Architectural-Contemporary QA Review Checklist

Predesign

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All required deliverables submitted.
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Consistent with DSC Architectural Design Standards.
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Architectural Design Program documentation aligns with Project Management Information System (PMIS) and Budget is incorporated.
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Contextual Design demonstrated:
  • Appropriate contextual design (site/building character) established early the Predesign stage of a project.
  • 2006 NPS Management Policies for Architecture:
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    Visitor and administration facilities that are necessary, appropriate, and consistent with the conservation of park resources and values.
  • Facilities:
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    Harmonious with park resources:
  • Structures associated as NPS facilities usually do not compete with or detract from the landscape but fit harmoniously into the landscape.
  • Iconic design proposals with exaggerated, dramatic or overly-expansive interior volumes, unless environmentally beneficial for comfort or for functional use, are not the normal desirable design solutions for NPS facilities.
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    Compatible with natural processes.
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    Aesthetically pleasing.
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    Functional.
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    Energy and water efficient.
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    Cost-effective.
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    Universally designed.
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    As welcoming as possible to all segments of the population.
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    Park facilities and operations - all sizes - demonstrate environmental leadership by incorporating sustainable practices to the maximum extent practicable.
  • Integrating Architecture and Aesthetics: Appropriate design solutions that are sensitive to -
  • Scale/proportion, mass, line, shape, colors, texture, shade/shadow, light/dark, appropriate space (area/volume), symmetry/asymmetry, balance, pattern/rhythm, contrast, theme/variation, coherence, unity, fenestrations, use of materials, complex/simple design, mood/emotional enhancement, metaphor/symbolic.
  • Logical and appropriate arrival sequence for a quality visitor experience.
  • Harmony between technology and nature desirable.
  • Timeless building solution that is appropriate for the park.
  • Design is compatible and meets park's established design guidelines, architectural theme and/or existing structures.
  • Building in problems with regard to maintenance, energy costs and weather issues have been prevented.
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Project Program, specifically the Architectural Program addresses the following:
  • Dark Sky Preservation.
  • Natural Soundscape Preservation and Noise Management (Director's Order 47).
    • Potential exterior noise generation from building mechanical equipment such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)/chillers, compressors, and/or exhaust fans.
    • Appropriate location for bus parking areas with idling buses.
    • Appropriate location for exterior group gathering/staging areas.
    • For indoor noise quality with HVAC equipment, sound/vibration control per the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Handbook.
    • Acoustical performance for classrooms and other critical learning spaces to meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard S 12.60.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
    • Prevention of Hanta Virus addressed.
    • Bird roosting/nesting issues addressed.
    • Bat nesting issues addressed.
    • IPM for insect pests specifically for museum repositories.
  • Bird Friendly Design for structures with large glass areas.
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Verify that all innovative sustainable concepts, as practical as possible for the project, have been explored and included in the NPS Project Sustainability Checklist and Project Program.
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Space Planning Issues:
  • Functions for the proposed facility are appropriate.
  • Square footages for the proposed functions are appropriate taking into account space needed for circulation, required equipment and accessibility.
  • Functional diagrams illustrate logical and efficient adjacencies for the proposed facility.

Schematic Design

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All required deliverables submitted.
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Consistent with DSC Architectural Design Standards.
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Graphic code analysis with notes as determined by egress requirements.
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Coordination between Schematic Design building floor plans, elevations, and sections.
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Basis of Design Report (BDR) include, as applicable, the following:
  • Dark Sky Preservation addressed.
  • Natural Soundscape Preservation and Noise Management addressed.
  • Integrated Pest Management incorporated into design.
    • Prevention of Hanta Virus.
    • Bird roosting/nesting issues.
  • Bird Friendly Design addressed.
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Confirm that Integrated Design Process continues through Schematic Design.
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Site Development Issues:
  • Correct building orientation for maximum sustainability.
  • Integration of site and building.
  • Views (Screen unsightly views, take advantage of views, preserve views).
  • Managing groups is addressed.
  • Limit wayfinding signage on site.
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Building Design Issues:
  • Design solution that is climate responsive.
  • Consider visitation surges and impacts on facility (restroom areas).
  • Excessive interior volumes created. Are functions dictating ceiling heights?
  • Opportunities for maximum daylighting explored.
  • Logical and convenient locations for automatic door opener push plates for users.
  • Security level for facility considered (Threat/Risk Assessment).
  • Visitor circulation pattern logical and efficient.
  • All innovative Schematic Design concepts have been explored to create a quality visitor experience.
  • Logical and efficient functional adjacencies have continued through Schematic Design.
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Roof Design Issues:
  • Appropriate roofing material considered taking into account climate, storm events, maintenance, and repairs/replacement.
  • Appropriate roof slopes.
  • Roof tie-off system needed for safety of the maintenance staff.
  • Controlled roof run-off (gutter/downspout system, rain garden areas, harvesting for irrigation or non-potable reuse).
  • Complex roof design creates flashing issues.
  • Roof penetrations locations considered for visual impacts.
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Sustainability Issues:
  • Sustainability continues to be explored through Schematic Design - "Pushing the envelope of sustainability".
  • Trash recyclable center and receptacles are provided and identified on drawings.
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Exhibit Issues:
  • Verify that exhibit designers are part of the design team early in the project.
  • Verify exhibit plan has been integrated into the Schematic Design concept early to create a quality visitor experience.
  • Large scale exhibits are addressed (installation, lighting, potential glare on glass areas, materials, maintenance, etc.).

Design Development (DBB or DB)

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All required deliverables submitted.
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Consistent with DSC Architectural Design Standards.
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Post-Investment Review Board (IRB) recommendations are incorporated.
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Design Development Drawings:
  • Compliance Drawings clearly indicate proposed impacts of recommended treatments.
  • Cover sheet is used, clearly indicating park boundaries, limits of proposed work, and any historic district boundaries.
  • Drawings comply with DSC CAD/BIM & Drafting Standards (Computer Aided Design/Building Information Modeling).
  • Organization of discipline drawings such as civil, landscape architectural, architectural, followed by structural, then HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical complies with Director's Order 10A.
  • Adaptive-Use floor plans clearly distinguish old from new.
  • Sheet with Fire Safety Plan and code analysis notation (American Institute of Architects (AIA) format).
  • Site property lines and existing conditions match with surveyor civil drawings.
  • Building location meets all setback requirements, zoning codes, and deed restrictions.
  • Elevation points match with site, civil, landscape, architectural and structural drawings.
  • Demolition instructions are clear on what to remove and what to remain, and are coordinated with design documents.
  • Architectural space requirements are commensurate with ductwork, conduit, piping, light fixtures, elevators, and other equipment.
  • All plans, elevations and details are accessibility Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) compliant where required.
  • Orientation of all site, floor, and ceiling plans is consistent.
  • Large-scale plans and sections match small scale plans and sections.
  • Locations of columns, bearing walls, grid lines and overall building dimensions match structural.
  • Equipment room or areas are commensurate with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
  • Modern structural, mechanical, and electrical components are hidden behind historic surfaces to the greatest extent possible.
  • Locations of expansion joints on floors and elevations match the structural drawings.
  • Exterior and interior lighting concept follows International Dark Sky Association Guidelines.
  • Interior lighting concept appropriate for the tasks.
  • Proposed lighting fixtures appropriate for the proposed architectural theme.
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Outline Specifications (Divisions 2 through 14) clearly reflect overview of treatment and quality that is presented in the drawings.
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Products documented in the Product File are appropriate for the project and climate conditions.

100% Draft Construction Documents (DBB) or 100% Draft Design-Build Construction Documents (DB)

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All required deliverables submitted.
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Consistent with DSC Architectural Design Standards.
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Construction Drawings:
  • Documents coordinated prior to submittal.
  • Cross-referencing on drawings is correct.
  • Building elevations match floor plans and have the same scale.
  • Building sections match elevations, plans, and structural drawings.
  • Building plan match lines are consistent on architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings.
  • Structural member locations are commensurate architecturally.
  • Chases match on structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings.
  • Section and detail call-outs are proper and accurately cross-referenced. Location of details and call-outs on detail sheets, such as left to right, and top to bottom, is consistent.
  • Reflected architectural ceiling plans match with structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical plans.
  • Columns, beams, and slabs are shown and noted on elevations and sections.
  • Door schedule information matches plans, elevations, fire rating, and specifications
  • Cabinets and millwork will fit in available space.
  • Cabinets and millwork are accessible for both visitors and staff.
  • Through-the-wall flashing and weep holes are provided where moisture may penetrate the outer material.
  • Appropriate flashing materials and gauges are selected.
  • Walls, ceilings, fire and smoke dampers are fire rated as required.
  • Miscellaneous metals are detailed, noted, and coordinated with the Specifications.
  • The limits, types, and details of insulation are coordinated with design documents.
  • Thermal breaks included at fenestration; manufactured components and custom installations.
  • Thermal barriers included at rim joists, and at exposed foundations (between ground line and insulated exterior wall systems).
  • Perimeter insulation is continuous along foundation extending to sub-grade.
  • The limits, types, and details of roofing are coordinated with design documents.
  • All window walls, expansion joints, and weeps are provided as required.
  • Dew point locations in walls, roofs, and terraces have been determined, and vapor retarders have been provided where required.
  • Paint and material colors are in the finish schedule on the drawings or in the specifications where appropriate.
  • Appropriate glazing materials such as tempered, laminated, etc., are indicated in drawings and specifications where required.
  • Paint samples are taken from un-weathered locations, and used to match modern paints to historic colors.
  • Drain-back piping of fire sprinkler systems is coordinated with architectural spaces, structural members, mechanical drainage piping and ductwork, and electrical fixtures and equipment.
  • As part of NPS sustainable "Green Parks" and plastic bottle reduction program, verify that a water bottle filling station is integrated into drinking fountain units.
  • Excessive mounting heights for light fixtures that create issues for re-lamping for maintenance staff requiring special equipment such as lifts.
  • Verify that exterior and interior lighting concept still appropriate for the tasks.
  • Verify that dark sky guidelines are applied to exterior and interior lighting concept.
  • Verify that proposed lighting fixtures selected are appropriate for the architectural theme.
  • Verify efficient use of space.
  • Verify elimination or mitigation of confined space hazards and situations.
  • Identify any space that by design or construction that has limited openings for entry and exit or the potential of unfavorable ventilation that could concentrate dangerous air contaminants.
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Specifications:
  • Specifications follow NPS format and include contract price or bid schedule.
  • Appropriate treatment and "quality" of materials is represented in the Specifications.
  • References to "owner" instead of "Government."
  • References to "Architect" or "Engineer" instead of "Contracting Officer".
  • Specified products in accordance with the Buy American Act.
  • Coordinated Division 1 Specifications with the park.
  • Use of pure hydraulic lime mortar for structural applications, such as concrete block walls-it does not have adequate strength.
  • Applying paint to weathered wood without a wood stabilizer-it does not adhere.
  • Applying exterior Alkyd paint primers and top coats-they promote the growth of mildew.
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Sustainable Issues:
  • Gutter with screens, downspouts, filter devices, prewash downspouts, collection piping and cisterns are provided for rain water harvesting systems.
  • Tern-coated stainless steel roofing used for roofing material when using rain water harvesting systems due to less surface corrosion and metal content in the runoff water.
  • Control roof runoff to prevent exterior wall damage and icing conditions at paving areas.
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Accessibility Issues:
  • Final locations of automatic door opener push plates are logical and convenient for accessibility users.

100% Complete Construction Documents (DBB) or 100% Complete Design-Build Construction Documents (DB)

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All required deliverables submitted.
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All review comments from 100% Draft Review satisfactorily resolved.
 

Last updated: October 19, 2021

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