2.2
ARCHITECT-ENGINEER TEAM:
a.
The VA has found that the best design solution for a project
occurs when the complete project team formed by the A/E has
input at the time of early schematics.
b.
The A/E's team, planners, architects, engineers, programmers,
and consultants are required to work together from the
inception of the project and must make sure that all
engineering disciplines are coordinated with the architectural
and programming requirements of the project. Exercise care to
provide design solutions that will meet the construction
standards, space requirements, equipment layouts, and vertical
and horizontal clearances required by VA. Resolve conflicts
between engineering systems and architectural requirements by
the final design development submission.
2.3
UNIFORM FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS (UFAS) AND VA
ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
a.
Follow the Uniform Accessibility Standards (UFAS) for
buildings and site accessibility. All sitework, roads,
grading, landscaping, walks, etc., shall conform to local
building codes and highway standards.
b.
In addition, VA requires handicapped accessibility for all
public and staff use toilets.
2.4
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: You may propose the use of any building
material and any method of assembly. Proposals for use of
relatively untried materials or of unusual methods of
construction, however, shall be discussed with the Office of
Construction Management as early as possible.
2.5
EXTERIOR DESIGN REVIEW (Applies only to VBA buildings on VA
Medical Center (VAMC) grounds):
a.
At the DD-1 stage, there will be a review of the exterior
design by the VBA director, the VAMC director (when located on
VAMC grounds), and the Project Director's Office, the
Facilities Quality Service, and the Consulting Support Office.
b.
For this review, suitable illustration of the exterior is
needed including relationship to adjacent buildings and
surroundings. Elevations may suffice, but any other drawings,
sketches, or models that clearly show your intentions as to
massing, fenestration, and materials will be welcomed. A
written description of design concept and intent may be
helpful, especially for unusual or complex solutions.
c.
If a primary exterior material is proposed which differs from
the primary material of existing buildings, submit studies and
sketches of the exterior with both the existing and the
proposed materials, and an analysis of the costs of the two
different exteriors.
2.6
EXISTING CONDITIONS: VA will provide the current "as-built"
documents (if available) for your project. However, It is your
responsibility to visit the site and verify conditions, including
those above existing ceilings. Where components indicated on
existing drawings are not correct, make whatever changes are
necessary to show the existing conditions.
2.7
FLOOR-TO-FLOOR HEIGHTS:
4