ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN MANUAL
FOR REGIONAL OFFICE PROJECTS
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIR
May 2006
1.
CRITERIA UNIQUE TO VA:
1.1
All VA facilities must comply with the Uniform Federal
Accessibility Standards (UFAS), the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and this design manual.
1.2
Provide rectangular building with no wings.
1.3
Locate Adjudication division only on one floor, preferably the
first floor. Provide proper security to separate this division
from the public.
1.4
Where possible, locate file storage areas for Adjudication and
Loan Guaranty division on the same floor adjacent to the related
offices.
1.5
Provide for ease of public access to veterans service
organizations and the regional office public contact functions.
1.6
Stack building areas such as restrooms and electrical closets to
lower utility costs.
1.7
Systems furniture is preferred for Adjudication and Loan Guaranty
divisions.
GENERAL: The purpose of this publication is to introduce you to some of
2.
the VA architectural requirements and criteria you will be expected to
follow in executing your contract.
VA regional office buildings are not to be designed to VA hospital
design standards. Commercial grade methods and materials should be
incorporated into the drawings and design of these buildings so they are
compatible with private commercial standards.
Experience has shown that firms who study the criteria in the A/E
package prior to starting work on their projects have a better
understanding of the level of effort expected of them by the VA and,
hence, do a better job with fewer mistakes or conflicts with VA
standards or criteria.
2.1
CODES:
a.
This criteria, current VA Design and Construction Procedures,
Master Specifications, Handbooks, and Program Guides;
b.
The latest editions of the National Fire Codes including the
Life Safety Code (NFPA 101);
c.
The Uniform Building Code;
d.
The requirements of the latest Occupational Safety and Health
Standards (OSHA) published by the Secretary of Labor;
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