of the courthouse. Millwork pieces must be designed to incorporate these requirements. 

Refer to Chapter 4, “Courtrooms and Associated Spacproximity, and sight-line requirements. Refer to Chacoustic requirements; Chapter 15, “Building Systemrequirements; and Chapter 16, “Building Security,” Consult with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts 

f Recurring Millwork Items 

Millwork items listed below are used in multiple courthouse. Doors. All courthouse doors are to be hardwood-venesecurity requirements for a particular entry cannot be mWood doors shall be finished with stain and a clear sealesolid hardwood door jambs, stops, and casings. Where doors are a part of soundlocks, the doors should band finished with an absorptive finish. Use of sidelights at office doors should be considered focan be accommodated within the project’s TI allowance. All central mail room doors should be metal with a glawide by 25 inches (625 mm) long for a vision panel, an around the edges. Service Units. Service units shall be standard-size plastiwall-mounted cabinets and countertops with an integral Intermediate shelves shall be provided in both upper and the sink, one drawer minimum should be provided for foother supplies. Units shall be laid out to accommodate somicrowave oven, a sink, a coffeemaker, and a refrigerschedule to determine which appliances are required imounted shelving unit above the sink area to accommodabe provided as an option. A service unit in the judgeen banc courtroom shall be custom-grade wood. 

12-10 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
f Courtrooms 

Millwork is an integral part of courtroom design. The durability, functionality, and quality of the millwork must reflect and complement the aesthetics and dignity of the courtroom. The relative heights of furniture and the dimensions of work surfaces are critical to efficient courtroom operation. A very significant element of courthouse design is the accessibility to justice. For this reason, accessibility of courtrooms is a requirement for the design and construction of courtroom millwork. Audiovisual equipment, including mobile video monitors and cameras, projectors, and audio recording/playback equipment used in the courtroom, must be accommodated in storage built into walls or courtroom furniture. A consistent wood veneer finish must be used for all millwork in the courtrooms. Seated work surface heights in the courtrooms shall be consistent within and between courtrooms. The height of the seated work surface shall be determined with the court’s approval and shall be 28 to 30 inches (700–750 mm). The judge’s bench, as well as the courtroom deputy and court reporter stations, must accommodate audio-system electronic sound-recording equipment and electronic data devices (computers or terminals), with the necessary openings in the work surfaces drilled or cored to accommodate cabling and fitted with grommets sized to the openings. Judges’ Benches. The height and area of the judge’s bench expresses the role of the judge and facilitates control of the court. Generally, the judge’s bench should be elevated three to four steps (21–24 inches or 525–600 mm) above the courtroom well. An additional step is recommended in larger appellate courtrooms. The bench work surface must be approximately 28–30 inches (725–750 mm) above the floor level of the judge’s station (i.e., normal desk height) and 30 inches (775 mm) deep. Space is provided for a computer that does not obstruct essential sight lines. Each judge shall be provided with a lockable drawer for writing instruments and paper (legal size), and 6 linear feet (91,830 mm) of shelf space. 

Because the circuit judges sit en banc or in panels, tharound the work surfaces. The cap holds papers awithout obstructing the judge’s view. Circuit judgeangled to allow judges to see one another. Courtroom Deputy Clerk’s Station. A corner or side wa computer and any other equipment used by deequipment may be built in to the station or otheraccommodation must be lockable to prevent tampefor a printer with sound isolation may be required. In district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judge courtrojudge’s bench and the courtroom deputy can be profor the convenient and inconspicuous transfer of case The station must accommodate the following storage Two built-in file drawers, each a minimum of 2

accommodate both letter- and legal-sized files 

 A lockable drawer for writing instruments and pa Storage for AV equipment supplies  An adjustable shelf in the station a minimum of 

inches (925 mm) long for different sized exhibits 

Evidence Cabinet (District and Magistrate Judges

magistrate judge courtrooms, a securable cabinet mclerk’s station for letter- or legal-sized documents or Witness Box (District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy 

level of the witness box must be two steps (12 incheA ramp shall be provided into the witness box, w

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Tenant Improvements 
prevent chairs from rolling off. A deep, fixed shelf must be provided for the witness 

to receive, examine, and return exhibits. When needed, a fully enclosed witness box (with gate access) shall be provided to contain witnesses in custody. The witness chair may be a fixed swivel chair, movable along a floor track or retractable, or a chair that is movable. The witness box must be large enough to accommodate a movable interpreter’s chair when needed. The witness box may be movable to accommodate different types of proceedings and the preferences of the presiding judge. Jury Box (District and Magistrate Judges’ Courtrooms). Fixed-base rocking swivel armchairs shall be provided in the jury box. Chairs shall be selected to fit in the allowed space without the chair arms colliding when the chairs swivel. A fixed shelf for exhibits can be designed as an integral part of the jury box. Law Clerk Station. A work surface a minimum of 24 inches (600 mm) deep by 60 inches (1,525 mm) wide should be provided at desk height. Where more than one law clerk occupies a station, each clerk should be allocated a work surface area a minimum of 30 inches (775 mm) wide. Where a computer is used, a corner or side work surface should be provided that is sized to support a computer. The computer should be ergonomically placed for the clerk’s comfort without obstructing essential sight lines. The front of the work surface must have a rail or barrier a minimum of 4 inches (100 mm) high around the top to prevent paper and materials from falling to the floor. Two 20-inch (500-mm) deep file drawers should be provided to accommodate both letter- and legal-size files. Lockable storage drawers should be provided to accommodate writing implements and legal pads. In district, magistrate, or bankruptcy judges’ courtrooms, a pass-through between the judge’s bench and the law clerk station can be provided to allow for the convenient and inconspicuous transfer of documents and messages. Bailiff Station (Appellate). A work surface 24 inches (600 mm) deep and 60 inches (1,525 mm) wide must be provided at desk height. Where a computer is used, a 

corner or side work surface should be provided that is sLockable storage drawers should be provided to accomand legal pads. Court Reporter/Recorder. Some court reporting/recording surface as part of the station. Work surfaces shoulrequirements of the specific technologies used. The wmodesty panel. A lockable, built-in cabinet must be provided for stenogrof an electrical outlet in the cabinet should be considered stenographic equipment to be charged while in storage. Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/so that it can be rearranged easily to suit each court reporRecording Equipment Cabinet. A cabinet with an adjustabbe provided. The drawer should be at least six 6 inches (The cabinet should be provided in a location convenient the recording equipment. Attorney and Litigant Tables (Movable). Each attorney/litigsurface a minimum of 42 inches (1,075 mm) deep and 8allowing at least two linear feet per person. A modesty around each attorney/litigant table that is sufficient to shcustody defendants when they are manacled in the coumm) deep file drawers should be provided to accommodafiles. Lockable storage drawers should be provided implements and legal pads. Attorney and Litigant Lectern. A fixed and/or movable, hebe provided for attorneys. Lectern controls must be lmotion of persons with disabilities and should incorporate In appellate courtrooms, the lectern may be fixed and muto notify attorneys of the time remaining for argument. 

12-12 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
Spectator Seating. Benches or fixed chairs must be provided. A millwork rail divides 

the wall and spectator area. The rail can have an accessible gate, at least 32 inches (815 mm) wide, to admit attorneys, witnesses, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) personnel, and other authorized persons into the well. This rail is optional in bankruptcy courtrooms. Some courts have opted not to have the gate. Displays. If needed by the court, ceiling-mounted audiovisual screens are a part of a separate audiovisual budget. A wall-mounted writing/display/projection surface should be provided and should be built into a wall (preferred), or it can be portable. Each display shall be 72 inches (183 mm) high, 60 inches (152 mm) wide, and 48 inches (122 mm) above the courtroom well level. The boards can be integrated into the courtroom design by a flush swivel-mount display system including doors that are finished in the same material as the surrounding wall. White magnetic dry-marker boards shall be provided for charting, drawing, and holding paper exhibits, together with tackboard for holding exhibits. Storage shall be provided for an adequate supply of magnetic strips, markers, and cleaning cloths. Monitors and other means of electronic display can be substituted in consultation with the court. 

f Associated Spaces 

Public Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas serve as extensions of public lobby and circulation areas adjacent to courtrooms; therefore, the millwork utilized for these spaces must be consistent with that of the spaces they adjoin. 

f Judges’ Chambers Suites 

Millwork, such as fixed bookcases with adjustable shelving, within a judge’s chambers should have a similar design quality to that of the courtroom interiors. 

f Central Court Libraries 

Circulation/Reference Areas. The circulation/reference desk must be designed to accommodate new technologies, including computers, modems, and printers; online computerized library catalog (OCLC) terminals; public access CD-ROM stations; printers; and a fax machine. 

f Clerk’s Office 

Counter. A glass security window that complies wPublication 64 shall be installed above the transact“Clerk’s Office,” for details on the size of the transac

f Probation and Pretrial Services Offices 

Counter/Screening. A glass security window that coUSMS Publication 64 shall be installed above the co

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Millwork Table Table 12.2 

Table 12.2 provides the design team with Millwork the requirements for millwork in courtrooms, service units, and toilet SPACE AND MILLWORK CAPACITY NOTES facilities and other areas of the courthouse. 

COURTROOMS AND ASSOCIATED SPACES APPELLATE EN BANC COURTROOM Judges’ Bench Multiple Deputy Clerk Station 1–2 Recording Equipment Cabinet N/A Law Clerk Station 3 Bailiff Station (optional) Lectern (fixed or movable) Spectator Seating APPELLATE PANEL COURTROOM Judges’ Bench Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station Recording Equipment Cabinet Law Clerk Station 

1 

N/A 

144 & 4 wheelchair spaces 

3 

1–2 

N/A 

3 

Accommodate a clock/timer, a microphone, and 

Bailiff Station (optional) Lectern (fixed or movable) Spectator Seating DISTRICT JUDGE COURTROOM Judge’s Bench Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station Evidence Cabinet Court Reporter/Recorder Station Recording Equipment Cabinet Law Clerk Station Witness Box 

1 

N/A 

74 & 4 wheelchair spaces 

1 

1–2 

N/A 

1 

N/A 

1 

1–2 

Accommodate a clock/timer, a microphone, and 

Jury Box 16 Lectern (movable) N/A Accommodate a microphone and task lighting 

Spectator Seating 65 & 4 wheelchair spaces DISTRICT SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS COURTROOM Judges’ Bench 1–3 Deputy Clerk Station 1–2 Evidence Cabinet N/A Court Reporter/Recorder Station 1 Recording Equipment Cabinet N/A Law Clerk Station 1 

12-14 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
Table 12.2 

Millwork (cont’d) 

SPACE AND MILLWORK 

Witness Box Jury Box 

CAPACITY 

1–2 

18 

NOTES 

Lectern (movable) N/A Accommodate a microphone and task ligh

Spectator Seating 100 & 4 wheelchair spaces MAGISTRATE JUDGE COURTROOM Judge’s Bench 1 Deputy Clerk Station 1–2 Evidence Cabinet N/A Court Reporter/Recorder Station 1 Recording Equipment Cabinet N/A Law Clerk Station 1 Witness Box 1–2 Jury Box 12 Lectern (movable) N/A Accommodate a microphone and task ligh

Spectator Seating 55 & 4 wheelchair spaces BANKRUPTCY JUDGE COURTROOM Judge’s Bench 1 Deputy Clerk Station 1–2 Court Reporter/Recorder Station 1 Recording Equipment Cabinet N/A Law Clerk Station 1 Witness Box 1–2 Lectern (movable) N/A Accommodate a microphone and task ligh

Spectator Seating 73 & 4 wheelchair spaces APPELLATE COURTROOM ASSOCIATED SPACES Service Unit, Judges’ Conference N/A Accommodate a sink, microwave oven, anRoom Judges’ Robing Room N/A Lockers (to accommodate a robe) 

Lavatory Cabinet Toilet N/A Sink Public Waiting Area Benches N/A DISTRICT/MAGISTRATE/BANKRUPTCY JUDGE COURTROOM ASSOCIATED SPACES 

Lockers: Individual full-sized lockers, each 

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room N/A 12 inches (300 mm) deep by 72 inches (1

coat rod 

Public Waiting Area Benches N/A 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 Tenant Improvements 
Table 12.2 

Millwork (cont’d) 

SPACE AND MILLWORK CAPACITY NOTES 

JURY FACILITIES JURY ASSEMBLY SUITE Check-in Counter N/A Jurors’ Toilets Lavatory Cabinet N/A Accommodate sinks Service Unit N/A Accommodate a sink, a microwave oven, and a 

Jurors’ Lounge Carrels N/A 30 inches (775 mm) deep by 35 inches (925 mm

standard power outlet 

TRIAL JURY SUITE Jurors’ Toilets Lavatory Cabinets N/A Accommodate a sink in each room Service Unit N/A Accommodate a sink, a microwave oven, and a 

GRAND JURY SUITE Jurors’ Toilets Lavatory Cabinets N/A Accommodate a sink in each room Service Unit N/A Accommodate a sink, a microwave oven, a coff

vending machines 

Hearing Room U.S. Attorney Station N/A Work surface 30 inches (775 mm) deep min. by 

min. Must be as high as or higher than the witne

Hearing Room Grand Jury Foreperson Station N/A Work surface 30 inches (775 mm) deep min. by 

min. The station must be as high as the witness 

Hearing Room Grand Jury Secretary Station N/A Work surface 30 inches (775 mm) deep min. by 

min. The station must be as high as the witness 

Hearing Room Jurors’ Work Surface for 24 Members N/A May be three tiers of 8 or two tiers of 12 with an Hearing Room Witness Box N/A Must be partially enclosed and include a modes

for an interpreter seated next to or slightly behin

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITES JUDGES’ CHAMBERS AND SUPPORT AREAS Toilet Lavatory Cabinet N/A Accommodate a sink and a drawer with storage Fixed Bookcases with Adjustable Shelving1 N/A 

Location is at the discretion of the judge. ShelvinWood shall match or complement the architectubookcases with adjustable shelving in the follow25 ranges; district judge – 20 ranges; magistrate 

bankruptcy judge – 10 ranges. Shelves must be and 7 shelves high. 

CLERICAL SUPPORT AREAS Work Counter for Copy/Fax/ File Room Service Unit 

N/A N/A 

Plastic-laminate counter and base cabinet with supplies and open shelves for paper and other lfax machine with additional working area. Accommodate a sink, microwave oven, and refr

1 2 - 1 6 I T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s a n d F u r n i s h i n g s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 12.2 

Millwork (cont’d) 

SPACE AND MILLWORK CAPACITY NOTES 

CENTRAL COURT LIBRARIES LIBRARY SPACES Circulation/Reference Desk OTHER LIBRARY SPACES 

N/A 

20 feet (6,100 mm) long min. for headquarfor satellite library. Provide a book drop witcompressible shelf. Counter must accommcomputerized library catalog (OCLC) term

printers, and a fax machine. 

Technical Services Area Counter N/A Accommodate a sink 

CLERK’S OFFICE CLERK’S OFFICE PUBLIC AREAS 

Durable work surface 26–30 inches (660–with a divider to the floor below. Accommo

Counter (including cashier station) N/A keyboard, and a mouse on the staff side o

ballistic, break-resistant glass is provided, document-sized deal tray transaction open

PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICES GENERAL OFFICE SPACES 

Durable work surface 26–30 inches (660–with a divider to the floor below. Accommo

Counter/Screening N/A keyboard, and a mouse on the staff side o

and break-resistant glass is provided, the cdocument-sized deal tray transaction open

Service Unit N/A Accommodate a microwave oven and a siEnzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique (EMIT) Machine Counter 

N/A 

Chemical-resistant plastic-laminate countefinished floor sized to support 2 EMIT macsurface Chemical-resistant plastic-laminate counte

Work Counter N/A finished floor with upper and lower plastic-

Accommodate a double stainless steel sin

COMMON BUILDING SUPPORT SPACES CENTRAL MAIL ROOM FACILITY 

Accommodate a sink and eyewash and up

Counter N/A protection supplies and equipment, such a

GSA P-100. 

1 A fixed bookcase range is 3 linear feet wide x 10 inches deep x 7 shelves high. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Furnishings 

This section of the chapter addresses the furniture, accessories, and equipment requirements for special-function areas in the courthouse. Acquisition of furniture is typically accomplished under a separate contract. The design team shall consult with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) on furniture policies and procedures for judges and other court staff. The Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures, Chapter 5, “Personal Property and Furniture,” sets the Juridical Conference policies for furniture acquisition and level of furniture for all court employees. Furniture, equipment, and accessories in the courthouse may be procured as part of the construction contract or by the courts directly. Table 12.3 indicates the funding responsibility for furniture items. The balance of the furniture, equipment, and accessories listed is provided for the purpose of designing electrical infrastructure and laying out functional spaces. 

f Furniture Acquisition Plan (FAP) 

The Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures, Chapter 5, Part C, details the policies and procedures for FAPs. The FAP is a formal documentation and analysis of a court’s furniture requirements. All FAPs must be approved and signed by the chief judge and must include the following:  Furniture inventory database  Floor plans  Budget request  Specification for purchase  List and cost of new furniture  Room-by-room summary itemizing new and refurbished furniture costs  Plan for the disposition of excess furniture  Furniture procurement schedule 

General Requirements. The design team shall consult wi

ensure that the spaces can accommodate existing furnitnew facility. However, spaces shall not exceed the sizDesign Guide or exceed the space envelope for the court The requirements address overall goals for courthouse prothe entire courthouse. A limited variety of furniture, accerespond to construction-cost limitations and optimize selected for each project. Consideration shall be given tsame series to respond to variances in applications. Selethe operational flexibility of the court to move furnishinwhile maintaining aesthetically consistent environments. Materials and products used must be durable, stain resisExtra care should be taken in selecting materials and routine use would damage, discolor, or soil materials, suand spectator chairs. The selection of furniture materials specific space uses and compatible with the project budgeThe use of exotic hardwoods is prohibited in courthouse pFurniture finishes selected must consider light reflectanceAcoustic treatment or material should be provided as criteria specified in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.” All furniture shall be selected to allow accessibility foincludes ensuring that access routes are the same for persSystem furniture policies and guidance are provided 

Policies and Procedures, Chapter 5, Part D. Equipment for Service Units. Sinks are provided in servconstruction contract, and the location is provided 

12-18 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
requirements. Specific equipment to be provided is listed on the millwork schedule 

with the service units. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures, Chapter 5, Part C, for equipment selection and procurement requirements. Toilet Room Accessories. Toilet rooms listed on the space lists shall receive the following accessories:  Single-Person Toilet Room. All single-person toilet rooms listed on space lists 

shall receive a toilet paper holder, a paper towel dispenser/disposal unit, a soap dispenser, and a mirror. 

 Multi-Person Toilet Room. All multi-person toilet rooms shall receive toilet paper 

holders, towel dispenser/disposal units, soap dispensers, and mirrors as appropriate for the size and capacity of the room. 

f Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 

In spaces with millwork, wainscot, or wood trim, where wood furniture or accessories will be utilized, furniture and accessories shall be selected with standard finishes as close as possible to the built-in woodwork of the space. Courtrooms. Furniture, accessories, and equipment are an integral part of courtroom design. Their durability, functionality, and sustainability must reflect the aesthetics and dignity of the courtroom. Furniture in courtrooms must be selected to support the need for all participants to see and hear one another clearly. Judges’ seating in multi-seat benches shall be the same. In courtrooms with singlejudge benches, the judge shall select a chair to accommodate his or her stature and comfort. In all cases, the design team should consider the color scheme and finishes. Court seals are purchased in accordance with the Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures through the GSA Great Seal Program. The seals are available in metal or polystyrene foam and come in a variety of finishes. When the design team opts to provide custom architectural seals in millwork, glass, marble, or metal, these design elements will be funded as part of the building construction budget. 

Court Reporter/Recorder. Office furnishings, wfurnishings provided for court reporters/recorders mstandards. Storage areas for court reporters/recaccommodate typed transcripts and both loose and bAttorney/Witness Room. Each room is provided furnishings. Attorney Work Room: Appropriated court funds shall Public Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas serve as circulation areas adjacent to courtrooms; therefore, 

spaces must be consistent with those of the spaces thcomfortable but durable, and should be fixed to the f

f Jury Facilities 

Grand Jury Suite. The visual display board provideall jurors. 

f Judges’ Chambers Suites 

In spaces with millwork, wainscot, or wood traccessories will be utilized, furniture and accessstandard finishes as close as possible to the built-in wFurniture in the offices of a judge’s support staff, clerk, should be coordinated to complement the finichambers suite. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary PoExhibit C-3, for furniture requirements for judgsupport staff. 

f Court Unit Standards for Private and Op

Court Unit Executive, Supervisory Staff and Professiothe Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures, Charequirements for courtroom personnel and for private 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
System Furniture Standards. The following standards apply to court staff work spaces 

throughout the courthouse, except the judges’ chambers staff.  Team Leaders. Systems furniture configuration, 96 square feet (8.9 m2) 

 Court Unit Secretaries and Support Positions. Systems furniture, 64 square feet 

(5.9 m2) 

The design team must plan and design the electrical, telephone, and data connections for systems furniture workstations to be provided through the access-floor cabling and electrical distribution systems. 

f Central Court Libraries 

Bookstacks. The majority of a library’s collection must be shelved on double-faced units. A unit of shelving is 3 feet (914.4 mm) wide by 7 shelves high. Each row of shelves must be no more than seven or eight units long, with adjustable shelves and a reference pull-out shelf every other section. All shelving must be consistent with seismic-zone design requirements. See also Chapter 7, “Central Court Libraries,” for additional design requirements. In libraries with severe space constraints, the collection may be shelved in movable compact shelving. Lockable book shelving provided by the court may be required if a room is accessible to the public or used for conferences. Microform Area (Patrons and Staff). Because allowable live load requirements for microform storage cabinets can reach 500 pounds per square foot (23,950 Pa), equipment selection and location must be coordinated early in the planning process. 12-20 I Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Court
Furniture and Accessories Table 12.3 

Table 12.3 provides information on Furniture, Accessories and Equipment furniture and accessories typically provided in courtrooms, courtroom associated spaces, central court libraries, 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

and other special-use spaces within the courthouse. The equipment and 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in deter

dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

accessories are listed to ensure that COURTS AND ASSOCIATED SPACES electrical requirements are considered during design development. 

APPELLATE EN BANC COURTROOM 

Furniture TBD Judge’s Bench Chair: Swivel tilt. Furniture 6 Task Chair: Swivel. Provide chairs for 2 deputy clerks, 3 law clerks, an

bailiff. 

Furniture TBD Chair (Attorney): Up to 4 chairs per attorney table maximum. Extra ch

same type to be available, quantity determined by court. Storage out ocourtroom. 

Furniture Accessories 

4 

1 

Tables: “SMART” tables for attorneys and litigants. 

Clock: Electric. 

APPELLATE PANEL COURTROOM 

Furniture Furniture 

3 

6 

Judges’ Chair: Swivel tilt. 

Task Chair: Swivel. Provide chairs for 2 deputy clerks, 3 law clerks, an

bailiff. 

Furniture TBD Chair (Attorney): Up to 4 chairs per table maximum. Extra chairs of sa

type to be available, quantity determined by court. Storage out of cour

 Furniture 

Accessories 

3–8 

1 

Tables: “SMART” tables for attorneys and litigants. 

Clock: Electric. 

DISTRICT JUDGE COURTROOM 

Furniture Furniture Furniture Furniture Furniture Furniture 

TBD 

4 

1 

1 

16 

TBD 

Judge’s Chair: Swivel tilt. Task Chair (Deputy Clerk): Swivel. Provide chairs for 2 deputy clerks, 

reporter/recorder, and 1 law clerk. 

Chair (Interpreter): Swivel, movable. 

Chair (Witness): Swivel, movable. 

Chair (Jury): Swivel, fixed; 2 to be removable. 

Chairs (Attorneys and Litigants): Up to 8 seats per table. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in determinin

dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

Furniture TBD Chair (USMS Personnel): Movable. 

 Furniture 3–8 Tables: “SMART” tables for attorneys and litigants. 

 Accessories 1 Clock: Electric. 

DISTRICT SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS COURTROOM 

Furniture TBD Judge’s Chair: Swivel tilt. Furniture 4 Task Chair: Swivel. Provide chairs for 2 deputy clerks, 1 court 

reporter/recorder, and 1 law clerk. 

Furniture 1 Chair (Interpreter): Swivel, movable. 

Furniture 1 Chair (Witness): Swivel, movable. 

Furniture 18 Chair (Jury): Swivel, fixed; 2 to be removable. Furniture TBD Chairs (Attorney and Litigant): Up to 8 seats per table. 

 Furniture TBD Chairs (USMS Personnel): Movable, as needed. Furniture 3–8 Tables: “SMART” tables for attorneys and litigants. 

 Accessories 1 Clock: Electric. 

MAGISTRATE JUDGE COURTROOM 

Furniture 1 Judge’s Chair : Swivel tilt. 

Furniture 4 Task Chair: Swivel. Provide chairs for 2 deputy clerks, 1 reporter/recorder, 

and 1 law clerk. 

Furniture 1 Chair (Interpreter): Swivel, movable. 

Furniture 1 Chair (Witness): Swivel, movable. 

Furniture 12 Chair (Jury): Swivel, fixed; 2 to be removable. 

 Furniture 3–4 Tables: “SMART” tables for attorneys and litigants. 

Furniture TBD Chair (Attorney and Litigant): Up to 4 chairs per table maximum. Extra chai

of same type to be available, quantity determined by court. Storage out of courtroom. 

1 2 - 2 2 I T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s a n d F u r n i s h i n g s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in deter

dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

Furniture TBD Chairs (USMS Personnel): Movable. 

Accessories 1 Clock: Electric 

BANKRUPTCY JUDGE COURTROOM 

Furniture 1 Judge’s Chair: Swivel, tilt. Furniture 4 Task Chair: Swivel. Provide chairs for 2 deputy clerks, 1 court 

reporter/recorder, and 1 law clerk. 

Furniture 1 Chair (Interpreter): Swivel, movable. 

Furniture 1 Chair (Witness): Swivel, movable. Furniture 3–4 Tables: “SMART” tables for attorneys and litigants. 

Furniture TBD Chair (Attorney and Litigants): Up to 4 chairs per table maximum. Extr

chairs of same type to be available, quantity determined by court. Stoout of courtroom. 

Accessories 1 Clock: Electric 

ATTORNEY/WITNESS ROOM 

Furniture 1 Small Conference Table 

Furniture 1 Four Armchairs 

JURY ASSEMBLY SUITE JURY LOUNGE 

Furniture TBD Lounge Seating: Comfortable armchairs and/or modular, sectional so

Furniture TBD Chairs: A movable chair must be provided at each carrel. Accessories TBD Magazine racks: A wall-mounted magazine and book rack should be 

provided near lounge areas. 

Furniture 1 TV Rack 

Equipment 1 TV Monitors 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in determinin

dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

JUROR ASSEMBLY 

Furniture TBD Chairs: Comfortable armchairs with fold-up tablet arms may be provided fo

prospective jurors filling out forms or taking notes during orientation; tables, lectern, screens, TV monitors. Movable. 

Furniture TBD Tables: Movable tables, at least 36 inches (925 mm) by 36 inches (925 mm

must be provided. At least one table must be accessible by a wheelchair. 

Furniture 

1 Lectern 

Furniture 

TBD TV Stands 

Equipment 

TBD TV Monitors 

Equipment 

TBD Screens 

EQUIPMENT STORAGE 

Furniture TBD Shelves: Open shelves 18 inches (450 mm) deep on 2–3 walls, movable. 

SUPPLIES STORAGE 

Furniture TBD Shelves: Open shelves 12 inches (300 mm) deep on 2–3 walls, movable. 

TRIAL JURY SUITE Trial Jury Room 

Furniture 1 Conference Table 

Furniture 

7–18 Conference Chairs: Swivel base, with arms, movable. 

Accessories 1 Visual Display Board: Wall-mounted screen, tackboard, whiteboard 

(magnetic), 18 inches (450 mm) by 24 inches (600 mm). 

VIDEO EQUIPMENT ROOM 

TBD Visual Display Board: Screen, tackboard, whiteboard (magnetic). TBD Video Monitor Station: Provision for VCR, movable. 

1 2 - 2 4 I T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s a n d F u r n i s h i n g s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in deter

dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

GRAND JURY SUITE SWORN-JURY CUSTODIAN STATION 

Furniture TBD Desk: With drawer, movable. 

Furniture TBD 

GRAND JURY HEARING ROOM 

Task Chair: Armchair, movable. 

Furniture 16–23 Chairs: Comfortable, fixed-base swivel armchairs. A writing surface m

provided, either as tablet arms on the chairs or separate tables or couThe writing surface must not exceed 18 inches (450 mm) in depth. 

Furniture TBD Chairs: With arms, swivel base, movable, for the attorney, the grand ju

foreperson, the grand jury secretary, a witness, an interpreter, and the reporter/recorder 

Accessories 

VIDEO EQUIPMENT ROOM 

TBD Visual Display Board: A wall-mounted screen, tackboard, whiteboard 

(magnetic) , 18 inches (450 mm) by 24 inches (600 mm) 

Video Monitor Station: Movable DVD 

STORAGE 

Furniture TBD Shelving: 12-inch (300-mm) deep open shelves on 2–3 walls 

CIRCUIT HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY 

PUBLIC ENTRY LOBBY 

Furniture TBD Seating: Lounge, movable Furniture TBD Library Shelves: 3 feet (925 mm) wide by 10 inches (250 mm) deep n

min. metal shelving system. End panels shall be provided by the shelvmanufacturer with a wood veneer finish to complement the wood trim doors used in the library. Cantilever-type shelving is preferable wherevseismic anchoring is needed. Reference materials. 

Furniture TBD Card Catalog 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in determining dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

 Furniture TBD Computer Workstation: To support computerized catalog, movable 

Chair: For use at card catalog workstation, movable 

 Furniture TBD Book Carts 

Accessories TBD Clock: Wall mounted 

PERIODICAL AREA 

Furniture TBD Shelves: Periodical shelving, movable 

 Furniture TBD Newspaper Racks 

 Furniture TBD Magazine Displays 

 Furniture TBD Lounge Chairs  Furniture TBD Side Tables PUBLIC COMPUTER AIDED LEGAL RESEARCH (CALR) 

Furniture TBD Workstation: L- or U-shaped work surface enclosed by acoustic panels with 

enough space to accommodate shelving 

Furniture TBD Task Chair: Swivel base with short arms Furniture TBD Bookshelf: For use in workstation Furniture TBD Bookshelf: For manuals and aids in the CALR area Accessories Clock: Wall mounted 

STAFF CALR 

Furniture TBD Task Chair: Swivel base with recessed arms 

Furniture TBD Bookshelf: For use in workstation Furniture TBD Bookshelf: For manuals and aids in the CALR area Accessories 1 Clock: Wall mounted 

STUDY ROOM 

Furniture TBD Table: 4 feet by 8 feet (1,225 mm by 2,425 mm) Furniture 4 Chairs: 4 chairs table Accessories TBD Clock: Wall mounted 

1 2 - 2 6 I T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s a n d F u r n i s h i n g s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in determining dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

COURT PERSONNEL WORK AREA 

Furniture TBD Conference Table (option 1): With room to accommodate computer, p

typewriter 

Furniture TBD Carrel (option 2): With room to accommodate computer, printer, typew

Furniture TBD Chair Accessories 1 Clock: Wall mounted 

PUBLIC COPIER AREA 

Furniture 1 Work Surface: Copier, work surface, supplies storage Furniture 1 Storage: To accommodate supplies, with 12-inch (300-mm) deep she

STAFF COPIER 

Furniture 1 Work Surface: Copier, work surface, supplies storage 

Furniture 1 Storage Cabinet: To accommodate supplies, with 12-inch (300-mm) d

shelves 

MICROFORM AREA: PUBLIC AND STAFF 

Furniture TBD Carrel: To support microform reader/printer, chair, microform storage 

cabinets 

Furniture TBD Chair Furniture 1 Storage Cabinet: To store microforms 

TECHNICAL SERVICES AREA 

Accessories 1 Book Cart Furniture 1 Storage Cabinet: To accommodate supplies, with 12-inch (300-mm) d

shelves 

Furniture TBD File Cabinet 

Storage Area 

Furniture TBD 18-inch (450-mm) deep shelves 

FREIGHT/MAILROOM 

Furniture TBD Sorting tables, mail slots 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s 
Table 12.3 

Furniture, Accessories and Equipment (cont’d) 

SPACE FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, AND EQUIPMENT 

Type Qty. Movable furniture is noted here for illustrative purposes in determining dimensions of spaces and electrical requirements. 

PROBATION URINALYSIS LABORATORY 

See Design Requirements for U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Offices 

Furniture 2 Stools: Height appropriate for 44-inch (1,125-mm) counters, design 

appropriate for duration of use. Coordinate with electrical requirements in Chapter 9. 

Accessories 1 Biological Waste Trash Disposal: Size and quantity appropriate for use and 

requirements 

Equipment 2 Refrigerators: 2 full-size refrigerators with freezers 

ELECTRONIC MONITORING EQUIPMENT STORAGE/REPAIR ROOM 

Furniture Shelves: Steel shelving sized to support min. of twenty-five 3-foot (925-mm

long by 1-foot (300-mm) wide by 1-foot (300-mm) deep boxes. Verify that increase in capacity is not required. 

Furniture 1 

CENTRAL MAILROOM FACILITY

Work Table: Suitable for equipment repair 

Furniture 

TBD Sorting Tables 

 Furniture TBD Task Chairs 

 Furniture TBD Mail Slots 

Furniture TBD Storage Unit: For supplies and equipment 

Accessories 

JUDGE’S DINING ROOM 

TBD Isolation Tubs: With “tight seal” lid 

TBD 

Conference table 

 TBD Chairs 

1 2 - 2 8 I T e n a n t I m p r o v e m e n t s a n d F u r n i s h i n g s U . S . C o u r t 
INTERIOR SIGNAGE 

This chapter applies to interior signage throughout U.S. federal court facilities. 

Introduction Signs significantly impact the functional and aesthetic quality of a court facility. Many federal courthouses are large, complex structures requiring clear and coordinated systems of signage and way-finding that allow first-time users to locate their place of involvement in the judicial process as quickly and directly as possible. Signs and signing systems should provide a coordinated and efficient system of recognition, direction, and information throughout a courthouse. The specific strategy for a building’s signs must be determined early in the facility design process and developed along with other details of the design. Signage should emphasize the natural flow of the spaces in the courthouse, which should be the principle means for directing the public to elevators, clerks’ offices, jury assembly areas, courtrooms, and other destinations. 

 California Trial Court 

Council of California 

 Guide to Judiciary Polic

“Property Management an

Scope and Budget The General Services Adminsignage in federally ownaccordance with the terms anagreements, occupancy acontracts. This scope typicalthe main lobby building projects. The design team shofor the Public Buildings Serstandards will be included 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below relate specifically to this chapter.  Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility 

Standards (ABAAS) 

scope of services. The judiciary must fund any GSA scope. Typically all inincluding floor directories, is Refer to the Guide to JudiChapter 5, “Property Managea detailed explanation of the for interior signage. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Design Requirements 

The three basic categories of signs are (1) informational, (2) direction, and (3) labels. Labels describe the function or occupant of a space. Informational signs advise of court facility activities and schedules. Computer-based systems may be used to integrate and automate the signs. All signage must meet the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). The U.S. Access Board are specific about parameters of design such as the location, size,color, and tactile qualities of signage. Factors to be considered in the design of signs and public information systems include the following:  Materials, colors, and graphics  Placement of signs and kiosks  Handicapped accessibility Placement of conduit for computer-based information systems Cost  Flexibility for future modificationsA standardized, integrated, complementary, and comprehensive signage programshall address both code-required signage (such as exit signs, exiting plans, and roomnumbers) and non-code-required signage (building directories, notices, etc.). The graphics and signage programs shall be developed during early design stages tointegrate signage with the design concept, functional program, and buildingcirculation zones. Attractive, legible signs showing directions and information shallbe incorporated into the design of all public areas. The signage program shall beadaptable for future change without damaging the public corridor wall finishes. Rooms should be numbered logically and consecutively to enable visually impairedpersons to make assumptions about where their destination is located. Public roomnumbers shall be sequential and predictable. Courtroom labels should be based on apredictable sequence. For example, a second-floor courtroom shall be labeledCourtroom 200.

Room label signage should be positioned at doorways, wexpect to find information. Signage for building-manageaccessible to the public, should be located in different areThe following guidelines shall apply to signage and grwithin the building: 

f Building Entry – GSA Scope 

Signage at the entry shall be restricted to preserve a unifie

f Building Directory – GSA Scope 

A building directory shall be located near the main pubshall contain a diagram listing all the major building cwhich may be integrated into an information booth or karea seen by members of the public after they have been s

f Floor Directory – Judiciary Scope 

Smaller directories shall be provided in each elevator lothe various occupants of that floor. Arrows shall be groufacilitate communication. 

Courtrooms A && BB Courtrooms CC && DD 

CafeteriCafeteriCafeteria 

Jury AA ssembly 

U.S. Di Di strict Court Clerk’s Office 

U.S. Bankruptcy CC ourt CC lerk’s Office 

f Courtroom Entry Signage – Judiciary Scope 

All signs outside courtroom doors shall be of uniform numbering system shall be displayed at the top and in the 

f Other Signage – Judiciary Scope 

A consistent, controlled system of other signs, such as directional signs, signs designating special handicappe

1 3 - 2 I I n t e r i o r S i g n a g e U . S . C o u r t 
guides, shall be provided. If high-traffic areas such as the jury assembly room and 

the public counter are not immediately visible from the entry lobby, clear graphics shall be prominently displayed to guide users to these areas. Sign Type Samples Figures 13.1-13.31 represent a comprehensive interior signage design package that 

complies with the Guide to Judiciary Policies and Procedures, GSA P-100, and accessibility requirements. The package includes examples of GSA and courtprovided signs. The figures illustrate examples of the following:  Floor directory  Courtroom plaques  Tenant plaque 

1 Signage program is from the Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio. U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Figure 13.1 

Floor Directory 

13-4 I Interior Signage U.S. Court
Figure 13.2 

Courtroom Plaques 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 In
Figure 13.3 

Private Office Plaque 

13-6 I Interior Signage U.S. Court
This chapter discusses acoustic design 

concepts and outlines specific acoustic criteria for courthouses. Criteria in this chapter focus on the court-occupied spaces. Where detailed criteria are not provided for program areas, the requirements set forth in GSA P-100 shall govern. 

ACOUSTICS 

Introduction The two key factors that determine the acoustic performance of spaces in a courthouse are speech intelligibility and acoustic privacy. Speech intelligibility is a measure of the ability of a listener to understand what is being said. A high standard of speech intelligibility is critical to ensure that all questions, testimony, and discussion can be clearly understood by all the participants and observers of the event. Speech privacy is a measure of speech audibility between adjacent spaces and is a function of the acoustic separation provided by the separating partition(s) and of the background noise levels in the two spaces. The acoustic performance of a space can be specified by a synthesis of acoustic parameters, which can be predicted and measured during design. 

f Speech Intelligibility 

For unamplified speech, the two key parameters that determine the level of speech intelligibility are the level of background noise and room reverberance. For amplified speech, the third key parameter that needs to be taken into account is the performance of the soundreinforcement system. Installation of a sound-reinforcement system can help increase the level of speech intelligibility; however, poor room acoustic design cannot be compensated for with good sound system design. Both should be considered together from the outset. 

Background noise is a prodominant component is typiheating or cooling system. Tregenerated flow noise assoand other mechanical system noise ingress, either from extor from internal sources suadjacent spaces. Noise criterbackground noise. Achieving a high level of spthe signal-to-noise ratio, thabackground noise level, bachieved by controlling the bcourtroom and optimizing room’s acoustic design anreinforcement system. Room reverberance is generatime, which is the time it taroom, expressed in secondsresult in late sound reflcompromise speech intelligdirectly proportional to the vproportional to the amount room. Therefore, the reverbereducing the room volume asound absorption. 

f Acoustic Privacy 

For any given courthouse spfrom the activity within not bvice versa. Special attention 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
stages of planning to ensure that noise-producing spaces (building-systems 

equipment rooms, restrooms, circulation space, public lobbies, etc.) are not located directly adjacent (vertically or horizontally) to noise-sensitive spaces. Internal partitions should be of a construction determined to achieve an appropriate level of airborne sound isolation, as measured per the ASTM E-90-99 standard. Buffer spaces and vestibules should be included where appropriate. Impact isolation, to control footfall noise from adjacent spaces, should also be considered. Noise-sensitive spaces must be protected from external noise ingress, such as road traffic noise, airplanes passing overhead, and pedestrian activity. All facade elements (walls, glazing, roofs, etc.) should be designed to provide appropriate sound isolation. Another fundamental consideration when the building is located above or close to significant sources of vibration, specifically subways, below-grade or tunnel roads or railways, at-grade railways, trams, and metro systems, is the need to take into account groundborne noise and vibration in the building. In these areas, vibration isolation may be required to isolate the building structure from the vibration source. Advice should be sought at the earliest available opportunity. Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below relates specifically to this chapter.  American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 

(ASHRAE) Handbook of Fundamentals 

Design Requirements This section of the Design Guide presents a definitiapplicable to courthouse buildings as well as design gnecessary criteria are met. The design team should seek the advice of an acoustic cthat the design recommendations are successfully implethat minor changes in room shape, form, and finishes can the room acoustics. The same is true for variations equipment, facade, and other construction design. Thassumed, regardless of the prior experience of the desigmet based on previous projects if changes are considered 

f Speech Intelligibility 

Speech intelligibility is commonly measured using the (STI). The STI uses a rating system from 0 tintelligibility, broken down as follows:  < 0.40 = Poor  0.41–0.50 = Fair  0.51–0.60 = Good  0.61–0.75 = Very good  0.76–1.0 = Excellent The design target for all critical spaces is to achieve an unamplified and amplified speech. A sound-reinforcemeachieve an STI rating of very good to excellent. The STthe audio system is completely installed, in accordance IEC 60268-16 or ANSI S3.2-1995. 

f Room Reverberation Times 

Critical spaces should be designed to achieve the reveTable 14.1. 

1 4 - 2 I A c o u s t i c s U . S . C o u r t 
It should be noted that guidance elsewhere in this document regarding courtroom 

dimensions will result in a room reverberation time that, in the absence of soundabsorbing treatment, will exceed the targets indicated. Therefore, specific guidance should be followed to ensure that room reverberance is appropriately controlled. The relevant guidance is provided in Table 14.2. In all cases, the introduction of soundabsorbing finishes should be an essential component of the room design. 

f Room Background Noise Levels 

Room background noise levels are comprised of the noise from building systems (HVAC, electrical, lighting, audiovisual systems, etc.) and noise ingress from external sources (road, rail, and air traffic; pedestrian activity; etc.) and internal sources (such as the activity of people or the operation of equipment in adjacent spaces). All sources of noise must be controlled to appropriate levels. Acceptable levels of noise from building services systems depend on the sensitivity of the room function. In addition, constant noise such as that from HVAC systems also masks the ingress of external noise or activity noise in other areas of the building. In accordance with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, all spaces should be 

rated using the room criterion (RC) curves, that is, background noise. If variable HVAC systems are used, the implications for the building design approach must be examined. This will also have ramifications for the design of the building facade (if used to control noise ingress from external sources) and internal room-to-room space privacy. To maintain constant RC background noise levels, it may be necessary to introduce a sound-masking system using distributed loudspeakers. The spectral shape of the sound-masking system must be carefully designed and specified such that it does not exceed the target criteria provided in Table 14.2 and does not contain any tonal elements. The increasing use of videoconferencing technology in the courtroom means that low-frequency noise needs to be adequately controlled to ensure that suitable levels of sound quality can be achieved in reproduction and recording. 

f External Noise Ingress 

Noise from external sources may consist of road, noise from the external mechanical equipment obuildings. In all cases, the noise from these sources disturb court functioning. In order to limit external noise ingress, an assessmelevels on the site. Step one will require that a site acoustic consultant should measure and record exterduring the operating hours of the court and documenIn the case of a new courthouse, any known futurerouted roads, new railways, airport flight paths, anthe noise impact determined. Future land use ocontribute to external noise and should bplanning commission. The acoustic consultant will then use this informatioimprove the sound isolation performance of the proSound Transmission Class (STC) criteria. 

f Internal Airborne Sound Insulation 

In order to achieve the required privacy between spaall internal partitions, walls, floors, and ceilings, achieve an adequate level of sound insulation. The guidelines presented here are expressed in ter(NIC), a single-number rating describing the combielements in isolating one room from another. The between adjacent spaces should be measured in acStandard Test Method for Measurement of Airbornand the NIC value should be determined in accClassification for Rating Sound Insulation. The higher the NIC rating, the better the privacy betw

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
The level of privacy also depends on the background noise levels in the spaces. For 

example, a room in which the partitions have a rating of NIC 50 and a background noise level of RC 35 will have the same level of privacy as a room in which the partitions have a rating of NIC 45 and a background noise level of RC 40. The required sound insulation performance (NIC) should be defined by the background noise criteria (RC) and the required level of privacy, as shown in Table 14.1. The levels circled in the table demonstrate a required privacy level of confidential. Table 14.1 Room Partitioning Requirements 

f Impact Sound Isolation 

The Impact Isolation Class (IIC) identifies the requirenoise (footfall, etc.) from adjacent spaces (horizontal or floor-ceiling assembly above key critical spaces (courstudy areas, jury deliberation rooms, and attorney/wiminimum of 50. IIC 50 can be achieved by using carpet as the floor fiinterlayer within the floor construction, such as Regupol Kinetics Soundmatt. 

f Raised Access Floor Systems 

Given that raised access floor systems are required thro

PRIVACY LEVELS BACKGROUND NOISE (RC) 

25 

design team must balance this against sound isolation pedesign process. At the outset, building planning shoulspaces from each other by the use of acoustically neutra

30 35 40 

shafts, etc.). Inaudible 

Confidential Normal Minimal 

NOISE ISOLATION

CLASS (NIC)
 

75 70 65 60 

60 55 50 45 Methods for improving the sound isolation of partitions 

“pan”-type floor tiles filled with lightweight conc

50 45 40 35 

compressed mineral fiber, duct lagging or similar, use 

40 35 30 25 similar) can also be considered. The use of access floors 

It is the responsibility of the architect and acoustic consultant to minimize the use of heavy internal partition construction and full-height (slab-to-slab) partitions with the exception of areas where it is a requirement. Attention should be paid to the use of acoustically neutral spaces as buffer zones between sensitive areas. Where buffer zones or neutral spaces are used, the design team can use discretion in reducing the performance of partitions while ensuring that the subjective intent of the privacy standard is achieved. 

team from achieving the required sound isolation perforthe design team to consider these requirements from the e

f Vibration 

Vibration limits for key sensitive areas are specified in ac1983 Guide to the Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vishould be set on the basis of multiples of the relevamultiples are as follows:  Courtrooms: 1.4  Other areas: 4.0 

1 4 - 4 I A c o u s t i c s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 14.2 

Acoustic Performance Requirements1 

REVERBERATION 

BACKGROUND NOISE ROOM 

NOIS

SPACES PRI VACY 

LEVEL 

TIME (RT) in seconds 

CRITERION (RC) curve 

Cin 

COURTROOM 

Courtroom Confidential 0.6–0.7 25–30 55

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITE 

Judge’s Chambers Private Office Confidential 0.4–0.6 35 50 

Law Clerks’ Offices Normal 0.5–0.6 30 55 Judge’s Chambers Conference/Reference Room Confidential 0.5–0.6 35 50 

COURTROOM ASSOCIATED SPACES 

Circuit Judge’s Robing Room Normal 0.5–0.6 35 40 

District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Judge’s Conference/Robing Room Normal 0.5–0.6 35 40 

Attorney Work Room Normal 0.5–0.6 35 40 

District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Attorney/Witness Room Confidential 0.5–0.7 30 55 

Public Waiting Areas Normal 0.5–0.6 40 25 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
Table 14.2 

Acoustic Performance Requirements (cont’d) 

REVERBERATION 

BACKGROUND NOISE ROOM 

NOISE ISOLAT

SPACES PRI VACY 

LEVEL 

TIME (RT) in seconds 

CRITERION (RC) curve 

CLASS in decib

JURY FACILITIES 

Jury Assembly Suite Normal 0.6–0.8 40 35 

Trial Jury Suite Inaudible 0.4–0.6 30 70 Grand Jury Hearing Room Inaudible 0.4–0.6 30 70 

OTHER COURT UNITS 

Library Lobby Minimal 0.6–1.0 40 45 

Library Study Room Normal 0.4–0.6 30 55 

Probation and Pretrial Services Private Offices and/or Interview Rooms Confidential 0.5–0.7 30 55 Federal Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite Confidential 0.5–0.7 30 55 

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator Confidential 0.5–0.7 30 55 

Office of the Pre-Argument Conference Attorney Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 

COMMON BUILDING SPACES 

Shared Judges Conference Room Confidential 0.5–0.7 30 55 

Judges’ Dining Area Confidential 0.5–0.7 30 55 

1 All other courthouse spaces not listed reference GSA P-100. 

1 4 - 6 I A c o u s t i c s U . S . C o u r t 
Courtrooms 

The primary requirement is for high intelligibility and natural-sounding speech in the courtroom. To ensure that this is achieved, the courtroom must have the following characteristics:  Controlled background noise from building services systems and audiovisual and 

other building equipment 

 Appropriate room shape, form, and volume to ensure a suitable sound-reflection 

sequence and natural control of reverberance 

 Appropriate control of room reverberance through the use of acoustic treatments  Suitable sound isolation from all adjacent spaces Background Noise Control. Specific NIC/RC targets are provided in Table 14.2. The design team should ensure that these limits are not exceeded through the use of any equipment or system within the space. Room Shaping and Materials. Room shape and form have a fundamental effect on room acoustics and should be considered from the outset. General recommendations are as follows:  The courtroom must not be a long or narrow rectangle finished totally with 

sound-reflective materials. Such conditions can cause excessive acoustic fluttering. Reducing the room length, avoiding the use of long parallel walls, and using appropriately selected absorptive finish materials can alleviate the problems. 

 At the front of the room, from the judge’s bench to just behind the location of the 

attorney teams, walls should be rectilinear and parallel to promote good distribution of lateral sound energy in the entire well area between the judge, jury, defendant, and attorney teams. Surface treatments should promote sound reflection. Some sound diffusion (through the use of surface texture or convex 

curvature) may be acceptable, as determined Concave curvature should be avoided in this arefocusing issues. 

 It is recommended that the ceiling at the front 

reflecting to maximize speech intelligibility in thcoffers, or similar elements should generally be effective sound-reflecting treatment area. 

 At the rear of the room (between the rear of the a

entrance to the courtroom), room shaping may veither convex or concave. This wall area shousound-absorbing treatment. It should be noted this required will depend on the shape of the walls room. A concave curvature is likely to require thabsorbing treatment, to control not only reverbera

 The ceiling at the rear of the room may requi

absorbing treatment to prevent late reflected souroom. This should be determined on a case-by-ca

 In all cases, carpet or carpet tiles shall be used foSound Isolation. Soundlock lobbies or vestibules shoto the courtroom. This provides an acoustic buffer zother public or nonpublic circulation spaces. Sounsources, where the courtroom adjoins an externrequirements of Table 14.1. Internal sound isolation the STC performance requirements. Space planninpractical, locating noise-producing spaces (mechaniccirculation areas, etc.) directly adjacent to the courtroSpeech Privacy. In order to allow sidebar conversatioin privacy, the jury box should be located a minimfrom the judge’s location. This will still require sulow voices. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 
If greater privacy or shorter distances are necessary, it is recommended that a soundmasking system be provided. Such systems require careful design but allow for the 

broadcast of a shaped noise spectrum through loudspeakers in the room. The judge should have the ability to turn such a system on from the bench. A mute function should also be provided for the microphone to ensure the privacy of sidebar and bench discussions. Loudspeaker Type, Location, and Orientation. It is important, in order to maximize speech intelligibility in the room, that the type, location, orientation, and distribution of loudspeakers be very carefully considered. The acoustic consultant should specify the minimum loudspeaker requirements for incorporation into the audiovisual consultant’s or contractor’s design. In some cases, it may be most efficient to locate loudspeakers on or at the bench locations (judge, attorneys, jury box, and defendant) to achieve maximum speech intelligibility. The need for a time delay and/or local volume control should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, audiovisual equipment should be specified and selected for low noise output, so as not to impair listening in the courtroom. 

f Courtroom Associated Spaces 

Attorney Work Room. The primary requirement is for quiet and private working areas. Appropriate control of mechanical-systems background noise, sound isolation from adjacent spaces, and acoustic control are the key issues. Specific requirements are provided in Table 14.2. The attorney work room should be acoustically and visually separate from other areas of the building. However, the standard of sound insulation is reduced in comparison to the judges’ suites, such that a “good” standard of sound insulation is adequate. The required reverberation time determines the degree to which acoustically absorptive finishes should be used in the attorney work room. See Table 14.2 for specific reverberation times. 

District, Bankruptcy, and Magistrate Judge’s Attorney/W

requirement is for quiet and private working areas with afrom the courtroom. Appropriate control of mechanicalsound isolation from adjacent spaces, and acoustic controPrivacy is of paramount importance. All walls to these degree of sound insulation. They need not be slab-construction meets the required performance set out in Tasound-isolating ceiling is provided. Doors should be apprwith all necessary sound-isolating seals and hardware. Internal sound isolation should be achieved by requirements outlined in Table 14.1. All penetrations in be appropriately sealed to maintain acoustic criteria Recessed light fittings should be avoided, but where they appropriately boxed in. To ensure complete privacy of conversations, ducted swith cross-talk attenuators at each wall penetration. The required reverberation time determines the degabsorptive finishes should be used in the room. Sereverberation times. Public Waiting Areas. Public waiting areas must be sadjoining enclosed spaces. The same acoustic standards waiting areas as to attorney witness rooms. 

f Judges’ Chambers Suites 

The primary requirement in judges’ chambers suites is foareas. Appropriate control of mechanical-systems backgrfrom adjacent spaces, and acoustic control are the key isare provided in Table 14.1. Privacy in the suites is of paramount importance. All private offices, and the reference/conference room must b

1 4 - 8 I A c o u s t i c s U . S . C o u r t 
Sound isolation from external noise sources, where the courtroom adjoins an external 

facade, should achieve the requirements of Table 14.1. Internal sound isolation should be achieved by meeting the performance requirements in Table 14.1. Space planning should minimize, as far as is practical, locating noise-producing spaces (mechanical-systems rooms, toilets, public circulation areas, etc.) directly adjacent to the suites. All penetrations in walls to these areas should be appropriately sealed in accordance with the requirements of Table 14.1. All equipment serving these areas should incorporate appropriate noise- and vibration-control mountings to a distance of 10 feet (3 meters) from the perimeter of the suites to ensure complete privacy within. To ensure complete privacy of conversations, ducted systems should be provided with cross-talk attenuators at each wall penetration. See Table 14.2 for additional detail on acoustics for judges’ chambers suites. Plumbing runs must be isolated from judges’ chambers and conference/ reference rooms. Jury Facilities 

f Trial Jury Assembly Suite 

Proper acoustics are important in the jury assembly suite because potential jurors receive instructions regarding their obligation. To enhance acoustics in the jury assembly area, a sound system should be provided. The system must be designed so that the loudspeakers distribute the majority of energy into the direct sound field, with minimum distribution into the reverberant field. This can be accomplished by providing a highly sound-absorbent environment, with a maximum reverberation time of 0.8 seconds. The acoustic privacy requirement for the jury assembly area is “normal.” 

f Trial Jury Suite 

Trial jury suites must be acoustically enclosed. Tfunctional spaces must have soundproofed commrequirement is “inaudible” for the entire jury suitprivacy of speech within the trial jury suite, the fully gasketed. 

f Grand Jury Hearing Room 

The acoustic privacy requirement for the hearing is “inaudible.” Central Court Libraries The entire library must be acoustically isolated from noise-generating functions within the library or adjacor restrooms. Probation and Pretrial Services OfAll interview rooms and offices of probation anofficers must be acoustically separate from adrequirement: “confidential”), with 55-decibel (dB) and background noise levels of 30 RC. Special condesign and fabrication of ducts to minimize acoustic 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 
Other Court Units 

f Office of the Pre-argument/Conference Attorney 

Both executive offices and conference rooms must provide acoustic confidentiality. 

f Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator 

The executive office and conference rooms for the Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator must be designed for acoustic confidentiality. 

f Trial Preparation Suite for the Federal Defender 

The trial preparation suite for the federal defender’s office must be designed to provide acoustic confidentiality. 

f Design Requirements for All Other Court Spaces 

Refer to GSA P-100. 1 4 - 1 0 I A c o u s t i c s U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter contains requirements for 

courthouse mechanical, electrical, lighting, communications, and raised access flooring systems. This chapter is intended to highlight specific system requirements within courtoccupied spaces that are not addressed by GSA P-100 or other applicable codes and standards. 

BUILDING SYSTEMS 

Supporting Documents A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below relate specifically to this chapter. Infrastructure requirements are critical to the success of courthouse low-voltage systems (e.g., audiovisual and data and telephone communications systems). Infrastructure requirements are defined in the Courtroom Technology Manual as well as in Telecommunications Industrial Association (TIA) publications and Electrical Industry Alliance (EIA) publications. The following supporting documents provide the design team with the details to organize and guide the design and installation process of the courthouse low-voltage systems from design development to system inspection.  ANSI/CSA/TIA/EIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers  Courtroom Technology Manual  Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service 

(GSA P-100), Chapters 5, 6, and 9 

 Illuminating Engineering Society of North America 

(IESNA) Lighting Handbook, 9th Edition, Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide” 

 Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual Publication 64), Volume Group Engineering current edition 

 Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual Publication 64), Volume Hardware, most current e

 Requirements and Specifi

Support Space Manual Publication 64), Volume Requirements and Specific

Telecommunications Cabling S Telecommunications Ind

Electronics Industries ASeries, Commercial Build

Telephone/Data Procurement  TIA/EIA-569-A, Comme

Telecommunications Path

Governing Codes aThe General Services AdminFacilities Standards for tcommonly referred to as GScriteria for building systems Marshals Service (USMS) building systems criteria pert

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
and its own tenant space within the courthouse. Building codes are also used to 

establish baseline design criteria in U.S. court facilities. Refer to GSA P-100 for a comprehensive discussion of applicable codes and industry quality standards for various building systems. Design, Procurement, and Construction Responsibilities The GSA, as the developer and lessee of buildings that house the U.S. courts, has primary responsibility to design, procure, construct, test, start up, and maintain building systems for courthouses. Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations,” provides a summary of the funding responsibilities of the judiciary, the GSA, and other executive-branch agencies. Primary building systems such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical, raised access flooring and lighting services are provided by the GSA as core and shell improvements. The requirements that follow for these primary services focus on criteria that are specific to spaces and functions found in federal courthouses. Courthouse low-voltage systems for data, telecommunications, audiovisual, and other court technologies are designed, procured, installed, and tested by consultants engaged by the GSA and funded by the judiciary under a reimbursable work authorization or other funding document. The GSA, as the developer of courtoccupied spaces, provides the infrastructure to support these systems as core and shell improvements. Information provided here is intended to facilitate the design of the infrastructure for these systems. Mechanical Systems General Design Concerns When selecting mechanical systems and equipment for courthouses, the following factors must be considered: 

 Workplace performance  Reliability  Maintainability  Initial costs  Operating costs  Flexibility of control  Sustainability The selection of central plant equipment has a majparticularly initial cost and operating cost, predominatelselection of space-conditioning equipment has the greof control. The number of air-handling units (AHUs) directly influbuilding’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVthe greatest cost consideration. The zoning of air-handlinproportion to the occupancy of the spaces. The systoccupancy requirements during standard hours of operatconditioning occupied spaces used during off-hours withoadjoining spaces. Proper zoning of building air-handliefficient and reliable operation. AHUs should be limiteffect of mechanical failures and maintenance. The sizconsider the provision of backup capacity for boilerspumps, and other critical components to enable continand maintenance. If there will be rapid, considerable changes in occupanshould consider providing a standard HVAC system for supplementary booster AHU with 100 percent air circulaoccupancy loads. This simplifies control and saves esystems with a capacity greater than 3,000 cubic feet per an air-side or water-side economizer. The design of the mechanical systems must be well inte

and respect the aesthetics of the spaces. The design concerns by locating air intakes well above the groupossibility of introducing hazardous or objectionable sub

15-2 I Building Systems U.S. Court
the system should be consistent with the finishes of the area in which they are 

located. Close coordination with all disciplines, particularly with the architects, is essential. The building’s systems must be properly tested and balanced to ensure optimum performance. During balancing, conditions are often uncovered that can significantly impact overall performance, the quality of installation, and the accuracy of design limits. It may be advantageous for the GSA to employ a contractor, independent of the construction and design team, to thoroughly test and balance all mechanical systems in accordance with national standards. All projects should incorporate a total building commissioning process as required in GSA P-100. 

f Off-Hours 

An independent or independently controlled HVAC plant to serve the reduced loads associated with off-hours operation must be provided. Courtrooms may be used during extended hours. However, judges’ chambers are routinely in use during evenings and weekends. Audiovisual rooms and server rooms require 24-hour climate control. Clerks’ offices operate on flextime and probation offices can have early morning and late evening hours. Other areas that routinely require off-hours operation are the trial jury suite and grand jury suite. For areas with high heat gain and 24-hour operation, such as file server rooms and the USMS Command and Control Center, a supplementary chilled-water cooling system should be provided for cooling while the main systems are shut down. The supplemental system may be a split unit or water-cooled, rejecting heat to the building’s chilled-water system or condenser water. For chilled-water cooling, a small air-cooled chiller may be provided. 

f Humidity 

Along with temperature, the humidity level of a space impacts the occupants’ comfort and the ability of mold and mildew to grow. Humidity control is crucial in the care and preservation of furnishings, finishes, books, computer equipment, and other court property. Additional care must be taken in areas where large groups of people assemble and in climates of extreme natural humidity. Humidity can easily be reduced or increased as needed through properly sized and placed humidification equipment. In humid climates, HVAC controls shall be provided to maintain 

appropriate humidity in the building 24 hours per prevent damage to finishes and to mitigate the courtrooms and other large meeting areas, humidspecified in GSA P-100. Humidity sensors shall similar areas to control HVAC systems and maiHumidifiers shall be provided to control humidity extensive custom millwork and artwork. 

f Air Distribution 

The use of variable air volume (VAV) and variable systems provides off-hours flexibility, individual roocontrol, good indoor air quality, and acoustic advanta

f Controls 

All court and court-related offices must have indivifrom a central location. Direct digital controls (DDthe individual mechanical systems. The DDCs muscan be monitored and controlled from a central locat

f Acoustic Requirements 

The design team should refer to Chapter 14, requirements. The implications of the mechanicaperformance should be considered from the outsmaintain privacy from one space to another, it may produce a constant background noise level. To control noise during all modes of operation ansystem must be provided with one or more of thvelocity, low-static-pressure fan systems; and/or acoustic consultant should review the system tare necessary. Where ducts penetrate acoustically rated walls, ddesigned to maintain acoustic integrity. All penetraticeilings (suspended or structural) should be appro

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
sound-insulation performance of the partition. Mechanical systems designers are to 

use the required sound transmission class (STC) rating1 to prevent noise and 

vibration transmission to floors and ceilings of mechanical rooms. Background noise in all spaces should be rated in accordance with the criteria stated in the ASHRAE handbook.2 Appropriate noise control must be achieved during all 

modes of operation. For mechanical systems this will require the use of one or more of the following:  Primary attenuators for the AHUs  Acoustic plenums  Sound attenuators  Low-velocity, low-static-pressure fan systems  Low-noise diffusers  Noise- and vibration-isolating hangers or mounts where required Large noise-generating equipment shall be located away from acoustically sensitive areas to control noise and vibration. All major rotating equipment shall be mounted to spring isolators. Flexible connections shall be provided to pumps, fans, chillers, cooling towers, compressors, and other vibrating equipment. Ducts shall be supported from the building structure in order to prevent vibration. All ductwork within the mechanical room and serving courtrooms should be supported with spring isolators. Reference GSA P-100 for future guidance. The ductwork shall be designed to control airborne equipment noise, duct breakout noise, airflow-generated noise, and duct-borne cross-talk noise. Double wall ducts, acoustic duct wrap, and silencers shall be provided to minimize noise. Efficient lowloss duct fittings shall be used, and airflow velocity shall be minimized. The design team should consider increasing the wall thickness of large ducts above the minimum 

1 STC is the rating of airborne sound transmission. The STC of a floor/ceiling (or wall) 

structure is the measure of the decibel difference between the airborne sound energy striking one side of the structure and the sound energy radiated into a receiving room on the other side. 

2 ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning 

Engineers) HVAC Applications Handbook (1999), Chapter 46, “Sound and Vibration Control,” p. 22, Noise Criteria Method. 

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Anoise toilets should be used, and acoustic wrapping shodrain lines. Noise transmission shall be attenuated in ncourtrooms, jury deliberation rooms, attorney/judges’ chambers. Courtrooms 

f System Design 

Courtroom HVAC systems should also serve the followin Judges’ chambers suites (when located adjacent to cou Trial jury suite (when located adjacent to a courtroom Attorney witness rooms Each of these areas must be provided with individual temshould be controlled at the main air-supply unit. The courtroom and associated areas must function economica

f Air Distribution 

Within the courtroom, three HVAC zones shall be provattorney area in the front of the courtroom, a second for tthe spectator area in the back of the courtroom. The well of the courtroom requires a number of diffuserved by a separate group of diffusers, which must be sallowable seating capacity, plus 25 percent to allow for must meet minimum ventilation requirements at no lincrease in system noise during load changes. Judges’ Chambers Suites 

f System Design 

The system serving the judge’s chambers suite musreference/conference room, law clerk offices, secretarial s

15-4 I Building Systems U.S. Court
In a collocated chambers plan, HVAC in the judge’s chambers suite, if adjacent to a 

courtroom, shall be fed from the same AHU as the associated courtroom to facilitate off-hours use (e.g., evenings and weekends). 

f Air Distribution 

Air distribution systems in the chambers must provide a high degree of individual control and acoustic privacy. Ductwork must be treated to meet acoustic design criteria. Jury Facilities 

f System Design 

Trial jury suites must be served by the same system as the associated courtrooms when located on the same floor. A separate thermostat for each trial jury suite is required. 

f Air Distribution 

Air distribution systems in jury facilities must provide separate temperature control and a high degree of acoustic isolation, particularly in the grand jury and trial jury rooms. Return air must be ducted directly back to the exhaust air riser. Judges’ Conference Rooms 

f System Design 

Shared judges’ conference rooms may be served by the same HVAC system that serves the judges’ chambers suites and associated courtrooms when located on the same floor. The system must facilitate off-hours use. 

f Air Distribution 

Air distribution systems to judges’ conference rooms must provide a high degree of individual control and acoustic privacy. Return air must be ducted directly toward the return-air shaft for a minimum distance of 15 feet (4,570 mm). The system must facilitate off-hours use. 

Central Court Libraries 

f System Design 

HVAC controls must accommodate the librarenvironmental requirements to protect the library’s humidity fluctuations. In extreme climates, such as tseparate humidity and temperature controls may be rCentral Mail Facilities 

f System Design 

The design team shall provide a dedicated AHU exhaust fan to maintain negative pressure in the room 2 m2) open door. The exhaust should be discharge

building, as far as possible from any air intakesurrounding buildings. The exhaust fan should be ensure that all exhaust ductwork remains under negshould be equipped with a variable-speed drive. Thcontrolled by a differential static-pressure sensor tpressure friction loss coefficient of a 0.05 inch wbetween the mail room and the corridor. The exhfiltration system: a prefilter, highly efficient particarbon absorption filter as part of the exhaust stream matter and chemicals in the mail room exhaust. equipped with a bypass duct around the filters for when no mail is handled, to save maintenance and stream should always pass through the filter wheneand during the time periods when mail is opened in tSupply and exhaust systems shall be designed to cexhaust grilles in the room for decontamination. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
f Controls 

A manual switch shall be provided to deactivate the bypass mode when mail is being sorted in the mail room. A switch should be provided to shut down the supply-air fan to the mail room and disable the exhaust bypass around the filters so that all exhaust air passes through the filter bank. Controls shall be provided in the room to shut down the mail room exhaust when decontamination is required. 

f Plumbing 

A handicapped-accessible emergency shower should be provided with a temperaturecontrol valve for a maximum water-supply temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a stay-open valve that is operated by a pull rod. Activation of the shower will send a “MAIL ROOM EMERGENCY” signal to the USMS Command and Control Center. Posted signs next to the shower should warn the mail room occupants that use of this shower will activate emergency controls and alarms. In the shower area, a floor drain (with trap) shall be provided and the floor shall be sloped to the drain. The drain shall be connected to one or more freestanding polyethylene holding tanks that can be easily removed and replaced by a hazmat team. The holding tank size should be based on the water required for each occupant in the mail room to take a shower and the water required for decontamination of the room. The tank shall be marked “Hazardous Material.” A handicapped-accessible wash sink with hot and cold water supply should be provided (with a gooseneck faucet with a built-in eye wash) along with a stainless steel countertop and a storage cabinet (with finishes that can be easily decontaminated). For additional guidelines, refer to GSA P-100. Server Rooms Court information technology personnel, plus staff from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) Office of Information Technology, and SFD 

Telecommunications specialists must be involved in involvement ensures that adequate space, adequate bproper adjacencies are incorporated into the design. Mechanical and electrical systems must meet current aspace and power for the additional computer room air-required for equipment expansion. A power density of 100 watts (W) for every net sqconditioning should be planned for 60 percent of the powheat gain to space. The cooling system infrastructure shofuture expansion of cooling systems to 100 W per. Design for the high-temperature alarms, leak detection, and CRAC unit trouble alarms shall be monitored on a from the building management system (BMS). The smokshall be integrated into the building’s fire and life safety sServer rooms of all sizes shall be provided with a minimuaccess floor and sized to maintain the temperature bFahrenheit and relative humidity between 30 and 35 perce

Telecommunications Switch Rooms aServer, telecommunications, and audiovisual closets coheat gain and 24/7 operation. These rooms must be procooling system to provide proper air-conditioning mechanical systems are shut down. Telecommunications as joint-use space with other building tenants at the discrtenants. The design team is advised to confirm the prduring the conceptual design phase. Refer to GSA P-100 for further guidance unless otherwise 

15-6 I Building Systems U.S. Court
Mechanical Design Criteria 

All court-occupied areas share the following mechanical design criteria unless otherwise specified: 

f Temperature 

 Summer indoor design temperature shall be maintained at 75 degrees Fahrenheit 

(24 degrees Celsius). Refer to GSA P-100. 

 Winter indoor design temperature shall be at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). 

Refer to GSA P-100. 

f Humidity 

 Summer design humidity shall be between 45 percent. Outdoor air at design 

temperature. 

 Winter design humidity shall be between 303 percent. Outdoor air is ASHRAE 

97.5%. 

f Ventilation 

 The minimum outdoor air volume to be provided per person is 20 cubic feet per 

minute (CFM, 9 L/s [liters per second]). 

f Recirculated Air 

 The maximum allowable percentage for recirculated air is 80–85 percent. 

f Air Changes per Hour 

 In courtrooms and other court-occupied areas, a minimum expectation for air 

changes per hour is required: Appellate En Banc Courtroom 6–8 Appellate Panel Courtroom 6–8 Special Proceedings Courtroom 6–8 District Judges’ Courtroom 8–10 

3 Minimum relative humidity may be omitted in moderate southern climate zones. 

Magistrate Judge’s Courtroom 8–10 Bankruptcy Judges’ Courtroom 6–8 Judges’ Robing/Conference Room 8 Jury Assembly Suite 8 Trial Jury Suite 8 Grand Jury Suite 8 Library Spaces 8 

Electrical Distribution SysGeneral Design Concerns Sufficient electrical capacity, supply quality, accommodate communications equipment such ascanners, video and audio systems, electronic secequipment. In addition, the electrical capacity provmeet the total connected load requirements, plus capThe electrical system must provide clean power fservers, related data and communications hardware, and security equipment must be connected to syssystems and panelboards. Security equipment mupower systems (refer to Requirements and SpecificSupport Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial SecSpecifications [USMS Publication 64]). 

f Battery Backup 

Areas where emergency lighting requires local batand direct visual surveillance in the event of power f Courtrooms  Judges’ chambers  Controlled circulation areas  Prisoner/attorney and witness/attorney interview 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
f Grounding Systems 

In addition to the building grounding system prescribed by the National Electrical Code (NEC), separately derived grounding systems must be dedicated to the outlets, devices, and equipment of the security systems. Another separately derived grounding system must be dedicated to the computer systems, including networks. 

f Power Outlets 

Adequate power outlets must be provided throughout the judges’ chambers suites and other court-related offices to accommodate a wide variety of automated and regular office equipment. 

f Electrical Distribution 

A raised access floor system shall be incorporated into the design as a building system to allow for electrical and low-voltage distribution. See the discussion in this chapter for additional guidance on and criteria for raised access floor systems. For additional guidelines, refer to GSA P-100. Courtrooms Table 15.1 summarizes the electrical requirements for courtrooms. 

f Electrical Distribution 

An adequate number of electrical, data, and phone outlets must be placed near anticipated locations of equipment (sound recording equipment, amplifiers, video monitors, cameras, computers, projectors, X-ray viewers, court reporter steno machines, etc.). Power capacity and distribution must accommodate future requirements and take into account center, off-center, and corner bench locations. 

f Normal Convenience Outlets 

A three-phase, four-wire panelboard must be provided panelboard must be sized to serve the courtroom, trial jurand circulation spaces. The panelboard must serve all npower requirements. If service is obtained by a three-general 120-volt power requirements must be served transformer and associated panelboard. The local system main building ground. The feeder serving the area muload growth. 

f Dedicated Outlets 

An electrical distribution system with dedicated groundinshould serve computer and security-related equipment. Reference GSA P-100 for electrical power requirements a

f Designated Outlets 

Minimum outlet requirements for the various componenfollows and as shown in Table 15.1: Attorney Tables  Multiple quadriplex receptacles for general purposes  Multiple dedicated computer power receptacles Miscellaneous Requirements  Duplex outlets located at approximately 20-foot (6,1

walls of the courtroom 

 Additional outlets at appropriate locations to accomm

video monitors, video recorders, and X-ray viewers 

 Floor boxes for the lectern, with built-in task lightin

(include a timing system for Appellate courtrooms on

 Outlets to accommodate the future location of video c An outlet for a wall-mounted clock 

1 5 - 8 I B u i l d i n g S y s t e m s U . S . C o u r t 
Table 15.1 

Electrical Requirements in Courtrooms 

 NORMAL DEDICATED SPECIAL 

Duplex Quad 

COURTROOM Judge’s Bench 1 1 Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station 1 1 1 1 Witness Box 1 1 Jury Box 3 Law Clerk Station 1 1 Bailiff Station 1 1 Court Reporter/ Recorder Station 1 1 1 Attorney Tables GSA P-100 As Needed As Needed 

Judges’ Chambers Suites 

f Electrical Distribution 

Electrical service serving the judge’s chambers suite must be obtained from a local panelboard (three-phase, four-wire) sized to serve all areas associated with the suite. The panelboard must serve all normal lighting and general power requirements of the suite areas. The capacity of the feeder serving the area must accommodate future load growth. An electrical distribution system with dedicated grounding and independent breakers should serve computer equipment connected to courthouse computer networks and security equipment. 

f Emergency Power Distribution 

Security equipment must be connected to the emergency power supply system. 

f Designated Outlets 

Minimum outlet requirements for the judge’s private chambers are as follows:  Three quadriplex receptacles for general and miscellaneous purposes (e.g., a 

table lamp) 

 One dedicated computer power receptacle  One normal duplex receptacle for the judge’s prinMinimum requirements for the reference/conferethe judge. Minimum requirements for the law clerk and secreare as follows:  One quadriplex receptacle for general purposes  One dedicated computer power receptacle  One normal duplex receptacle for a printer Outlets serving the following equipment should the judge:  Copy machines  Fax machines  Scanners and shredders  Printers  Computer power receptacles  Coffee machine  Service unit equipment: microwave, refrigerator,  Miscellaneous (TV, projector, etc.) Distributed convenience outlets should also be locateNote: Devices provided with dedicated power (tyequipment) must be on separate circuits. 

Jury Facilities 

f Electrical Distribution 

In general, normal electrical power distribution is separate electrical system must provide dedicated po

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
Convenience outlets for 120-volt power must be located throughout the jury 

facilities. Outlets on separate circuits must be provided for the service unit. In the jury assembly, grand jury hearing, and trial jury rooms, outlets on separate circuits must be provided for projection units; a television monitor and digital video disc (DVD) player; and an audiotape recorder/player. In addition, an outlet for a wallmounted clock must be provided in each room. Outlets for multiple monitors or projectors or audiovisual equipment must be provided in the jury assembly area. Special outlets for computers must be provided in each grand jury suite, the jury clerk’s office, and stations for court security, U.S. attorneys, and the court reporter/recorder. All Judges’ Conference Rooms 

f Electrical Distribution 

Electrical outlets must be provided to support audiovisual equipment, personal computers, and other equipment. If the conference room is used often for training, “clean power” outlets should also be provided to accommodate the use of laptop computers and audiovisual equipment. Public Waiting Areas 

f Electrical Distribution 

Duplex convenience outlets and power outlets for wall-mounted clocks must be provided. 

Central Court Libraries 

f Electrical Distribution 

Normal duplex convenience outlets must be provideDedicated power outlets must be provided wherever coelectronic equipment are used. All study spaces must hav` News Media Room Electrical DistribuThe room must have normal convenience power ouaccommodate the use of personal computers and senshould also be considered. Lighting Systems General Design Concerns A lighting design engineer should participate in the early that the lighting standards required by the Design Guide efficient manner. The lighting design for a courthouse should take a layelayer accomplishes a critical task.  A direct lighting component is required for appropr

and facial modeling. 

 An indirect layer of interreflection light (or bounce 

shadows on faces and evidence and to allow for courtroom. The indirect layer can be provided throususpended bowl or architectural light fixtures, or wallor it can be combined with the direct layer througlight fixtures. 

1 5 - 1 0 I B u i l d i n g S y s t e m s U . S . C o u r t 
 The use of dark wood paneling should be avoided as it typically requires a third 

layer of wall washing may be necessary to increase wall surface brightness. Typically, wall washing is accomplished through the use of linear fluorescent coves and linear wall-wash fixtures. 

 A fourth layer of task or accent lighting can be used at the judge’s bench, witness 

station, jury box, and attorneys’ tables. The addition of task lighting improves the energy efficiency and the overall aesthetic design of a courtroom or other spaces within a courthouse by allowing a more directed approach to lighting and providing illumination at higher levels where it is needed, with lower levels provided elsewhere. 

The interplay and relationship between lighting perception (brightness) and the choice of wall, floor, and ceiling finishes must be addressed by the design team. For example, the majority of lighting problems arise from human perception of room brightness, which is based on the reflection of the light from horizontal and vertical surfaces. Courtrooms with wood panels at lower levels generally allow for higher wall surface reflectance and greater perceived brightness. Darker wall and floor finishes can create problems because they are less efficient at reflecting light within the courtroom, which leads to more installed light fixtures and task lighting. The design team should carefully consider the use of dark wall and floor surfaces during the design phase to ensure that the proposed design does not adversely affect the energy efficiency or brightness perception of the space. In general, daylighting improves the quality of a courthouse and the experience of staff and visitors. The lighting engineer must take into consideration daylighting factors such as glare and heat generation when designing a facility. The lighting engineer should follow the design priorities identified in the Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Lighting Handbook, 9th edition, Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide.” The highest design priorities (not listed in order of importance) are (1) appearance of space and light fixtures, (2) color appearance and contrast, (3) daylighting integration and control, (4) direct glare, (5) light distribution on work surfaces, (6) modeling of faces or objects, (7) source/task/eye geometry, (8) lighting system control and flexibility, (9) horizontal illuminance, and (10) vertical illuminance. 

The lighting design should be evaluated and validateteam throughout the design phase to ensure that standards set forth in this chapter and achieves an eteam should evaluate lighting schemes and horizontaand brightness. 

Courtrooms 

f Lighting Criteria 

The lighting of the courtroom should not only satisbut also accommodate the future introduction of viand personal computer equipment. This requires adjvertical foot-candles (FC) toward the front of the jury) and for highlighting (flag, U.S. seal). Caution must be exercised when using excessively bnoise problem and temporary lamp failure caused by The lighting system should have good color renditioceiling plane. Modulation of lighting levels shoucourtroom well and spectator areas. 

f Lighting Levels 

Lighting levels in the courtroom vary. The system accommodate the projection of exhibits. The dimmvideo recording system’s lowest operable light levcode the level must not be lower than 1 FC. See Taregarding lighting levels in the courtroom. 

f Lighting Controls 

Lighting controls for the courtroom should accommo In use, fully occupied  In use, no spectators  Not in use 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
 Use of a projector or other device requiring a dimmed or darkened courtroom 

In addition, the lighting control system should allow the intensity and type of lighting to vary at the discretion of the presiding judge. This is particularly applicable when adjustable incandescent lighting units are provided. A remote means of dimming or extinguishing the lights should be provided. Panelboards and conductors should be located in a service area outside the courtroom. Circuit-breaker panels must not be the only means to control lighting. Access to the lighting controls is limited to court personnel. The controls must not be accessible to witnesses, jurors, attorneys, litigants, or the public. Where this is unavoidable, key-controlled light switches must be installed. An override switch must be located at the judge’s bench and at the courtroom deputy clerk station to allow the instantaneous overriding of all dimming controls in an emergency. The following lighting controls can be specified, depending upon the size of the courtroom, specific lighting arrangement, and lamp types:  A more complex lighting installation consisting of local, wall, box-type, 

electronic, and silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) dimmers 

 Remote electronic dimmers with preset lighting arrangements, for large 

courtrooms with high ceilings 

f Emergency Lighting 

Selected lighting fixtures within the courtroom must provide an uninterrupted source of lighting in the event of a power outage. Standby power for emergency lighting to the courtrooms must be provided by local battery-backup units connected to an emergency generator. The judge’s bench must not be spotlighted by emergency lighting. To permit orderly evacuation, emergency lighting facilities must maintain a specified degree of illumination throughout the means of egress for one and a half hours. 

During that time, the lighting level must not be less thaperiod, the illumination may decrease to 0.6 FC. The judgemergency spotlight. 

Judges’ Chambers Suites 

f Lighting Criteria 

Lighting systems for the judge’s chambers suite are detean architect, engineer, or lighting designer. The installatiofederal energy-consumption criteria. Special considerations in lighting design include veilmaterials, color rendition, and the effect of lighting on lighting must be variable to 100 FC. 

f Emergency Lighting 

Standby power for emergency lighting must be providesystem for selected lighting units in the judge’s chamroom, and circulation spaces. Jury Facilities 

f Jury Assembly Suite 

The jury assembly suite must be illuminated by diradditional direct incandescent units in the lounge areas. Narea, especially in the lounge, is desirable. The jury oriopening to it require lighting control for audiovisual prese

f Trial Jury Suite 

Lighting in the trial jury room may be a combination of dimmer-controlled direct (incandescent) units. Jurors nwhen reviewing written material. When exhibits are viewTV monitor, the indirect (fluorescent) units can be switcdimmed. Sufficient residual lighting must be provided for 

1 5 - 1 2 I B u i l d i n g S y s t e m s U . S . C o u r t 
f Grand Jury Suite 

The grand jury suite must be illuminated by dimmer-controlled direct fluorescent units. All Judges’ Conference Rooms 

f Lighting Criteria 

If excessive brightness can be avoided and privacy/security maintained, natural lighting is recommended. When natural light is used, a means of darkening the room for audiovisual presentations should be provided. Electrical lighting of the judge’s conference room should be switch-controlled direct fluorescent and incandescent units. Emergency lighting powered by a battery-backup system must be provided. Central Court Libraries 

f Natural Lighting 

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR). CALR stations should not be located where there is a glare from natural light. Bookstacks. Natural light is not desirable for bookstacks due to the damaging effects of sunlight. Study Spaces. Windows allowing an exterior view and natural light are highly desirable. For enclosed study rooms, interior windows are preferable, since users may need to darken the rooms to view video. Interior windows also allow others to determine whether the rooms are occupied. Staff Offices. Natural light is desirable for all offices. Interior windows are necessary so staff can monitor library activity. 

Technical Services Area. Natural light is desirablcontrolled. Interior windows must be provided for viMicroform Area. Natural light is not desirable in th

require a controlled-light environment. Interior windmust be provided if the area is enclosed. 

f Electrical Lighting 

The lighting in the library must be switch-controlled fluorescent units are allowed in areas with computer A master switch must be provided at the library staff Study spaces must be provided with task lighting. Lin stack areas. The rare book/court archives roodepending upon room use and the sensitivity of thwhere reading occurs, care must be taken to avoid glLighting Standards Table 15.2 provides the IESNA lighting standards reother courthouse spaces that are beyond the public GSA P-100. Horizontal illumination describes the horizontal surface such as a desk, and vertical illumlight landing on a vertical surface such a wall or face

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
Table 15.2 

Lighting Requirements1 

Horizontal Illumination Vertical Illumination Horizontal Illuminati

Foot-Candles2 Foot-Candles Foot-Candles 

COURTROOM AND ASSOCIATED SPJudge’s Bench3

ACES 

50 

20 

Bailiff 50 20 Interpreter 50 20 Court Reporter 50 20 Jury Box 50 20 

Attorney Witness Table and Lectern3 30 15 

Witness Box 30 15 News Media Room 30 15 Attorney Work Room 30 15 Attorney/Witness Room 30 15 Public Seating 10 5 JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITES Judge’s Chambers Private Office3 30–50 10 

Chambers Support Areas: Closet, Service Unit, Vestibule, and Private Toilet 

20 5 

Judicial Assistant, , File Storage, Conference Room, and Law Clerks3 30–50 10 

JURY ASSEMBLY SUITE Check-In, Coat Closet, Jurors’ Toilets, Service Unit, Vending Area, Juror Lounge, and Jury Assembly Area 

30 5 

Supplies and Storage 20 5 

TRIAL JURY SUITE Soundlock, Jurors’ Toilets, Coat Closet, Trial Jury Room, Service Unit, Exhibits Display, Video Equipment, and Sworn-Jury Custodian Station 

30 

GRAND JURY SUITE Entry Area, Jurors’ Toilets, and Service Unit 30 Security Workstation and Hearing Room 50 Witness Room Exhibits Display and Video Equipment 30 Closet 30 CENTRAL COURT LIBRARIES4 

Public Entry/Lobby 30 

Circulation Control Area, Periodicals Stacks, and Seating Area 50 Reference Desk Area 50 Staff Access and CALR 30 

1 All other spaces not identified shall be provided the lighting sta2 A foot-candle (FC) is a unit of illuminance; it measures the amo3 Supplemental task lighting may be necessary to raise the ambie

illumination of 100 FC. 

4 The lighting in the library must be switch controlled. Indirect o

fixtures should be installed in all areas that have adequate ceilinmust be provided at the library staff entrance. 

1 5 - 1 4 I B u i l d i n g S y s t e m s U . S . C o u r t 
Communications Systems 

Voice, Data, Courtroom Audio/Video, and Low-Voltage Cabling Design Most of the equipment found in the courts, such as telephones, copiers, scanners, shredders, and fax machines, is similar to that used in other government and business organizations. The federal courts also use several technologies specifically modified and adopted for judicial purposes, such as courtroom technology and court reporting technology. Since automation technology is constantly evolving, any installation should be adaptable to change. Efficient architectural planning, programming, and design of infrastructure must facilitate the installation and modification of these technologies and substantially reduce the costs of equipment installation and maintenance. General Design Concerns 

f Registered Communications Distribution Designer 

A registered communications distribution designer (RCDD) shall be a part of the design team and should be acquired under the GSA construction contract. The RCDD must participate in the early phase of design development of a courthouse to ensure that the required infrastructure is provided for communications and audiovisual systems. The RCDD shall work with the AOUSC (both information technology and communications staff) design team and the court managers, information technology operations staff, and staff responsible for IT management and deployment to develop the most efficient distribution systems for all low-voltage requirements. 

f Voice and Data Communications Systems 

Courthouse voice and data systems require extensive low-voltage cabling. The associated cable systems require a well-designed and well-installed building infrastructure to support the routing and connecting of cabling and housing of equipment. The design team must refer to the following: 

 Courtroom Technology Manual (most recent vers GSA P-100, Chapters 5, 6, and 9  Illumination Engineers of North America Lig

Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide” 

 Telecommunications Cabling Standards. 

Association (TIA) and Electronics Industries Series, Commercial Building 

 Telephone/Data Procurement Policy. TIA/EIA

Standards for Telecommunications Pathways 

 ANSI/CSA/TIA/EIA-942 Telecommunications I

Centers 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purp

Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Re(USMS Publication 64), most current edition 

Personal computers, network and communicationequipment, and new technologies require substantial connections, and lighting. Requirements for conneequipment throughout the courthouse include extecable trays, raceways, and chases). In multistory buildings, several vertical raceways aelectronic networking for communications must be idistribution system ideally stacks the secured floor ddirectly above the main distribution frame for botThese raceways and conduits need to be sized appimmediate and future telecommunications requiremeA secured communications distribution room is reqboth telecommunications and data service providersmain data communications distribution room and vo(or area if in the main data distribution room) shall recommended cabling distances and may include equipment distribution area. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
Telecommunications requirements are based on the size of the switch. The switch 

room or area within the main communication distribution room must be secured with controlled access. Space requirements must provide flexibility for future improvements to the telecommunications system. Within the communications distribution room, a horizontal distribution area is required for horizontal cross-connects from the distribution point for cabling to the equipment distribution area. In addition, a zone floor distribution area is required for structured cabling for the floor-standing equipment, and an equipment distribution area is required to place equipment cabinets and racks arranged to effectively dissipate heat from electronics. The data communications space requirements should be based on the known number of planned and future work areas. A work area is any location where a person would work at a computer or other computing or network-connected device such as a printer, scanner, network-attached camera, network-based building automation system, or security device. The main distribution frame room must be sized to house equipment plus the mechanical and electrical systems to support the computing equipment. If the room serves other functions, the size must be increased to accommodate the added functions. Some of the added functions could include the following:  IT staff control console space or offices  Equipment assembly or repair functions  Printer and printing facilities  Data backup system storage The additional space can be provided within the main distribution room or in an adjacent room. The floor distribution closets and audiovisual closets shall be located to efficiently serve the judges’ chambers, courtrooms, and court offices. Servers require an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system that can compensate for a low-voltage condition or electrical spike and that can execute a soft shutdown of the server, which logs off users, saves data, and closes files. 

f Satellite Downlink Systems 

Satellite downlink systems broadcast educational anadministrative information to courts. Satellite dishes, related cabling must be provided for all courthouses. The with the AOUSC information technology staff and Technology Manual and GSA P-100. 

f Public Telephones 

Magistrate and bankruptcy judge courtrooms may experietelephones. A sufficient number of public telephones shfacility to accommodate this need conveniently. Courtrooms 

f Audio and Video 

Courtrooms generally require sound-reinforcement and be integrated with the architectural and engineering desigcertified RCDD shall ensure the proper design of the ensure that finishes and lighting do not interfere with thand video systems. The design team should refer to Manual for specific details on the design of courtr“Acoustics,” of this Design Guide; and the lighting sectio

f Court Reporter/Recorder Technology 

Law, rule, or order of the court requires the production court’s proceedings. With the exception of video rereporting technologies—shorthand, machine stentranscription, single- and multitrack audio recording, and as stenomask)—are regularly used throughout the federajudges in large metropolitan federal courthouses will noreporting method, the installation of a centralized audio osuch a courthouse is not recommended. The rapidly growing reliance on electronic recordinparticular, multitrack audio recording, video evidence p

1 5 - 1 6 I B u i l d i n g S y s t e m s U . S . C o u r t 
aided transcription, means that careful attention to electrical and audio facilities in 

the courtroom is required. Proper design considers the placement and type of microphones, the quality and location of the microphone connectors, audio wiring, integration of the audio recording system with the public audio amplification system, and the acoustic conditions of the courtroom. Microphones and speakers may be part of courtroom millwork, and planning must consider the space and personnel required for efficient operation. Some reporting technologies require networks and the installation of monitors and projection equipment in the courtroom. Two current technological innovations in courtroom reporting are real-time stenographic transcription and voice-recognition transcription for the preparation of electronic or printed transcripts. A third advance is instantaneous transcription of trial proceedings. None of these technologies requires substantial changes in courtroom design. For information regarding courtroom technology, refer to the Courtroom Technology Manual. Judges’ Chambers Suites 

f Video 

One or more outlets connected to the building downlink system and cable television system shall be provided in the judge’s chambers and conference/reference room. 

f Communications 

Telephone/intercom outlets must be provided where required. Jury Facilities 

f Audio 

Jury Assembly Suite. A sound system must be provided in the jury assembly area. The system must allow audio inputs from video or other projection equipment. 

Assisted-listening system (ALS) controls and emitteand integrated with the jury assembly area sound sylocated adjacent to sound system controls. Trial Jury Suite. A self-contained, portable ALS mus

suites and other places where sound systems are not Grand Jury Suite. A sound system must be provided The system must allow audio inputs from video or otALS controls and emitters must be permanently igrand jury hearing room sound system. A wireleflexibility and privacy needed in the grand jury provided in the room, caution must be exercised to signals. An infrared ALS requires emitters to provthe entire room. Multitrack systems in the grand jury hearing room csimultaneous translation, and confidential tape recordThe grand jury foreperson/secretary station and witmicrophones connected to an amplification/amicrophones must be controlled by the court reporterWhen an interpreter is used, the interpreter muconnected to the room’s amplification/audio recordinIn addition, a microphone connected to a sound systattorney station and/or lectern. 

f Video 

In the juror lounge and assembly suite, one or morsatellite downlink system and cable television system 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
f Communications 

In the trial jury suite, a push-button and buzzer system must be provided between the sworn-jury custodian and foreperson stations. In the grand jury hearing room, telephone/intercom instruments must be provided at the jury clerk’s office, security desk, and U.S. attorney station. Central Court Libraries 

f Audio 

A paging system is desirable in larger libraries. The system’s microphone and controls must be located at the circulation/reference desk; speakers must be located throughout the public areas of the library. 

f Communications 

All staff offices and work areas must be provided with a telephone and data outlet. In addition, all enclosed private study areas and CALR stations must be equipped with telephone outlets. Outlets used only by staff and court personnel must have intercom capability. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Manual. Clerk’s Office 

f Video 

Consult with the AOUSC’s communications team and refer to the Courthouse Technology Manual. 

f Communications 

Consult with the AOUSC’s communications and information technology staff and refer to GSA P-100. 

Office of the Chief Pre-argument/Conf

f Video 

Accommodation for videoconferencing must be proAOUSC’s communications staff and refer to the CourthoOffice of the Bankruptcy Administrat

f Video 

Conference rooms must accommodate recording equipmeRaised Access Flooring Access flooring is incorporated in the building’s desisystems provided throughout the building. In judiciaflooring is provided throughout the assigned space, not on The flooring should be a minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) allow adequate space for wire-management systems conduits. The design team should consider “pan”-type concrete as the access floor type. If a court decides to delete access flooring from a projethe flooring will be removed from the construction budgto the building’s judiciary-occupied spaces will be funded 

1 5 - 1 8 I B u i l d i n g S y s t e m s U . S . C o u r t 
This chapter discusses the planning and 

design of courthouse security, including agency responsibilities, security planning and design concepts, and security systems and equipment. 

BUILDING SECURITY 

. Introduction Security is essential to the basic design of courthouses. Courthouse security is complex in that different court components and circulation patterns require varying degrees of security. In addition, federal courthouse security is the responsibility of the judiciary, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service (DHS/FPS), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). It is critical that the architectural/engineering (A/E) team consider the security implications of every aspect of design. No amount of security equipment and personnel can effectively secure a building that has been designed without taking physical security into account. Security concerns, including demonstrations, weapons, witness and jury intimidation, bombs, and so on, are inherent to courthouses. Optimal courthouse security is a fine balance between architectural solutions, allocation of security personnel, and installation of security systems and equipment. Since security planning is a basic and critical part of courthouse design, it must be factored in at the beginning of site selection and the design process. Failure to do so can result in costly and time-consuming reconfigurations. Courthouse security systems are categorized as exterior and interior security systems. Exterior security includes considerations of site location, parking, access control, site lighting, perimeter surveillance, building access control, and intrusion-detection/alarm systems. Interior security includes personnel security, security of property and documents, 

access control to interior spcirculation controls, security and coordination between safety requirements. 

Supporting DocumeA comprehensive guide to found in Chapter 2, “CBudgetary Considerations.” Tdesign criteria, courthouse ppolicies, and information on construction of federal coubelow relate specifically to th Design Notebook for Fe

GSA and USMS. The illustrate how effective seequipment and personnel of lobby spaces in new cprototype designs as well 

 Facilities Standards for 

(GSA P-100) 

 Interagency Security Co

Criteria for New FederaModernization ProjConstruction, GSA, most 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management Group Engineering and Architectural, most current edition 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and Hardware, most current edition 

 Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications, most current edition 

 Site Security Design Guide, GSA, (June 2007 or most current edition)  USMS Office of Security Systems – Required Elements  Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities, Level IV Buildings, Department 

of Justice 

Agency Responsibilities Courthouse security is the joint responsibility of the judiciary, USMS, and DHS/FPS. Decisions regarding security planning and design are made by the judiciary, the USMS, and the GSA. 

f Court Security Committee (CSC) 

Each of the 94 federal court districts has a CSC chaired by the appropriate district chief judge. The U.S. Marshal for the district serves as principal coordinator of the committee. The responsibilities of the CSC are to develop and implement a districtwide security plan, and to meet periodically to identify security problems and develop solutions. The local CSC is responsible for addressing the security concerns of the entire judicial family, including judges, chambers staffs, clerks, probation and pretrial services officers, librarians, federal defenders, and other members of the court family. This responsibility includes the security for all judicial areas within federal buildings as well as any leased space that has court staff on-site. The CSC 

also reviews facility and security system designs anagencies responsible for the design, construction, security systems. 

f Building Security Committee (BSC) 

In multi-tenant court buildings where court-related actpercent of the rentable space, a BSC develops the physiincludes representatives of all tenant agencies and is cjudge, his or her designee, or the highest-ranking official most space in the building. Establishment of BSCs for each federal facility under ththe recommendations contained in the Department of JusAssessment of Federal Facilities, which was issued in Ju1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Okwhich consist solely of representatives of the court family involving the courts on a judicial district-wide basis, requirements of federal agencies that occupy multi-tentasked with evaluating the building’s physical security standards outlined in the above-mentioned DOJ report. All security systems and equipment must be consistent win the GSA’s ISC Security Design Criteria for New FeMajor Modernization Projects, Medium-High-Level 

Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities, Level Iand Specifications for Special Purpose and SupporOne through Three, Judicial Security Systems Requir(USMS Publication 64); USMS Office of Security System

GSA P-100. The DHS/FPS is responsible for the security of all federacourt facilities. The FPS provides security for the buildinand non-court-related agency space. The FPS or an authoenforcement agency responds to calls or duress alarms duty in the building. The FPS installs intrusion-detection that are monitored from a remote regional communicati

1 6 - 2 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
systems (i.e., locks, keys, and the integrity of door hardware) and parking 

protection/lighting are typically the responsibility of the GSA building manager. While the FPS is responsible for the protection of most federal buildings, the USMS has assumed this role for “court-only occupied” buildings where 75 percent or more of the building’s occupancy is court-related activity. The USMS is also responsible for the personal security of judges, court staff, and the public. This includes the protection of judges, witnesses, jurors, and prisoners. The USMS physical security planning responsibilities for court space are handled by the Office of Security Systems (OSS). OSS is responsible for the planning, design, and installation of security systems in spaces occupied by the judiciary, including judges and their staffs, clerks of court, probation and pretrial services officers, librarians, staff attorneys, circuit and district court executives, and other members of the court family. The USMS does not specify security systems for the U.S. attorney or U.S. Trustee, as they are part of the executive branch and do not fall under the courts’ jurisdiction. In addition, OSS is the security consultant for court buildings, designing and integrating security systems for the building perimeters in conjunction with the GSA and FPS. OSS retains a nationwide security systems contractor for security systems installation and service in all courthouses and space leased for court activities. The OSS security specialist must participate during Phase I of the design process. The specialist’s participation will prevent expensive retrofits and ensure that the infrastructure to support the security systems and equipment is incorporated into construction documents. This will also ensure that sufficient funding is requested and allocated. Further, the USMS nationwide security systems contractor shall participate in the design and construction to allow for timely installation and accessibility to conduit and junction boxes. OSS is a part of the USMS, but it is responsible only for court-occupied space and is separate and distinct from the USMS Office of Courthouse Management (OCM). 

The OCM is responsible for design consideratimovement, holding-cell and interview facility reqoffice and support space. 

Security Concepts Courthouse security requires coordination of arcsecurity personnel, and security systems and equipmto security problems are an integral part of planninSeparation of public, restricted, and secure circulsecure prisoner holding and interview facilities elements. Courthouse design must consider expansshort- and long-term housing requirements. Security systems and equipment can reduce the required; however, systems and equipment are not incost of architectural solutions incorporated during pthe initial installation, operation, and maintenance equipment—is often small compared with secuanticipated life of the facility. Since the USMS may be responsible for on-site msite, building perimeter, and nonjudiciary or cosystems are integrated into the USMS Command systems monitored by the USMS typically include devices, electronic access controls, and closed-audio/video switching and recording systems. See Rfor Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, VSystems Requirements and Specifications (USMS details on the USMS Command and Control Center. Security Systems and Equipment This discussion of courthouse security systems and exterior and interior security. Exterior security i

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
parking, lighting, access control at building entrances, and intrusion-detection/alarm 

systems. Interior security includes personnel security, security of property and documents, access control to interior spaces, personnel movement and circulation controls, security aspects of spatial arrangements, and the coordination and integration of security and fire and life safety requirements. All security systems and equipment must be consistent with the GSA’s ISC Security Design Criteria for New Federal Office Buildings and Major Modernization Projects, Medium-High-Level Construction; Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications (USMS Publication 64); the DOJ’s Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities, Level IV Buildings; and OSS required elements. Exterior Security 

f Site 

Building Setback. The building setback defined in the ISC Security Design Criteria for New Federal Office Buildings and Major Modernization Projects, Medium-HighLevel Construction must be maintained using passive barriers such as bollards, berms, and planters and/or active barriers such as hydraulic barriers, fencing, and gates. Landscaping. Special attention must be paid to the location and configuration of plants outside the building, particularly at parking and building entrances. Plants must be small and low so they cannot be used as hiding places or obstruct sight lines. Landscaping can also be used to enhance security by preventing encroachment on the building setback. Loose rocks that could break glass, if thrown, should be avoided. Site Lighting. Sufficient lighting is critical to the safety of the public and employees outside the courthouse. Illumination must be provided for areas between cars and around bushes and shrubs. Higher levels of illumination are required at vehicle and pedestrian entrances. All perimeter lighting must support the operation of CCTV cameras. 

Separation of Vehicle Circulation. Four vehicle circulatio(1) judges, (2) designated court employees, (3) USMS service. As needed, judges and court employees may sareas are physically separated with automated controlsshould be controlled at a single point with a guard statio

and active vehicle barriers. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). CCTV cameras mucomplete perimeter coverage and should be connected to Control Center. Cameras might also be connectcommunications center for after-hours surveillance. 

f Parking 

Restricted Judges’ Parking. Restricted parking, with elecbe provided for all judges. Judges’ parking should be larea under the building, or, if this is not possible, in a view of the parking area or the judge’s path to the buientrance to the building from the parking area must be should refer to the judiciary’s parking policy approved by the United States (JCUS) on March 16, 1999, for further can be obtained from the Space and Facilities Division oof the U.S. Courts (AOUSC). Employee and Visitor Parking. Court-employee, juroemployee parking areas, if provided, should be located courthouse. These parking areas must be fenced and provcontrols. The design team should refer to the judiciary’s the JCUS on March 16, 1999, for further details. CCTV. A CCTV system must be provided to monitor accparking areas, parking spaces, and associated building emonitored by the USMS Command and Control Center. 

16-4 I Building Security U.S. Court
f Building Perimeter 

Intrusion Detection. An intrusion-detection system covering all perimeter doors, including roof access, must be installed in the courthouse. Ground-floor or accessible windows must be protected with glass-break detectors or other sensor technology. Intrusion-detection systems are to be monitored by the DHS-FPS and/or USMS (onor off-site) on a 24-hour basis. Windows. All chamber and courtroom windows must be sealed and glazed with ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, Level IV) materials unless the USMS determines that ballistic glazing is not needed. Emergency Exits. Emergency doors must be self-locking and equipped with a remote alarm and interior CCTV camera, both monitored by the USMS Command and Control Center. Where permissible and as per code, emergency exits should be equipped with magnetic locks or electric strikes connected to an alarm/time-delay mechanism or the fire alarm/sprinkler system. Electric locking systems on fire doors should be connected to battery-backup power and emergency generators. The systems must remain locked from the outside during a power failure. Emergency egress doors should not have any exterior hardware, and exposed hinges should be “peened” to ensure the security of the doors. A peened hinge is a hinge that has a pin that cannot be removed by pulling the pin out. CCTV. A CCTV camera, also monitored by the USMS Command and Control Center, must be installed inside the building at each remote exit. 

f Building Entrances 

Elevators or stairs from the staff or public parking area should empty in front of the lobby screening station to allow weapons and contraband screening. Public Entrance. Only one public entrance, with a lobby large enough to hold visitors during peak periods, must be provided, configured and sized to allow security systems to be part of the architectural design and circulation path from the entrance. The security station should be placed directly inside the building entrance, with sufficient space for queuing during peak periods, and wheelchair access must be provided. Refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for public lobbies 

and atriums; Design Notebook for Federal Buildin

and Specifications for Special Purpose and SupporJudicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifiand OSS required elements. Employee Entry. All employees must enter the courscreening point. If the CSC or BSC determine threquired, the entrance should be equipped with a meCCTV, with the appropriate space for security personJudges’ Entry. Entrance from the judges’ parking arerestricted lobby must have electronic access controand a duress alarm. The entrance must have the nesecurity equipment. The entrance must be monitoreControl Center. Loading Dock. A single building entry point for provided by the loading dock and service area. Parklocated outside the court building. Where service aadjacent to the court building, the area must withstand explosions. Where a parking-lot guard is provided, vehicular delguard post for screening, or a separate guard station dock entry must have electrically controlled domonitoring by the USMS Command and Control Cemachine must be provided to screen personnel, mbuilding. Intercom and CCTV systems must be instathe arrival of delivery trucks and allow surveillancequipment should be monitored by the USMS securby the USMS Command and Control Center. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
Interior Security 

f Circulation Controls 

An essential element of courthouse security design is the physical separation of public, restricted, and secure circulation systems. Trial participants should not meet until they are in the courtroom during formal court proceedings. The integrity of each circulation system must be maintained for all functions within the court facility, including service access points. The circulation system must provide judges a means to move from restricted parking to chambers and to move between chambers, courtrooms, and other spaces through restricted corridors. Generally, access is controlled by electronic access-control systems such as card readers. Jurors must be provided with a means to move between floors on restricted-access elevators without crossing public spaces or secure prisoner corridors. Freight elevators must accommodate movement of up to 25 jurors at one time. The elevators must provide access to jury dining facilities (if provided) from trial jury suites. The elevators may need cab doors on opposite sides to serve both public and restricted corridor systems and should be provided with an electronic access-control system and appropriate-sized travel cables for support. The building design must provide a means for the USMS to move prisoners from the vehicle sally port into central holding facilities and to holding cells adjacent to trial courtrooms without passing or entering public or restricted spaces. 

f Life Safety Systems 

Life safety protection systems and emergency egress requirements are prescribed by standards found in GSA P-100 and local and international building, fire, and electrical codes. A fire and life safety system should be equipped with an emergency evacuation system (EVAC) regardless of the number of occupants or floors. The EVAC alerts building occupants to an emergency and instructs them as to what action to take. The components of an EVAC that are designed and tested for this are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The EVAC installed must have components that can survive an emergency situation. Life safety and security 

systems must be examined closely to ensure that the scoordinate security and fire-prevention measures, the dwith the USMS, DHS/FPS, and GSA. Emergency exit doors should open into the public entraby court security personnel. The public entrance area mexit corridor. Emergency exit doors into the lobby mupublic circulation. Emergency doors must be self-locking local or remote alarm at the USMS Command and Controcamera, monitored by the USMS Command and ControWhere permissible and as per code, emergency exits magnetic locks or electric strikes connected to an alarm/tifire alarm/sprinkler system. Electric locking systems connected to battery-backup power and connected preferably in a security closet on each floor. The systems a power failure. 

f Security Alarms 

Intrusion Detection. Normally, the first line of protection FPS and is accomplished through the installation of buillocking systems. The USMS installs security systems on the clerk’s office, USMS, and other court-related officemust be incorporated into the USMS security system anddetection system. In some cases, these two systems can bsite to more than one location. Duress Alarm Devices. Duress alarm devices are Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose aVolume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements Publication 64) for courtrooms, libraries, judicial and cparking areas, and other site and building locations. 

f Courtrooms 

Entry. All public entrances must be provided with key lockeyed separately with a submaster. Doors from restricte

1 6 - 6 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
exits, must have free access from restricted circulation and have access control on the 

courtroom side. In some limited cases, access control hardware will be installed on both sides of the courtroom doors. Windows. Windows must not permit visual surveillance from exterior locations. Ballistic-resistant glazing (UL Standard 752, Level IV) is required for exterior windows in all courtrooms unless the USMS determines that ballistic glazing is not needed. Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting in courtrooms must be provided to permit orderly evacuation in the event of an emergency. Selected lighting fixtures within the courtroom must provide an uninterrupted source of lighting in the event of a power outage. Standby power for emergency lighting to the courtrooms must be provided by local battery-backup units connected to an emergency generator. The judge’s bench must not be spotlighted by emergency lighting. Key switches should be provided in restricted corridors for testing on a regular basis. CCTV. Courtroom security cameras must be connected to the USMS video surveillance system and may be activated by a duress alarm device as detailed in Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications (USMS Publication 64). The security camera and courtroom audio can be connected to the central cell block for monitoring by defendants who are removed from the courtroom and placed in an isolation cell. Bankruptcy judge, district judge, and magistrate judge courtrooms must have one camera, typically mounted on the back wall, with a view of the entire well area. Large special proceedings and en banc courtrooms should have an additional camera mounted on the front wall. Conduits for CCTV must be installed in all four corners of all courtrooms to accommodate current and future camera installation. Where cameras are installed, recessed housings must be provided for cameras in the wall or ceiling. Cameras must be positioned to prevent room lighting from interfering with the view or picture quality. Ballistic-Resistant Material. The judge’s bench must be lined with ballistic-resistant material (UL Standard 752, Level III) on all vertical surfaces (refer to Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings,” millwork section). 

Duress Alarm Devices. Duress alarm devices must courtroom deputy clerk station, and bailiff station, iSpecifications for Special Purpose and Support Judicial Security Systems Requirements and SpecifiIn appellate panel courtrooms, the center position owith the alarm button. Additional bench locations fobanc courtrooms. Alarms are to be connected to thCenter. All duress alarm devices in a courtroom shouWeapons Screening. For trials requiring a high levethe courtroom are subject to additional weapons scalternating current outlets connected to the emergeoutside each courtroom. Therefore, equipment must bombs, and other weapons at the entrance to the specas described in Requirements and Specifications foSpace Manual, Volume Three, Judicial SecuriSpecifications (USMS Publication 64). Emergency Egress Doors. Public egress paths from tpublic circulation. If egress is through restricted circwith a fail-safe electric lock interfaced with the fire doors, used by judges, must have free access from lock or electronic access control on the courtroom sid

f Associated Courtroom Spaces 

Entry. The judges’ conference room, robing room, ahave key locks or an electronic access-control devfail-secure. Duress Alarm Devices. The judges’ conferencconference/robing room must each have at least one alarm devices must be connected to the USMS CommCCTV. A CCTV camera must be provided for the courtroom and connected to the USMS Command an

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
f Judges’ Chambers Suites 

Entry. A CCTV camera, intercom, and electric door strike must be provided at the visitor entry door to restricted circulation and at the chambers suite entrance. The system must be monitored and controlled from the judicial assistant’s workstation and from one of the law clerk offices in the suite. Electronically controlled entry doors must be fail-secure and connected to emergency backup power at designated locations. Duress Alarm Devices. Duress alarm devices must be installed in the chambers suite under the judicial assistant’s desk, judge’s desk, and one law clerk’s desk, with all three reporting as a single zone to the USMS Command and Control Center. Windows. Ballistic-resistant glazing (UL Standard 752, Level IV) is required for the exterior windows of all judges’ chambers suites unless the USMS determines that ballistic glazing is not needed. 

f Jury Facilities 

Duress Alarm Devices. A duress alarm device must be provided at the jury check-in counter, located in the jury assembly area, and at the trial jury and grand jury suite security workstations. To enhance security and privacy in the trial jury and grand jury suites, a court security officer, deputy marshal or sworn-jury custodian is often stationed at the entrance. A duress alarm must be provided at each security station. 

f Central Court Libraries 

Entry. The public entrance to the library must be provided with a key lock. A key lock or electronic access control from the library to restricted circulation must also be provided. Duress Alarm Devices. The circulation desk, library staff offices, and study areas in unstaffed libraries must be provided with duress alarm devices. 

f Clerk’s Office (U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court, and U.S. 

Bankruptcy Court) 

Entry. Public entrances to clerks’ offices must be provided with key locks. Public access to restricted office areas is controlled with an electric lock operated at the 

public counter workstation. Employee access from pucontrolled by key lock or electronic access control. Acce

restricted circulation, if provided, should be controlled access control. Vaults. Evidence and financial vaults in the clerk’s officvault door contacts, motion detectors, and duress alarm USMS Command and Control Center. Duress Alarm Devices. The clerk’s private office, as wpublic counter, secure storage, vaults, and other seleequipped with duress alarm devices. The alarms muconnected to the USMS Command and Control Center. Break-Resistant and Ballistic-Resistant Shielding. Clerks’ where weapons are screened at the entry must have br972) transaction windows. Clerks’ offices located in leasscreening is not conducted at the entrance must have a puresistant (UL Standard 752, Level III) transaction whardware between the public area and the restricted offiresistant (UL Standard 752, Level III). In addition, surfacof the counter must have ballistic-resistant surfaces froalso include the door into the suite. 

f Court-Related Offices 

Building security requirements are identical for all court-

below apply to the following:  Office of the Circuit Executive  Office of the District Court Executive  Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk  Office of the Senior Staff Attorney  Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney 

1 Reference Chapter 9, Probation and Pretrial Services O

requirements. 

1 6 - 8 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
 Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator 

 Office of the Federal Defender’s trial preparation suite Entry. The public entrance to court-related offices must be provided with a key lock. If public access to the office areas is restricted, access should be controlled with an electric lock operated at the public counter or reception workstation. Employee access from public circulation should be controlled by key lock or electronic access control. Access from the court-related offices to restricted circulation, if provided, should be controlled by key lock or electronic access control. Doors to executive offices, managers’ offices, and enclosed storage rooms must have key locks, except as otherwise noted. Vaults. GSA Class 5 vaults must have keypad shunts, vault door contacts, heat 

sensors, motion detectors, and duress alarm devices monitored by the USMS Command and Control Center. Duress Alarm Devices. Duress alarm devices must be placed on the staff side of transaction windows, near the receptionist at the main entrance door, near secure storage, and in other selected areas. Duress alarm devices should also be placed in interview rooms, supervisors’ offices, and offices of probation and pretrial services supervision officers. The duress alarm devices must be logically zoned and be monitored by the USMS Command and Control Center. Break-Resistant and Ballistic-Resistant Shielding. Court-related offices located in a facility where weapons are screened at the entry must have break-resistant (UL Standard 972) transaction windows. Court-related offices located in a leased facility where weapons screening is not conducted at the entry must have a public counter with counter-to-ceiling ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, Level III) transaction windows, where required. Access doors and hardware between the public area and the restricted office area should be ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, Level III). In addition, surfaces within 4 feet (1,220 mm) of the counter must be ballistic-resistant from floor to ceiling. Where appropriate in the probation and pretrial services offices, a CCTV camera, monitor, and intercom can be used to screen visitors before they enter lobby areas. 

f Central Mail Facilities 

Design. The USMS requires a minimum of 800 squ

dock package screening and personnel. Refer Building Spaces.” Entry/Egress. The entrance must be provided witsystem, an intercom, and an electric strike–controlled door traffic during the mail handling/opening proceclosed and should be opened only for emergency team. The card access control system should allow aemergency. The door should have a sign that notifithe door is for emergency access by the decontaminaDuress Alarm. A duress alarm must be easily accessib

CCTV. The activation of the duress alarm must send and Control Center. In a multi-tenant building, this cas the FPS Control Room. The duress alarm will activity in the entire mail room. Audible Alarm. An audible alarm and a visual signal Command and Control Center when the decontamincapacity. Table 16.1, Access Control and Security, is provisecurity-related devices and equipment. Though thprocurement, and installation of security systems is bdesign and construction of the infrastructure for seprovided here will allow for the design of conduit an

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 B
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security1 entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

Walk

-Through 

Metal Detecto

r

SPACES

 Public 

Restr

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

 Release Mech. 

EP

icted

 Secure REMARKS Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access Restricted 2: Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) 

APPELLATE COURTROOM1 

Restricted 3: Direct access control En Banc Courtroom 3 3 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Restricted 4: Counter window service Panel Courtroom 3 3 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 

P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners 

DISTRICT JUDGES’ COURTROOM1 Special Proceedings Courtroom 

3 3 2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 

Standard Courtroom 3 3 2 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 

Magistrate Judge’s Courtroom 

3 3 2 ■ ■ ■ ■ 

1 6 - 1 0 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) 

SPACES

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

Remote Door- 

Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access Restricted 2: Remote access control (as in CCTV and electric door strikes) 

BANKRUPTCY JUDGE’S COURTROOM1 Courtroom 3 3 ■ ■ 

Restricted 3: Direct access control 

COURTROOM USER STATIONS 

Restricted 4: Counter window service 

P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners 

■ ■

■

In well, near rail 

■■

3 

1 

Accessed from 

well 

Accessed from 

well 

Judge(s) Bench Courtroom Deputy Clerk Jurors Attorney Tables Law Clerk(s) Bailiff (Appellate Courtroom Only) Equipment Storage Room Short-Term Exhibits Storage 

OTHER SPACES Exhibit Display (District and Bankruptcy) Soundlock 3 Courtroom 

entrance 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS 

a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) 

Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) 

SPACES

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

 Release Mech. 

Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access Restricted 2: 

Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITES 

Restricted 3: Direct access control Restricted 4: Counter window service P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners 

Circuit Judge’s Chambers Suite Entry District Judge’s Chambers Suite Entry Magistrate Judge’s Chambers Suite Entry Bankruptcy/Magistrate Judge’s Chambers Suite EntryNon-resident Judge’s Chambers Suites Entry

3 3 

3 3 

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS Circuit Judge 

3 

■ ■ 

Private Office District Judge 

3 

■ ■ 

Private Office Bankruptcy/Magistrate 

3 

■ ■ 

Judge Private Office 

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUPPORT AREAS Vestibule 3 Off chambers 

1 6 - 1 2 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain 

conditions) Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access 

SPACES

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

Metal Detecto

r

 X-Ray Machine 

Remote Door- 

Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS 

a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) 

Restricted 2: Remote access control (as in CCTV and electric door strikes) Private Toilet P Off vestibule Restricted 3: Direct access control 

SUPPORT AREAS 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 

Restricted 4: Counter window service Reception Area 

2 

Off private 

circulation 

P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners Coat Closet 1 

Judicial Assistant’s 

1 

Adjacent to ■ ■ ■ ■

Workstation reception 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS 

a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) 

Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access 

SPACES

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

 Release Mech. 

Restricted 2: 

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) File Storage Area 

3 

Near judicial 

Restricted 3: Direct access control 

Fax Machine Area 1 

assistant 

Restricted 4: Counter window service Copier Area 1 

P: Privacy lock Storage 1 

Service Unit 1 

Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners 

CONFERENCE/REFERENCE ROOM Circuit Judge 

3 

Accessed from 

Conference/ chambers and Reference staff circulation District Judge 

3 

Accessed from 

Conference/ chambers and Reference staff circulation Bankruptcy/ Magistrate Judge Conference/ Reference 

3 

Accessed from 

chambers and staff circulation 

OTHER SUPPORT OFFICES Law Clerk’s Office 3 ■ ■ ■ ■ 

Courtroom Deputy Clerk’s Office 

3 

1 6 - 1 4 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

Metal Detecto

r

SPACES

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS 

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access Restricted 2: 

Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) APPELLATE COURTROOM ASSOCIATED SPACES 

Restricted 3: Direct access control Restricted 4: Counter window service P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners 

Judges’ Conference Room 

3 Adjacent to robing 

room 

Service Unit 

3 

Adjacent to 

conference room 

Panel Courtroom Service Unit 

3 

Adjacent to 

conference room 

Judges’ Robing Room 

3 

Adjacent to 

courtroom 

Toilet P Adjacent to robing 

room 

Work Area 

1 

Off attorney work room 

Attorney Work Room 2 Public Waiting Area 2 Outside 

courtroom 

■ 

■

■

DISTRICT/BANKRUPTCY COURTROOM ASSOCIATED SPACES Conference/Robing Room (when chambers are located on a remote floor)

 3 Adjacent to 

courtroom 

■ 

Service Unit 

3 

Adjacent to 

conference room 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access 

SPACES

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

 Release Mech. 

EP

Restricted 2: 

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) Attorney/Witness 2 2 Adjacent to 

Restricted 3: Direct access control 

Room Public Waiting Area 2 

courtroom 

Outside 

Restricted 4: Counter window service courtroom 

P: Privacy lock 

COURT REPORTER/RECORDER Shared Work Room 1 Near court 

Secure 1: Authorized staff only reporter/recorder 

office 

Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners Transcriber/Typist 

1 

Near court 

Workstation reporter/recorder 

office 

JURY ASSEMBLY SUITE Check-In 3 Adjacent to 

reception 

Jury Clerk’s Office 3 3 Adjacent to 

reception 

■

Coat Closet 1 In reception area 

Jurors’ Toilets 1P Adjacent to 

assembly area 

Service Unit 1 Vending Area 

1 

Adjacent to 

service unit 

Juror Lounge 

1 

Adjacent to 

assembly area 

1 6 - 1 6 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access 

SPACES

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

Restricted 2: 

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) Restricted 3: Direct access control 

Assembly Area 1 Equipment Storage 3 Adjacent to jury 

assembly area 

Restricted 4: Counter window service Supplies Storage 3 Adjacent to jury 

clerk’s office 

P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only 

TRIAL JURY SUITE Soundlock Entry 3 

Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners Jurors’ Toilets P Off soundlock

Coat Closet 1 In soundlock Trial Jury 1 Deliberation Room Service Unit 1 In jury room Exhibits Display In jury room Video Equipment In jury room Sworn-Jury 1 Off entry area ■

Custodian Station GRAND JURY SUITE Entry Area 3 3 

Jurors’ Toilets P Off entry area 

Service Unit Security Workstation 1 Off entry area ■

Witness Room 1 Hearing Room 3 1 Exhibits Display In hearing room Video Equipment In hearing room Closet 1 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS 

a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) 

Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) 

SPACES

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

 Release Mech. 

Emergency Power

Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access Restricted 2: 

Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) CENTRAL COURT LIBRARY SPACES Restricted 3: Direct access control Public Entry/Lobby 

Restricted 4: Counter window service 

Circulation/Control Area 

P: Privacy lock Periodical Area Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners Reference/Card Catalog Area 

Study Area CALR: Public 

3 

Access CALR: Staff Access 1 Stack Area: General Court Personnel Work Area 

3 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

1 1 

1 

Adjacent to public 

entry 

Near circ./control 

and casual reading areas 

Adjacent to 

circ./control area 

Adjacent to 

reference area 

■■

OFFICES Circuit Librarian 3 ■

Deputy Circuit Librarian 

3 

■

Professional Staff 1 ■Technical Staff 1 Located in 

technical services area 

Fax Machine Area 1 

1 6 - 1 8 I B u i l d i n g S e c u r i t y U . S . C o u r t 
Number Key Table 16.1 

Public 1: Unscreened access (uncontrolled Access Control and Security (cont’d) entrance to the building and spaces) Public 2: Screened access (public passes through ADJACENCY RELATIONSHIPS SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS a security checkpoint) (For explanation of numbers, see Number Key) Public 3: Screened access (locked under certain conditions) 

SPACES

 Public 

 Restricted 

 Secure REMARKS 

 CCTV Camera

 CCTV Monitor

 Duress Alarm 

 Security Intercom

 Door Contact 

 Card Reader

 Walk-Through 

 Metal Detector

 X-Ray Machine 

 Remote Door- 

Restricted 1: Uncontrolled access Restricted 2: 

Remote access control (as in CCTV 

and electric door strikes) OTHER SPACES 

Restricted 3: Direct access control Restricted 4: Counter window service P: Privacy lock Secure 1: Authorized staff only Secure 2: Security staff and prisoners 

Public Copier Copier: Staff Supplies Storage Technical Services Area Coat Storage: Public Coat Storage: Staff Storage Area Freight/Mail Receiving Storage/Shelving Area 

2 

1 

3 

1 2 

1 

3 1 

1 

Near entry/lobbyNear staff entry

Next to technical services area and mail room 

Adjacent to 

technical services area 

BUILDING SHARED SPACES News Media Room (optional) 

3 3 May be remote 

Shared Judges’ Conference Room

 3 ■ ■ 

Central Mail Facility 2 Adjacent to 

loading dock and screening station. 

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 

1 For all other spaces not identified in this table, reference USMS Vol. III Publication 64 and consult with the USMS. 2 Provide a duplex receptacle outside the public entrance to each courtroom to be used for a relocatable walk-through me

proceedings. 

U.S. C o u r t s D e s i g n G u i d e l 2 0 0 7 B 
 

 

18
 This chapter applies to the following court 

units: 

•	 Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office 

•	 District Clerk’s Office 

•	 Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office 

•	 Probation and Pretrial Services Office 

•	 Ci r cuit Executive’s Office 

•	 Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk’s Office 

•	 Senior Staff Attorney’s Office 

•	 Pre-Argum ent/Conference Attorney’s 

Office 

•	 Bankruptcy Adm inistrator’s Office 

I t describes alternati ve workplace str ateg i es 

that result in m ore efficient use of space than 

traditional office/cubicle layouts and 

com plem ent a m obile work force, collaborative 

work environm ents, and m odern information 

technologies. 

Use of alternative 

workplace strategies f or 

court projects is not 

mandatory. 

ALTERNATIVE WORKPLACE STRATEGIES
 

Introduction 

Sp ace p rogramming and desi gn of alt ernat ive workp lace 

st rat egies differ sign ificant ly from the p rescrip t ive app roach 

described in ot her chapt ers of the Design Guide. Alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies t ailor work settings to work modes of 

st aff inst ead of p roviding a ded icat ed office or workst ation 

for each st aff member. Alternative workp lace st rat egies 

creat e qualit y office environments t hat are flexible and 

efficient , imp ort ant charact erist ics for courts to consider 

given the li mit ed resources t he judiciary has for rent and 

relat ed op erat ional cost s. 

Although sp ace and rent reduction ar e m ajor driv ers for the 

judiciary ’s inclusion of alt ernat ive workp lace strat egies in it s 

Design Guide, an equally imp ort ant reason is the need to 

up dat e facilit ies to supp ort a t echnically adept and mobile 

workforce. New t echnologies, such as videoconferencin g, 

cloud comp ut ing, WLAN (Wir eless Areal Loca l Net work), 

smart p hones, touch-screen t ablet s, and elect ronic r ecords 

mana gem ent all h ave emp owered and liber at ed emp loy ees. 

T echnology also has creat ed excit in g op p ort unit ies to 

reimagine, and op en up , the traditional workp lace. 

Background 

Since t he mid 1990's, t he judiciary has imp lement ed a series 

of init iat ives to limit sp ace and rent growth, cogniz ant of t he 

imp act an ever-incr easin g rent bil l has on the abi lit y to hire 

and ret ain st aff. T hose efforts have achieved signif icant 

ga ins, but more is needed given the real it ies of decre asin g 

Congressional ap p rop riat ions funding. 

In Sep t ember 2013, the Judicial Conference endorsed p olicy 

t hat cap s sp ace growt h, set s goals for sp ace reduct ion, and 

est ablishes a framework for sp ace man agement . T he p olicy 

continues the trend of st andardiz ing sp ace manage ment t hat 

began wit h the Circuit Rent Budget (CRB) p rogram in 2007. 

T he develop ment of alternative workp lace st rat egies is an 

outgrowt h of the judiciary ’s Int egrat ed Workp lace Init iat ive 

(IWI), a p rogram t hat began in 2011 wit h t he goal of 

ident ify ing innovative mana gem ent , t echnology , and sp ace 

p lanning to bet t er supp ort court op erat ions. T he IWI serves 

as a foundation for alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies, 

referencin g dat a from surveys of over 3,000 court emp loy ees 

from 25 dist rict /circuit courts and “p roof of concept ” studies 

for a variet y of court p roject s. 

Suppor ting Documents 

A comp rehensive guide to supp ort ing documents can be 

found in Chapt er 2, “ Court house Programmin g and 

Budget ary Considerations.” T hat list ing includes p rogram 

and desi gn crit eria, courthouse p lanning and re lat ed 

guide lines, p olicies, and information about many facet s of the 

design and construction of federal court houses. 

Ot her references are list ed below: 

► 2007 U.S. CourtsDesign Guide 

 Chapter 3: Planning for U.S. Courthouses 

 Chapter 8: Clerk ’s Offices 

 Chapter 9: Probation and Pretrial Serv ices Offices 

 Chapter 10: Other Court Units 

 Chapter 12: Tenant Improvements and Furnishings 

 Chapter 14: Acoustics 

 Chapter 15: Building Systems 

► Policy 

 No Net New, by circuit on an annual basis 

 Three Percent Space (USF) Reduction, reduct ion target by 

t he end of FY2018 

 Circuit Space Management Plans 

 Circuit Rent Budget (CRB) 

 Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 12, Chapter 10: 

Telework 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 	 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 1 
 

 

 Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 15, Chapter 3, § 33 0.7 0: Connectin g 

Wireless Local Area Networks ( WLANs) to Private Judiciary Networks 

 Guide to Ju diciary Policy, Vo lume 16, Chapter 4: Furniture, Ap pliances, and 

Related Services 

► Tools 

 Space Utilization Model (SUM) Tool 

 Circuit Space Management Plan Template Pack age 

 Alternativ e Work place Strategies - Quick Reference 

 Work Mode Surv ey Forms 

► Resources 

 Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI) Case Studies 

 Furniture Blank et Purchase Agreements (BPAs) 

 GSA, Workplace Utilization and Allocation Benchmark 

 GSA, Leveraging Mobility, Managing Place 

 GSA, The New Federal Work place 

 GSA, Sound Matters 

 GSA, Facility Standards for the Public Buildings Serv ice (P100) 

 U.S. Marshals Serv ice, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications, Volume Three, Publication 64 

Programming and Budgetar y Notes 

► Exceptionsto the Design Guide Standards 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial counc ils p lay an import ant sp ace-mana ge ment role by reviewing 

dist rict -wide facil it y p lans, app roving requests for new or modified sp ace, and 

enforcing adher ence to desi gn gu idelin es. T he circu it judici al councils hav e 

aut hority over and resp onsibility for a circuit ’s sp ace-manage ment p rogram (28 USC 

(§332 and §462(b))) and for determining the need for sp ace. As direct ed by the 

Judicial Conference of the Unit ed St at es, any significant excep t ions to the standards 

in the Design Guide must be ap p roved by the resp ect ive circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on S pace and Facilities and Judicial Conference 

The aut hority to app rove the following exc ep t ions to t he Design Guide st andards 

rest s wit h t he Committ ee on Sp ace and Facilit ies: (1) exce edin g t he total sp ace 

envelop e for eit her t he court unit or the p roject as a whole, and (2) e xce edin g t he 

p lumbing standards. If t he Committ ee on Sp ace and Faci lit ies disa grees wit h the 

circuit judici al coun cil requ est for one of t hese excep t ions, t he Judicial Conference 

shall decide whet her to grant t he excep t ion. 

Approved Exceptions Are Reported to GSA and Congress 

All app roved excep t ions are rep ort ed to the General Services Administ rat ion (GSA) 

and Congress. Cont act the Administ rat ive Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) for 

more det ailed informat ion. 

► General Programming Notes 

S pace S tandards for Office P ersonnel 

Sp ace st andards for office p ersonnel must be allocat ed accordin g to benchmark 

occup at ional group s described in the judici ary ’s Human Resources Manual and shall 

not exceed office sp ace requirements described in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the 

Design Guide. Sp ace st andards for alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies are list ed in 

T able 18.1. 

Baseline S pace Program 

Sp ace p rograms for alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies p roject s shall not exceed a 

baseline sp ace p rogram (Any Court ) develop ed using standards described in Chap ters 

8, 9, and 10 of the Design Guide. Court units opt ing to use alt ernat ive workp lace 

st rat egies can e xp ect to use 20 to 30% less sp ace t han t hat current ly occup ied. 

Larger offices generally y ield bet t er sp ace efficiencies due to economies of scale. 

Dedicated Office S pace 

Dedicat ed office sp ace in cludes en closed offices and op en workst ations designed for 

one or more emp loy ees (a shared office) on a full t ime basis. The siz e of dedicat ed 

offices and workstat ions cannot exceed the sp ace standards described in Chapt ers 8, 

9, and 10 of the Design Guide. Courts are encoura ged to consider reducin g the 

standard siz e of dedicat ed offices and workstat ions when app ly ing alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies. For examp le, offices may not need to include sp ace for small 

group meet ings if shared meet ing rooms are easily accessible and available. 

Mobile O ffice S pace 

M obile office sp ace includes enclosed offices or op en workstations shared by 

mult ip le emp loy ees and used on an as-needed basis. The t erms “free addressing” 

and “touchdown” are commonly used to describe t his typ e of sp ace. M obile office 

sp ace differs from dedicat ed office sp ace in t hat ownership is not p ermanent . 

M obile office sp ace can be reserved through an elect ronic concier ge sy st em or used 

on an imp rompt u, drop -in basis. M obile office sp ace relies he avily on WLAN, p lugand-p lay dat a connect ions, and elect ronic records management . 

1 8 -2 l Al ter nativ e Work pla ce S tr a te gie s 	 U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
General Office S pace - Collaborative 

General office sp ace for collaborat ive functions includes conference rooms, training 

rooms, and ot her sp aces configured for small or large group act ivit ies. Typ ically , 

alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies include more and d ifferent t yp es of collaborative 

sp ace t han t radit ional offices to p romote general st aff int eraction, information 

sharing, and p roblem solvin g. Collaborat ive sp ace can be r eserved through an 

elect ronic conc ier ge sy stem and equipp ed wit h WLAN, p lug-and-p lay dat a 

connections, sp eaker p hones, p resent at ion monitors, whit e boards, and other 

p resent at ion mat erials. 

General O ffice S pace – Support 

General office sp ace standards for supp ort funct ions are described in Chapters 8, 9, 

and 10 of the Design Guide. Supp ort sp aces include rec ep t ion/wait ing areas, records 

storage areas, cop y rooms, st aff t oilet rooms, and sp ecial office sp ace sp ecific to 

p robation and p ret rial services functions. Although demountable walls are typ ically 

used wit h alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies (Page 18-5), securit y , acoust ical, and 

p lumbing require ment s may necessit at e st andard gyp sum board walls for 

recep t ion/wait ing areas, int erview rooms, t oilet rooms, and testing labs. El ect ronic 

files can signif icant ly reduce the amount of supp ort sp ace needed for records 

storage. 

P robation/P retrial S erv ices Interv iew Rooms 

Int erview rooms for p robation and p ret rial services offic es shall be desi gned p er 

standards described in Chapter 9, “Probat ion and Pret rial Services Offices” and the 

Probat ion and Pret rial Servic es Securit y ” chap t er in the U.S. M arshals Service 

Judicial S ecurity Systems Requirements and Specifi cations, Volume Three, 

Publication 64. Demountable wall and door sy st ems, if used, must conform to 

acoust ical requir ements in Chap t ers 14 of the Design Guide and be able to 

accommodat e se curity wiring for duress alarms. Door opt ions must include vision 

p anels. Crit eria for the number of int erview rooms to p rovide are list ed in Chap t er 9 

of t he Design Guide. 

P ublic S pace 

Public sp aces for clerks’ offices are described in Chap ters 8 and 10 of t he Design 

Guide. Public sp aces include intake count er, queuing, p ay cop ier, record exam, and 

p ublic access comp ut er areas. Although demountable walls are t yp ically used wit h 

alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies, securit y and acoust ical require ment s may 

necessit at e standard gyp sum board walls and built -in counters to sep arat e st aff sp ace 

from p ublic sp ace. 

S hared S pace 

Courts and court units are encouraged to share facilit ies if op erat ions or security are 

not comp romised. Sharin g should esp ecially be considered when courts are 

colocat ed in t he same building, on t he same floor, and in adjacent sp ace. Sp aces 

oft en shared by court units include t raining rooms, conference rooms, break rooms, 

st aff t oilet rooms, and comp ut er server rooms. Court units imp lement ing alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies may also want to consider sharing sp ace such as recep t ion areas 

and mobile office sp ace as described above, dep ending on se curity and op erat ional 

conditions. 

Functions and Activities 

T he judiciary ’s adopt ion of new technologies includin g videoconfer encin g, cloud 

comp uting, WLAN, smart p hones, t ouch-screen t ablet s, and elect ronic records 

mana gem ent has alt ered t he functions or the way funct ions are comp let ed of court 

units described in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the Design Guide. A collaborat ive 

business model is essent ial for offices using new t echnologies to bett er supp ort 

op erations. Office sp ace designed to supp ort collaborat ion will enhanc e p roductivity 

and generally imp rove court unit s’ op erat ions. 

In addit ion, effort s by t he judiciary to reduce it s sp ace footp rint and relat ed rent 

increasin gly encourage court unit s to alt er op erations to accommodat e t elework and 

mobile work wit hin the office. M any t asks t hat have t radit ionally been done in t he 

office c an be done r emot ely using n ew technology describ ed above. Offices wit h 

st aff t hat frequently t ravel or p erform field work, such as p robation sup ervision 

officers can readily incorp orate alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies. 

Alter native Workplace Strategies Concepts 

► Work Modes 

Alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies require analy sis of emp loy ee work modes to 

determine t he t yp es and quantities of work sett ings t hat best supp ort op erations. 

T his analysis is conducted through int eract ive means, such as st aff survey s, 

interviews, focus group s, workshops, and t echnologic al me ans, such as chair or 

infrared sensors. Det erminin g the amount of t ime sp ent in various work modes is 

imp ort ant for imp lement ing alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies be cause the number and 

typ es of offices, workst ations, conference rooms, et c., dep ends on hours of 

occup ancy as opp osed to number of emp loy ees. Work modes can be described in 

different t erms but generally include t he following cat egories: 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 3 
 

 

 

 

Focused 

Focused work modes include “ heads down” work such as r eadin g, writ in g, dat a 

ent ry , and filing. Focused work can be accomp lished in an enclosed office or op en 

workst at ion dep ending on t he level of concent ration needed for a p art icular t ask. 

Emp loy ees p rimarily assigned focused work and who function indep endently 

wit hout hands-on sup ervision are ideal candidat es for mobile work. Emp loy ees t hat 

p erform focused work but require p eriodic or frequent sup ervision may require 

dedicat ed offices or workstations. 

Collaborative 

Collaborative work modes include formal and informal meet in gs of all t yp es, from 

gat herin gs of a few emp loy ees to large group conferences. Alt ernat ive workp lace 

st rat egies sup p ort collaborative work by incorp orat ing sp ace p rograms wit h mult ip le, 

op en and enclosed, small meet ing areas as opp osed to few, large conference rooms. 

Large conferenc e and t raining rooms should be designed to be subdivided wit h 

mult ip le ent rances, and reconfigurable t ables and seat in g so t hey can be subdivided 

int o mult ip le, small meet ing rooms. 

Learning 

Learnin g work modes include individua l and small group mentoring, formal 

classroom sty le t raining, st udy , and testing. Learnin g work modes are more 

p revalent in offices transitioning to and maint ainin g a mobi le- and technolo gy -based 

business model. Learnin g work modes can be accomp lished in an enclosed office, 

op en workstation, collaborative sp aces and sp ecially design training room. 

► Mobility Scenarios 

M obilit y scenarios are a conven ient way of cat egoriz in g and d escribin g t he p ot ent ial 

for office/workst at ion sharing. M easuring e xist ing t elework and mobil e work wit hin 

t he office is a good start ing p oint for determining an appropriat e mobility scenario. 

Changes to p olicy , mana gement , technolo gy , training, and faci lit ies offer 

opp ortunities to imp lement a more advanced mobility scenario. M ore advanced 

mobilit y scenarios can be used to reduce sp ace or accommodat e st aff growt h wit hin 

exist ing facilit ies. 

Low Mobility 

 Job requirements necessitate t hat 80% of st aff rep ort to the office daily . 

 20% of st aff telework or mobile work within the office 1-2 day s a week. 

Moderate Mobility 

 Job requirements necessitate t hat 60% of st aff rep ort to the office daily . 

 40% of st aff telework or mobile work within the office 1-2 day s a week. 

High Mobility 

 Job requirement s necessitate t hat 40% of st aff rep ort to the office daily . 

 60% of staff telework or mobile work within the office 2-3 day s a week. 

Very High Mobility 

 Job requirement s necessitate t hat 30% of st aff rep ort to the office daily . 

 70% of staff telework or mobile work within the office 3-5 day s a week. 

► Workplace Settings (Refer to Table 18.1) 

Workp lace settings are sp aces desi gned to ac commodat e the different work modes 

used by eit her mobile or non-mobile st aff. T hey include offices, workstations, 

conference rooms, and training rooms. T hey also include sp aces unique to 

alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies design, which are described below: 

Huddle Areas 

Huddle areas are me et ing sp aces for two to five individuals. T hey are used on an 

imp romp t u first -come, first -served basis, without reservat ion. Use is limit ed to 

p eriods of one or t wo hours. Huddle areas are t yp ically out fitt ed wit h a “ smart 

t able,” chairs, WLAN, p lug-and-p lay dat a connections, p resent at ion monit ors, and 

ot her p resent at ion mat erials as may be appropriat e (whiteboards, et c.). 

Getaw ay Booths 

Get away booths are small, enclosed alcoves for one or two individuals, providing 

sp ace for t asks t hat require quiet, concentration, and/or confident ialit y . T hey are 

used on an imp rompt u first-come, first-served basis, wit hout reservation. Use is 

limit ed to short p eriods of one or two hours. Get away boot hs are typ ically out fitted 

wit h a desk or t able and chair or, as an alt ernat ive, wit h one or two chairs and an 

occasional t able. 

T ouchdown Areas 

T ouchdown areas are clust ered, op en workst ations for mobile workers who do not 

need worksp ace on a full-t ime basis. For examp le, mobile workers can use 

t ouchdown areas before or bet ween meet ings. Touchdown areas are used on an 

imp romp t u first -come, first-served basis, without reservation for a few hours or few 

day s p er week. T hey can be designed wit h visual p rivacy screens and storage. 

P ersonal S torage Areas 

Personal storage areas include lock ers, cabinet s, and/or drawer p edest als for mobile 

workers. Personal storage areas can be used for work mat erials or it ems such as 

p urses, briefcases, coat s, et c. Idea lly , p ersonal storage areas are locat ed ne ar mobil e 

office sp ace (enclosed offices, op en workstations, and touchdown areas). Personal 

storage areas can be assigned or used on a first -come, first-served basis. 

1 8 -4 l Al ter nativ e Work pla ce S tr a te gie s U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
 

 

W ork Lounges 

Wo rk lo ung es serve as a change of s cenery for individuals or groups to stimu late 

id eas and fos ter co llaboration and learning. W ork lounges are id eally des igned 

as iconic spaces with attractive features su ch as exterior views , comfortable 

furn iture, co unters with sinks , and break room typ e ap plian ces to encou rage us e. 

A lternative workplace strateg ies des ign ty pically has a higher circulation facto r 

than traditio nal o ffice design to accommodate the inclusion of work lounges. 

► Seat Count 

The maximum numb er of emp loy ees t hat an office wit h an alt ernat ive workp lace 

st rat egies desi gn can accom modat e is det ermined by a seat count. Dedicat ed and 

mobile offices and workstations typ ically have a seat count of one. A larger office 

can have a higher seat count if more t han one emp loy ee can use it at t he same t ime. 

Get away boot hs, t ouchdown areas, collabor at ive sp ace, and work lounges can also 

cont ribute to an office’s seat count, for examp le, when a ll-hands a ct ivit ies are 

scheduled. An examp le follows: 

Seat Count Protocol 

 Enclosed Offices one seat each 

 Op en Workst at ions one seat each 

 T ouchdown Areas one seat for every six lineal feet of work surface 

 Getaway Boot hs one seat if desk, work surface, or t able is included 

 Huddle Areas one seat for every t able 

 T raining Rooms one seat for every workst at ion 

 Conference rooms one seat for every six lineal feet of table 

 Work Lounges one seat for every t able or boot h 

► Neighborhoods (Refer to Figure 18.1) 

A key concept in alt ernat ive workp lace design is t hat of “neighborhoods:” the 

group ing t oget her of workp lace settings to supp ort a variety of work modes, p romote 

internal mobil it y wit hin the office, and p rovide fle xibilit y to emp loy ees. Although a 

neighborhood c an be configured to supp ort a dep art ment, similar to a t raditional 

office, it is most effect ive when set up to encourage mu lt idiscip linary t eamwork and 

exchan ge of id eas. The followin g summariz es neighborhood c at egories often used 

in alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies design. 

Public Neighborhood 

A p ublic neighborhood includes are as where client s and visit ors have free or 

sup ervised access, such as lobbies, recep t ion rooms, int ake areas, record viewin g 

rooms, interview rooms, urinaly sis t oilet rooms, et c. T his neighborhood may be 

only p art ially const ructed using alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies t echniques 

(demount able walls) due to p lumbing, acoust ics, and securit y concerns. 

P rofessional Neighborhood 

A professional neighborhood inc ludes dedicat ed and mob ile offi ces and 

workst at ions, touchdown areas, huddle areas, and get away boot hs, which supp ort 

focused and col laborat ive work modes. It also inc ludes p ersonal storage ar eas for 

mobile workers. Professional n ei ghborhoods are conf igur ed to encoura ge st aff 

int eract ion. 

Interactiv e Neighborhood 

An int eract ive neighborhood includes training rooms, conference rooms, and huddle 

areas for group act ivit ies which supp ort collaborative and learnin g work modes. It 

can also include get away booths for self-p aced learnin g, t eleconferenc es, and video 

conferences. Informal seat ing ar eas should be p rovided for t ime before and aft er 

meet ings. T his neighborhood oft en has direct access to p ublic areas to supp ort 

sharing wit h other court units and p rograms wit h court client s. 

Informal Neighborhood 

An informal neighborhood in cludes a work lounge, touchdown areas, and get away 

booths t hat p rovide change-of-scen ery worksp ace which supp orts focused, 

collaborat ive, and l earnin g work modes. T he neighborhood also includes servic e 

areas wit h count ers and sinks to accommodat e coffe e and other bev era ges. Informal 

neighborhoods are out fit t ed wit h café sty le t ables and chairs, boot hs, and other typ es 

of informal furnishings. 

Alter native Workplace Strategies Design 

► General 

Alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies design creat es an op en, sp acious environment for 

all st aff by turning t raditional office design inside out , p lacing offices in t he cent ral 

core of a floor p lan and workstations adjacent to windows. T his app roach allows 

natural light to flow through an entire sp ace rat her t han be blocked by office walls. 

Workstation p artitions are lower t han tradit ional office cubi cles cont ributing to 

natural light and views through a sp ace. Similarly , enclosed offices and 

collaborat ion rooms have glass walls to the ext ent p ossible. 

► Demountable Walls 

Alt hough met al st uds and gyp sum board walls may be required in some areas for 

reasons of acoust ics, security , and construction cost , most sp ace in an alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies desi gn is defined usin g demountable walls. Demountable walls 

are const ructed using p rop riet ary framing sy st ems wit h op t ions such as wallmounted st orage t racks, sliding doors, acoust ical insulation, and modular wiring 

harnesses. T hey can be cl ad wit h a var iet y of mat erials includ ing glass, fabri c, 

whit eboard, and wood. Demount able walls can reduce bu ild-out t imes for new sp ace 

and p rovide flexibilit y for changing op erational needs. 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 5 
 

 

Note: Th e p otential impact of light tra nsmission th roug h g lass walls a nd related 

glare on computer and presentation monitors must be considered when choosing 

demountable wall cladding materials. In cases where monitors cannot be 

p ositioned to avoid glare, cladding with o paque fin ish es o r a co mb ination of 

opaque finishes and glass should be used. 

► Finishes 

Chapter 12, "T enant Imp rovements and Furnishings," set s qualit y standards for 

finishes t hat can be ap p lied to alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies desi gn. In genera l, 

finishes for flooring, ceil in gs, and gypsum board walls in alt ernat ive workp lace 

st rat egies p roject s should comp lement mat erial se lect ions for demount able wal ls and 

syst ems furnit ure. Flooring must be comp at ible wit h the lar ge, op en areas in 

alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies desi gn. Carp et t iles should be used for alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies p roject s. Broadloom carp et ing is imp ract ical for lar ge op en 

sp aces and t y p ically needs to be rep laced when alt erat ions are made. 

► Furniture 

Chapter 12, "T enant Imp rovements and Furnishings," set s qualit y standards for 

furniture t hat can be ap p lied to alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies desi gn. Furniture for 

alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies p roject s should be select ed to allow for easy 

configuration in a var iet y of sp aces and for a variety of p urp oses. For examp le, 

conference and t rainin g t ables should be movable and connect abl e to allow 

collaboration sp ace to be rearranged when necessary . Consider options for 

integrat ing new t echnolo gies and r elat ed e lect rica l needs in ap p licable desks and 

t ables. 

► Acoustics 

Chapter 14, "Acoustics," sets qualit y standards for acoust ical p erformance of 

court house sp ace including p ublic wait ing areas and p robation/p ret rial services 

int erview rooms. GSA’s p ublication, Sound Matters, describes acoust ical p roblems, 

remedies, and best p ract ice st andards for the “contemp orary office” or alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies desi gned p roject . Acoust ical p rop ert ies of demount able walls 

vary by manufact urer. M ost manufact urers offer p roducts t hat can achieve 

“ confident ial” sound sep arat ion using absorptive mat erials, door gasket s, and cutout 

insulat ion. Field testing of inst alled wall/door sy stems is recommended. Sound 

masking sy stems should be used to augment acoust ical p rop ert ies of demountable 

walls, doors, and ot her mat erials used in an alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies design. 

► Electrical Distribution Systems 

Chapt er 15, "Building Sy st ems," sets quality standards for elect rical dist ribut ion 

systems t hat can be app lied to alternative workp lace st rat egies. Alt ernat ive 

workp lace st rat egies use p roprietary , quick-connect p ower modules, wiring 

harnesses, and out let devices. Project ar chit ect s/engin eers must confirm t hat t hese 

systems are allowed by local buildin g codes. In some c ases sp ecially designed, code 

comp liant , modules, harnesses, and devices are required. 

► Lighting Systems 

Chapt er 15, "Building Sy st ems," set s quality standards for light ing systems t hat can 

be ap p lied to alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies desi gn. M ore sp ecific informat ion c an 

be found in Chapter 6, "Elect rical Engine erin g," in the GSA's Facility Standards for 

the Public Buildings Serv ice (P100). For light ing in offic e and collaborative sp ace, 

the luminanc e at desk h ei ght (30 inches above t he f loor) from fi xed lum inaries must 

avera ge a m inimum of 30 foot -candles (FC). The luminance at desk height from a 

combinat ion of fixed lumin aries and t ask li ght ing must avera ge 45 FC. T ask light in g 

is recommended for sy st ems furniture workst at ions and ot her work areas where 

p ract ical. Lighting lev els should be confirmed durin g desi gn usin g simulat ion 

soft ware. 

► Voice and Data Communications Systems 

Chapt er 15, "Building Sy st ems," set s quality standards for voice and dat a 

communications sy st ems t hat can be ap p lied to alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies 

design. Demount able walls, sy st ems furniture workstations, and conferenc e t ables 

("smart t ables") can t yp ically accommodat e net work wiring and outlet devices. 

Out let device facep lat es may be p roprietary p roducts of p art it ion and furniture 

manufact urers. Comp at ibility of facep lat es and network wiring must be confirmed 

by court informat ion t echnology st aff. 

► Security Systems and Equipment 

Chapt er 17, "Building Securit y ," set s quality standards for security syst ems and 

equip ment t hat can be app lied to alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies desi gn. 

Demount able walls are not p ract ical in re cep t ion and int ake areas r equirin g ba llist icresist ant walls, doors, and transaction counters. Sy st ems furniture for recept ion or 

intake counters t hat require break-resist ant t ransact ion windows may not be p ract ical 

due to t he weight of window assemblies. T he abilit y to route low volt age secur it y 

wiring in demountable wal ls must be confirmed wit h manufacturer's t echnical 

rep resent at ives. 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 6 
► Ceiling Heights 

Ceiling heights shall comply with standards d escrib ed in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 

of the Design Guide (Tables 8.2, 9. 1, and 10.1). Ceilings can exceed thos e 

heights in cases where bu ilding stand ards d iffer and where rais ing a ceiling can 

be do ne at equivalent cost and/or when budg etary o ffs ets are poss ible. Ceiling 

elements such as so ffits , perimeter co ves , recess es , and reveals shall be 

harmon ious ly integrated with HVA C d ucts , light fixtures , sp rinkler lin es , and 

other building utilities . Ceiling des igns s hall complement energy efficient 

lig htin g 

► Adjacency and Circulation 

Chapt er 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” includ es interior c irculat ion 

requirements for t radit ionally designed (non-mobile) court sp ace. Sp ace 

p rogrammin g for alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies includes more circul at ion sp ace 

t han t radit ional designs to creat e an op en and sp acious office environment t hat 

accommodat es addit ional collaborative sp ace, and to allow informa l me et ing sp ace 

to be incorp orat ed int o designs. 

While the amount of int erior circulat ion vari es wit h each fa cilit y ’s sp ecific design, 

up to 60 p ercent of t he net p rogrammed sp ace c an be add ed to determine the total 

usable area of an alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies p roject (i.e., t he est imat ed total 

usable are a is equal to the sum of a ll t he net p rogrammed sp aces p lus 60 p ercent ) 

p rovided t he usable area calculat ed for a baseline sp ace p rogram is not exceeded. 

Chapt ers 8, 9, and 10 of t he Design Guide describe sp ecific adja cency requirement s 

for clerk’s offices, p robat ion and p ret rial services offices, and ot her court unit s 

discussed in t his chapt er. T hose requirement s should be adjust ed, to the ext ent 

p ossible given op erational realit ies, to fit the neighborhood concep t recommended 

for alt ernat ive workp lace st rat egies. Refer to Figure 18.1. 

1 8 -7 l Al ter nativ e Work pla ce S tr a te gie s U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
 

 

Table 18.1 

Alternative Workplace Strategies: Workplace SettingSpace Standards 

Note: Table 18.1 includes office space standards appropriate for alternativ e w orkplace strategies planning, based on space programs dev eloped for alternativ e w orkplace strategies pilot 

projects, w hich may replace standards described in C hapters 8, 9, and 10 of the Design G uide. The number/ty pes of office spaces needed must be determined by a w ork modes surv ey . 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 8 
 

Table 18.2 

Alternative Workplace Strategies: ReferencedSpace Standards 

Note: Table 18.2 includes space standards listed in C hapters 8, 9, and 10 that are applicable to alternativ e w orkplace strategies projects. 

1 8 -9 l Al ter nativ e Work pla ce S tr a te gie s U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Conference Room

Training Room

 

Figure 18.1 

Neighborhood Diagram 

Key to Symbols 

Public Circulation 

Restricted Circulation 

Circulation/Access Control 

1 Screened Public Access,

locked w hen not in use 

2 Restricted Access, 

Counter/Window Serv ice 

3 Restricted Access, 

Window s 

Point 

4 

4 

General Office 

Support Space 

3 

Public 

Neighborhood 

444 

4

3 

4 

2 1 

4

4

4 

Mobile 

Office 

Mobile 

Open Workstations 

Getaw ay Booths 

Dedicated Office 

Huddle Area 

Dedicated 

Open Workstations 

Dedicated 

Open Workstations 

Dedicated 

Open Workstations 

Mobile 

Open Workstations 

Records ex am, urinaly sis 

screening and testing, and 

probation/ pretrial serv ices 

client interv iew s. 

Reception Counter and 

Window 

Intake, Queuing and 

Waiting Area 

3 

Mobile 

Office 

Mobile 

Office 

Touchdow n Area 

Professional 

Neighborhood 

Informal 

Neighborhood 

Work Lounge 

Huddle Area 

Conference 

Room 

Training 

Room 

4 

3 

Interactive 

Neighborhood 

Getaw ay 

Booths 

3 

3 

3 

3 

Huddle Area 

Personal 

Storage Area 

Personal 

Storage Area 

3 

4 

4 

3 

Direct Access Control/Key Lock 

4 Restricted Access, Uncontrolled 

Public Neighborhood 

Professional Neighborhood 

Interactiv e Neighborhood 

Informal Neighborhood 

Note: The neighborhood diagram is intended 

only as an illustration. 

1 8 -10 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
 

 

Figure 18.2 

Workplace Settings: Dedicated Office S pace 

Executiv e Office 

Example 1 

Credenz a and Return w ith C ollaboration Table 

Example 3 

U-Shaped Des k w ith Collaboration T able 

Example 2 

Demountable Walls 

U-Shaped Desk w ith Guest Seating 

Wall M ounted 

Storage Cabinets 

U-Shaped Desk 

Sliding Door 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex am ple 3) 

Glass Panels 

R efer to Page 18-5 

C ollaboration 

Table 

Note: Workplac e s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 11 
Figure 18.3 

Workplace S ettings: Dedicated Office S paces 

Enclosed O ffice 

Example 1 

U-Shaped Desk 

Demountable Walls 

Wall Mounted 

Storage C abinets 

U-Shaped Desk 

Sliding Door 

C ollaboration Table and Credenza Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 1) 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations . The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

Glass Panels 

Refer to Page 8-5 

Example 2 

Shared Desk 

Example 3 

1 8 -12 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Figure 18.4 

Workplace Settings: Dedicated Office S paces 

Open Workstation 

Panel Mounted 

Storage C abinets 

Example 1 Example 2 Desk Work station w ith Benc h Seat U -Shaped Works tation 

L-Shaped 

Workstation 

Optional 

Gues t Seati

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex am ple 3) 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

Seated Priv ac y 

Sc reens 

Storage 

Pedestal 

ng 

Example 3 

L-Shaped Work station w ith Table 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 13 
Figure 18.5 

Workplace S ettings: Mobile O ffice S paces 

Enclosed O ffice 

Example 1 

U-Shaped Desk 

Example 3 

Table and Credenz a 

Example 2 

Des k w ith Storage Cabinet 

Demountable Walls 

Wall Mounted
 

Storage Cabinets
 

U-Shaped Des k 

Gl

Sliding Door With 

Elec tronic Concierge 

T ouc h-Screen M onitor 

Refer to Page 18-5 

as s Panels 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 1) 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations . The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

1 8 -14 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Figure 18.6 

Workplace Settings: Mobile Office Spaces 

Open Workstation 

Example 1 

Desk Workstation w ith Bench Seat Example 2 Bench Seat/ Seated Priv acy 

L-Shaped Workstation 

Example 3 

U-Shaped Workstation 

Storage Screens Screens 

Desk 

Workstation 

Storage 

Pedestal 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 1) 

Note: Workplace settings must be compatible w ith ex isting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture placement of the ex amples on this page can be modified as 

necessary . 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 15 
Figure 18.7 

Workplace S ettings: Mobile O ffice S paces 

Getaway Booth 

Example 1 

Videoconferencing 

Example 3 

L- Shaped Workstation 

Example 2 

Informal Seating 

Dem ountable Walls 

Wall Mounted
 

Presentation Monitor
 

Desk or Table 

Sliding Door 

R efer to Page 18-5 

Glass Walls 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 1) 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

1 8 -16 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Figure 18.8 

Workplace Settings: Mobile Office S paces 

T ouchdown Area 

Example 1 

Round T ables 

Example 2 

120 Degree C lus ter Desks w ith 

Storage Pedestals 

Example 3 

Desk in Alcov e 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 3) 

Note: Workplac e s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 17 
Figure 18.9 

Workplace S ettings: Mobile O ffice S paces 

P ersonal Storage Area 

Example 1 Example 2 Wall Mounted
 

Mobile Pedestal Garage Double-Stack ed Lock ers Storage Cabinets
 

Example 3 

4-High Lateral Files 

M obile Storage 

Pedes tals 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 1) 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations . The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

1 8 -18 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
Figure 18.10 

Workplace Settings: General Office S paces - Collaborative 

T raining Room 

Dem ountable Walls 

Concierge T ouc h-Screen 

Monitor 

Axonometric Diagram 

Ex am ple 1) 

Note: Workplac e s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

Example 1 

Chev ron Sty le Setup 

Wall M ounted 

Pres entation Monitors 

R efer to Page 18-5 

Mov able Training 

T ables Multim edia 

Lec tern 

Sliding Doors With Elec tronic 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 19 
 

Figure 18.11 

Workplace S ettings: General Office S paces - Collaborativ e 

Conference Room 

Example 1 

Tw o, Six F oot Tables (240 NSF) 

Example 2 

T hree, Six F oot Tables (364 SF) 

Mov able “ Smart 

Tables ” 

Wall Mounted 

Presentation M onitor 

G

Sliding Door With 

Electronic C onc ierge 

Demountable Walls 

Refer to Page 18-5 

lass Panels 

Axonometric Diagram Touch-Screen Monitor (Ex am ple 1) 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations . The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

1 8 -20 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
 

Refer to Page 18-5 

ass Panels 

Figure 18.12 

Workplace Settings: General Office S paces - Collaborative 

Huddle Area 

Example 1 

Demountable Walls 

Wall Mounted 

Pres entation M onitor 

Enclosed Area w ith R ectangular Table 

Mov able “ Smart 

Table” 

Gl

Sliding Door 

Example 2 

Enc los ed Area w ith R ound Table 

Example 3 

Open Area w ith R ectangular T able Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample 1) 

Note: Workplac e s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 Alternative Workplace Strategies l 1 8 - 21 
Figure 18.13 

Workplace S ettings: General Office S paces - Collaborative 

Work Lounge 

Example 

Stool Height, Booth, and Café Sty le
 

Seating
 

Booth Seating 

Informal Seating 

Axonometric Diagram 

(Ex ample) 

Café Sty le Seating Stool Height Seating 

Stool Height Seating 

Note: Workplace s ettings must be com patible w ith ex is ting conditions and court operations. The 

dimensional lay out and furniture plac ement of the ex am ples on this page can be m odified as 

necessary . 

1 8 -22 l Al te r na tiv e Work place S tra te gi es U . S . Courts Design Guide l 2007 
GLOSSARY 

341 conference room: conference room provided for a debtor to meet with the bankruptcy attorney and creditors ABA: Architectural Barriers Act ABAAS: Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards AC: alternating current ACH: air changes per hour ACT: acoustic ceiling tile ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act ADAAG: Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines ADR: alternative dispute resolution A/E: architecture/engineering AFF: above finished floor AFWP: acoustic fabric wrapped panel AHU: air-handling unit AI: articulation index ALS: assisted-listening system AMP: asset management plan amp: ampere, an electrical unit ANSI: American National Standards Institute, the major standards organization in the United States and the publisher of the BOMA Standards, the NAHB Residential Standard, and ISO 9836 International Standard (www.ansi.org) 

AnyCourt: US Courts questioestablish program of requiremAOUSC: Administrative OffiAP: acoustic plaster ASHRAE: American Society Air-Conditioning Engineers ASTM: American Society for standards organization that pu(www.astm.org) AV: audiovisual (equipment) A/V: audio/video AWI: American WoodworkinBAP: bankruptcy appellate paBerm: a mound or wall of earof a slope Bollard: a short vertical post, physical security elements whaccess to the site BOMA: Building Owners and BOMA Standard: Either the SFloor Area in Office BuildingMeasuring Floor Area in Induthe occupancy of a property. BOMA Office Standard or thand clearer yet to specify the Standard in particular has beemany times, and it is likely thbe also. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 
BOP: Bureau of Prisons 

Brooks Act (40 USC Sections 541–544) legislation that establishes the requirement for a technical quality-based procurement of professional design services (rather than low price) BSC: Building Security Committee C: Celsius CAB: cabinet CALR: computer-assisted legal research CAT: computer-aided transcription CCMG: Central Courthouse Management Group CCP: GSA’s Center for Courthouse Programs CCTV: closed-circuit television CD-ROM: compact disc read-only memory CFM: cubic feet (of air) per minute CIRC: circulation CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CL or CLOS: closet CM/ECF: case management/electronic case filing CMU: concrete masonry unit CONF: conference CONT. CIR.: controlled circulation CPT: carpet CPTT: carpet tile CRI: Carpet and Rug Institute CSC: Court Security Committee CSO: court security officer 

CT: ceramic tile CTB: ceramic tile base CTRM: courtroom CUST or CUSTOD: custodian custom grade: millwork standard of quality CWT: ceramic wall tile D: deep; direct (lighting) dB: decibel DDC: direct digital control DHS: Department of Homeland Security DOJ: Department of Justice Double-loaded corridors: corridors with offices or spaces DUSM: deputy U.S. Marshal DVD: digital video disc ELEC: electrical ELEV: elevator EMIT: enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (machen banc courtroom: panel courtroom where judges hear caEPA: Environmental Protection Agency EQUIP: equipment ERS: electronic recording system EVAC: emergency evacuation system EXEC: executive EXHIB: exhibit F: Fahrenheit 

Glossary U.S. Court

I 
FAP: furniture acquisition plan 

FINANC: financial FIT: Fitness in Total (program) FLUOR: fluorescent (lighting) FPD: federal public defender FPMR: Federal Property Management Regulations FPS: Federal Protective Service FT: feet FC: foot-candles FWC: fabric wall covering ga: gauge Gm2: gross square meters 

GSA: General Services Administration GSA P-100: GSA’s Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service GSF: Gross square feet represents the floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns, or other features. The floor area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor area shall not include shafts with no openings or interior courts. HC: handicapped HI: high HVAC: heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning I: indirect (lighting) ID: identification IEC 60268-16 or ANSI S3.2-1995 

IIC: Impact Isolation Class IN: inches INCAN: incandescent (lighting) ISC: Interagency Security Committee JCUS: Judicial Conference of the United States JSS: Judicial Security Systems kg: kilograms L: liters LAN: local area network LF: linear feet LG: large LIN.FT.: linear feet LIN.IN.: linear inches Ln: linoleum L/s: liters per second lx: lux m: meters m

2: square meters 

MAG: magistrate judge MATV: master antenna television (system) max.: maximum MDF: main distribution frame MED: medium Metric Conversion Act of 1975: The Metric Conversby the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1Act of 1996, and the Department of Energy High-En

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 
of 2004) designated the metric system as the preferred system of weights and 

measures for U.S. trade and commerce, and directed federal agencies to convert to the metric system to the extent feasible, including in the construction of federal facilities. min.: minimum mm: millimeters NC: noise criteria NEC: National Electrical Code NFPA: National Fire Protection Association NIC: Noise Isolation Class Nm2: net square meters 

NRC: noise reduction coefficient NSF: Net square feet represents the actual occupied area of a floor, not including accessory unoccupied areas (stairs, elevator and HVAC shafts, mechanical rooms, etc.) or the thickness of walls. OCLC: online computerized library catalog OCM: Office of Courthouse Management OFC: office Omnibus Trade Act of 1988 OP: operated OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSS: Office of Security Systems oz: ounces Pa: pascals PA: public address (system) PBS: Public Buildings Service PC: personal computer 

PDS: Prospectus Development Study peened: Hinge pin ends are peened, or flattened, in order Hinges may be peened as a security measure. Pln: paneling PNT: Paint 1: latex, eggshell finish PNT: Paint 2: latex, semigloss finish PO: probation office PRIV: private PROF: professional PSF: pounds per square foot PSO: pretrial services office PT1: paint color 1 PTR: printer RASTI: Rapid Speech Transmission Index RC: Room criterion is an acoustic measurement of backgRCDD: registered communications distribution designer RDR: reader REC or RECEPT: reception REP/REC: reporter/recorder REQ: requirement REQ’D: required REVERB: reverberation RM: room RSF: rentable square feet S: standard ceiling height of 8–10 feet; summer 

Glossary U.S. Court

I 
SCR: silicone-controlled rectifier 

SEC: security SECR: secretary SF: square feet SHRED: shredder SI: Système international d’unités, or International System of Units (also known as 

the metric system) SL: soundlock SRAC: spatial relationship, accessibility, and circulation (diagram) ST or STOR: storage STC: Sound Transmission Class STI: Speech Transmission Index SUP: supply TDD: telecommunications device for the deaf TEL: telephone TEMP: temperature TERM: terminal TI: tenant improvement TL: transmission loss TLT: toilet UA: urinalysis UFAS: Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards UL: Underwriters Laboratories UPS: uninterrupted power supply USBC: U.S. Bankruptcy Court 

U.S. Courts Design Guide l 2007 

USCA: U.S. Court of Appeals USDC: U.S. District Court USF: Usable square feet represents the BOMA Officoffice, store, and building common areas on a floor. USMS: U.S. Marshals Service USMS Publication 64: Requirements and SpecificatiSupport Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial SecuSpecifications V/RB: vinyl/rubber base V: volt VAV: variable air volume VB: vinyl base VCR: videocassette recorder VCT: vinyl composition tile VDT: video display terminal VEST: vestibule VIT: vinyl inset tile VOL: volume W: wide; winter; watts WAN: wide area network WB or WDB: wood base WC: water closet WD: wood WD Pln: wood paneling WD Wnst: wood wainscot WK: work 
WKRM: work room 

WKSTA: workstation Wnst: wainscot x: time(s) or by 

Glossary U.S. Court

I