Specifications
Learning Spaces Guidelines
Generic Guidelines: 13
Wi-fi network connectivity should be viewed as a basic requirement
of any learning space regardless of whatever other technology
is present in the room. When provisioning wi-fi, in addition to
ensuring the system design provides guaranteed 100% coverage
within the space, the capacity of the system should be designed to
accommodate a number of concurrent connections that is 5x the
maximum number of people expected to occupy the space at any
one time. The logic behind this multiplication factor is that currently
many students may bring with them a smartphone, a tablet and a
laptop and in future years it is likely that more types of device (e.g.
cameras, watches) will seek wi-fi connections.
All teaching spaces should have a working analogue clock visible
to the tutor. At present UCL does not have a centrally supported
network clock service but it is desirable that a standard for clocks
in teaching is specified and implemented. Therefore in new and
refurbished spaces provision should be made for a network point in
the appropriate clock position.
Acoustic design of the learning space will usually be within the realm
of the architect. However relatively minor refurbishments, especially
involving removal of any materials with high absorption coefficient
(fabrics, ceiling tiles etc.), may have a significant impact on the
acoustics of a space.
Also the addition of air handling/conditioning equipment into learning
spaces should be planned carefully in order to ensure that the noise
rating of the space is within set limits. HVAC plant should either be
located away from the learning space or noise control measures put
in place.
In the UK no specific standards are defined for the acoustic
performance of University learning spaces. However it is useful
to refer to the Department for Education’s “Building Bulletin 93:
Acoustic design in schools” document. Although this document is in
the process of being superseded it is currently recommended by the
DfE that it continues to be used for guidance.
In BB93 the A weighted sound pressure values specified for the
upper limits for indoor ambient noise levels for different types of
learning space are:
Type of space
Upper limit for the indoor
ambient noise level
L
Aeq
,30mins dB
Classrooms 35 (40 for refurbishments)
Lecture Theatres 35 (40 for refurbishments)
ICT Rooms (PC Cluster rooms) 40 (45 for refurbishments)
Whilst it may not realistic for the internal UCL teams to make
measurements of ambient noise levels these figures are useful as
TASK
Wi-fi
2.06
TASK
Clocks
2.07
TASK
Acoustics
and noise
2.08
Reference
“Part E does not apply to
nursery schools which are
not part of a school, sixth
form colleges which have
not been established as
schools, and Universities
or Colleges of Further
and Higher Education.
However, many of the
acoustic specifications
are desirable and can be
used as a guide to the
design of these buildings.”
https://www.
education.gov.uk/
publications/standard/
publicationDetail/
Page1/BB93