Fittings

General Design Principles

A Whole of Life approach is to be used in the selection of the appropriate fitting, to ensure that the most appropriate Value for Money material is used.

Designers should consider the following in the selection of materials:

• Ecological sustainable solutions
• Life Cycle Costing
• Durability
• Robustness to resist Vandalism
• Maintainability
• Occupant, user and maintenance staff safety

Variations

• Variations to the nominated fittings may be necessary in particular designs due to planning considerations.
• In these cases, the fixtures are to be approximately equivalent and must be approved by the project control group and MQP.

Handrails & Balustrades

Handrails and Balustrades

Balustrades and handrails are to be provided to locations and areas to meet or exceed the requirements as set out within the NCC/BCA.

The design and positions of the are to be as required by NCC/ BCA & As 1428.1.

Handrails are to match existing where applicable, and of materials appropriate to the location that they are installed.

External Handrails are to be made of corrosion resistant material such as Galvanised steel or stainless steel.

Window Coverings

Blinds

Holland Roller Blinds

Holland Roller Blind where listed in the rooms and spaces data are to be included as follows:

• installed to external windows only to provide brown out function, or for internal Privacy.
• Width of blinds to align with window framing mullions, or glazing joints.
• Blinds less than 1m wide and with a head height of less than 2.2m may be non‐chain operated (sprung pull mechanism), otherwise are to be chain operated.
• Blinds to be not less than 700mm wide unless matching full window opening.
• Blind material colour is to be as agreed by Project control group.
• In large office areas a single colour is to be used for the entire office area is required.
• A light blind material colour blending with the adjacent wall colour is preferred.
• Alternate blinds may be included subject to approval by MQP.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are not a preferred solution on campus, but may be installed to internal glazed partitions, to the following guidelines:

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are not a preferred solution on campus, but may be installed to internal glazed partitions when specified by a Project Manager.

Curtains

Standard Specification:

Curtains may be included as an alternative to holland blinds for external windows as agreed with the Project Group and MQP.

‐ Note; Supply and installation of curtains is to be funded by Department.

Theatre Curtains

Theatre and stage curtains may be required to auditorium stages and the like, on a Project specific basis.

All theatre and stage curtains are to meet the requirements of BCA specification C1.10 and the requirements for inclusion in an Entertainment Venue.

Shower Curtain

Include the following shower curtains to all accessible showers.

External Awnings

External Awnings are only to be installed where specifically approved by MQP.

Signage

General

Signage is to be included in every new building and area refurbishment in in line with the Macquarie University Signage & Wayfinding Guidelines.

Refer to Signage for further information.

Statutory signage is to be provided and installed to meet the requirements of the current building regulations.

Macquarie University Signage & Wayfinding Guidelines

The purpose of the Macquarie University Signage and Wayfinding Guidelines is to provide guidance on the approved signage and wayfinding systems of Macquarie University. It includes; wayfinding principles, sign design, typical construction details, graphic standards and guidelines for messaging that is to be implemented across the university campus, to provide a consistent approach.

Introduction to Signage

Signage forms an integral part of a public space, whether that be wayfinding signage, statutory signage, interpretive signage or place‐making signage.

These signage types all play a role in communicating a range of messages to the user.

The objective of wayfinding signage (the primary focus of this project) is to provide the user with a sense of confidence as they move through a site and ultimately deliver them to their desired destination.

The success of a wayfinding scheme is dependent on three key factors.

• Firstly, the user being able to identify their current location (a starting point);
• Secondly, identifying the correct route that takes them from their starting point to their destination; and
• Thirdly, what accumulated spatial features act as wayfinding cues to enhance the efficiency of the user journey.

Project Goals and Standards

The goal of this project for the University is to create engaging environments that add value to the fabric of the University through a signage wayfinding system that seeks to:

• Provide the user with a sense of confidence as they move about the campus;
• Enhance and express the University's identity on campus; and
• Increase efficiency in navigation.

An important consideration within the scheme is flexibility to accommodate change, for both the current campus and the future masterplan which sees significant development and growth.

Consistency and accuracy in the use of the scheme will be fundamental to the overall success of the system. Signage and wayfinding schemes find their strength in the sum of their parts.

Extent of Signage

As a minimum, unless indicated in the brief, the 'best practice' extent of the wayfinding system should consider:

• Wayfinding messages/signage at campus entrances;
• Wayfinding messages/signage at decision‐making points on accessible paths of travel to accessible building entrances, which bypass stairways;
• Directory boards within buildings that identify rooms, lift and stair locations and sanitary facilities;
• Wayfinding messages at decision‐making points on accessible paths of travel within buildings; and
• Wayfinding to access parking.

With respect to "best practice" signage, this is the minimum signage that enables people, including those with disabilities to navigate the built environment and access services and facilities, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) provides the over arching objectives and should be used as a guide when applying the system.