The Space Standards are a collection of floor plans and design narratives that define and encapsulate the factors that make an Ivy Tech space successful. They were developed to establish a baseline for equity in facilities across all service areas. As these standards are implemented, they will create a unified, cohesive experience embodying Ivy Tech’s values, vision for the future, and best teaching practices.
The Space Standards illustrated are ideal-scenario conditions, and the exact duplication of these spaces is not expected. The intent of the standards is to encourage similar sizes, function, and spatial relationships to implement the College’s best practices throughout the State.
The Space Standards are intended to streamline the design process, reducing design cost and time. With the proper allocation of space from a project’s onset, Ivy Tech can ensure quality and efficiency while planning and funding capital investments.
Ivy Tech Community College is classified as a Title II entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, spaces at Ivy Tech are required by state and federal law to follow the guidelines of the ADA. For additional information about ADA’s Title II requirements, refer to ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments | ADA.gov
Space Standards
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The College has moved to an open office model for all faculty and staff with very few exceptions. For an open office space to be successful, it is critical that it be co-located with the appropriate size and quantity of support spaces - small huddle rooms, conference rooms, and informal break out areas. These spaces should be located near the entrance of the office suite to facilitate meeting with students and visitors, who are discouraged from accessing the open office area.
Ivy Tech Community College is classified as a Title II entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, spaces at Ivy Tech are required by state and federal law to follow the guidelines of the ADA.
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General Education spaces are the basic building blocks of an educational building and can be used interchangeably by a large number of programs for various courses. Qualities such as acoustics, sightlines, flexibility, and plenty of outlets for student use, all contribute to the success of these fundamental spaces.
Ivy Tech Community College is classified as a Title II entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, spaces at Ivy Tech are required by state and federal law to follow the guidelines of the ADA.
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Commonly referred to as Labs, these specialized educational spaces are used to teach specific skills, and thus vary widely in their design and configuration. The layouts illustrated within these standards have been optimized for efficiency and may need to be reconfigured to suit different proportions, circulation patterns, or numbers of students. When reconfiguring a lab space, it is important that the new layout respects the listed success criteria. Some programs must follow accreditation standards which will influence space layouts. These are noted in the standards and must be referenced during the design process.
Ivy Tech Community College is classified as a Title II entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, spaces at Ivy Tech are required by state and federal law to follow the guidelines of the ADA.
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General Use spaces serve non-educational purposes and serve the building’s occupants in a wide variety of ways. The layouts illustrated within these standards have been optimized for efficiency and may need to be reconfigured to suit different proportions, circulation patterns, or numbers of users.
Ivy Tech Community College is classified as a Title II entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, spaces at Ivy Tech are required by state and federal law to follow the guidelines of the ADA.
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Signage standards aim to provide consistency, cohesiveness, and effectiveness in visual communication across all Ivy Tech Community College locations. These standards are applicable to all indoor and outdoor signage, including but not limited to identity, directional, regulatory, etiquette, incidental, interpretive, safety and emergency, and temporary signs.
Signage installations shall comply with these standards to maintain brand integrity and provide clear guidance to visitors, students, and staff. Compliance with local regulations and accessibility guidelines, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is mandatory.
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SECTION 12 30 00 – CASEWORK AND FURNITURE
Refer to Space Standards for Casework and Furniture Requirements and Materials.
PART 1 - COUNTERTOPS (NON-SCIENCE LABS)
1. Solid surface required in wet and chemical areas.
2. Color to be selected by Architect from manufacturer’s standard colors.
3. 3 mm PVC edge.
4. ¾” marine-grade plywood as a substrate.
5. Utilize melamine on the inside of cabinets and drawers only.
PART 2 - COUNTERTOPS (SCIENCE LABS)
1. Lab Grade phenolic resin or equal with integral sinks. Refer to Space Standards.
2. Color should be black or green.
PART 3 - COUNTERTOPS (BIO TECH)
1. Metal counters and cabinets.
2. Lab Grade phenolic resin or equal with integral sinks. Refer to Space Standards.
3. Color should be black or green.
PART 4 – FURNITURE
Ivy Tech furniture standards prioritize quality, durability, and value while intentionally supporting Indiana manufacturing. We seek furniture solutions that meet rigorous performance and safety requirements and are designed for long-term use in high-traffic educational and office environments. By partnering with Indiana-based manufacturers, Ivy Tech strengthens the local economy, promotes workforce development, and reinforces our commitment to investing in the communities we serve.