Nelson B. Nave AIA
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-20-2012 09:15
From: Laura Montllor
Subject: Answers from Myth Buster Miguel Rivera,AIA
Myth Busters: Excellence in Universal Design Case Studies
Questions and Answers from the June 13, 2012 webinar
Miguel Rivera, AIA
Q: Do you like small projects like this and do you pursue more of them now that you successfully completed this one? [Eric Faulkner]
We love small projects and the idea to create something different that what is typically done. We have done some small pedestrian bridges and continue to accept small projects as they are interesting and challenging.
Q: What are Cor-Ten panels? [Lanny Lerner] Are the panels core-10 steel panels? If not, what material are the panels? [Eric Faulkner] Q: Does water run-off on core-ten steel cause staining of the surrounding landscaping? [Angie Winston]
The steel was ¾"th ASTM 606 Type 4 weathering steel. The landscaping is more of a natural grass nothing new planted, the crush granite path has not been stain by the panels as it is a slow process.
Q: What hinges did you use for the rest rooms in Austin park? [Prabhansu Ghoshal]
The hinges were from Innovative Hinge Producs, Inc.
Q: Does the steel get hot to the touch? [Michael Heffron]
Yes, everything in Texas gets hot in the summer even wood.
Q: What metal bracing was used as further support in the footing? [Amy Hummerstone]
Steel angles connected with bolts to the concrete footing and welded to the panels
Q: A great project in Austin! The architect though, talks about ADA and CAS requirements and Codes but Universal Design is more than that! Can you enlighten us as to your thoughts on UD? [Jane Cee]
I was talking about TAS, Texas Accessibility Standards, as wanted people to know that is the regulation that we need to follow in Texas and need to file paper work before construction start and there is an inspection at the end. Our hope is that eventually all elements of universal design are integrated into the design solution in such a way that we no longer see them oriented to a particular group of persons with a disability.
Q: I was wondering if the needs of people with visual disabilities were addressed in the Austin project. [Clifford Hymowitz]
Besides Braille, we did not, as you ask we should have try to do something about it specially some floor marking or something by the trail
Q: Could you talk more about privacy? with open panels did anyone have issue with the openness? PS. I love the project. [Roger Keller]
Thank you, we were concerned about the privacy too, and were not 100% sure it was going to work, but it did, it was a balance of creating privacy and full ventilation which was a very important aspect we wanted to approach.
Q: How does rain water run through the roof? [Christopher Vlcek] Q: How do you keep rain out? [Jorma Loci]
We were not that worried about the rain, if you are in the park in the rain we thought it was not an issue. In any case we have a roof with a rain chain into a drain.
Q: What is the per unit cost of each location? [Alan Hewitt]
We only did one of these. The cost was comparable to those restrooms that you buy pre-made. We worked closely with the foundation and subcontractors to keep the budget.
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Laura Montllor AIA
Port Washington NY
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