Case History - Federal Building
You will be introduced to the advertised space-saving attributes of systems
furniture (if you are not already a user.) You must decide whether to abandon
the flexibility of free-standing furniture (which eases the strain of future
reorganizations) in order to achieve space savings immediately. Use your best
judgement to anticipate organizational changes likely in the next few years and
the implications for space planning (Are you integrating VSD and Adjudication
functions next year? Planning to consolidate support services?). You and the
professionals are designing a space that you probably won't occupy for 2-3
years - for an organization which will inevitably be changing rapidly in that period
and the next few years. You cannot avoid getting locked into a design that will
be constructed to a set of plans that cannot be modified after a certain point so
find a design that can most readily be changed in the future.
Critical planning and budgeting starts with automated data processing
systems and communications. Coordination can be difficult because of the
involvement of players from VA Central Office, GSA, and the various contractors
to both agencies. Physical space for cabling closets (on each floor) for the
interconnecting cabling to VA operating elements must be agreed upon early in
the design phase. Design of the cable plant and the schedule for installation is a
top priority. The installation of any upgrades or new technologies concurrent
with a relocation can be expected to cause unanticipated problems with
potentially serious results on service. Minimize changes or postpone installation,
if possible, until existing systems are migrated and functioning. Confirm with
GSA and VA Central Office the local requirements for telephone systems
including Automatic Call Distribution equipment (know the difference between
analog and digital systems and their incompatibility.)
Checklist
General Considerations
Choose a location for the regional office within the structure (if not sole
tennant) that provides a balance of easy access for the public and staff, efficient
adjacencies, and for security and safety for all occupants.
Security of staff and records may require an expensive system to control
access.
Files storage areas may require structural strengthening (this can limit future
space reconfigurations).
Page 5-4
VA Design Guide
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