by Michael Bartoloni
A combination of factors have contributed to the increase in mixed-use developments over the past decade. When designing for mixed-use, a number of considerations must be made to accommodate the needs of each tenant. Careful planning and communication with all stakeholders is vital to ensure the project stays on track and all requirements are met with no delays or inefficiencies.
Designing for a combination of residential, retail, education, healthcare, life science, or office use involves responding to multiple varied interests, all located under one roof. The recent supply chain issues affecting virtually every stage in the design and construction process continue to affect material availability and timelines, further highlighting the importance of an organized and collective effort by all participants in keeping this type of complex project on time and on (or under) budget.
SFCM Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for Performing Arts
As a senior architectural hardware consultant at Campbell-McCabe Worldwide, LLC, I work with clients to create project estimates and submit proposals; provide expert counsel on door hardware alternatives and selection; and write technical specifications, including code compliance, for new construction and renovation projects. This includes consultation/coordination with the security access control card reader consultant, and creation of door hardware specification sections including hollow metal doors and frames, wood doors, and integrated assemblies.
On a recent project for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for Performing Arts, Campbell-McCabe worked with Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects to create “a social and cultural destination” that provides “visual and auditory access to the learning and making of music.” For this mixed-use project, the scope of work involved creating a variety of spaces that included housing suites, a cafe, student lounge, and performance areas that were accessible to the public. The variety of uses required pre-planning and constant attention focused on accessibility while at the same time prioritizing student comfort and safety. I worked with the design team, the owner’s representative, and the security provider throughout the project construction administration phase to contribute consultation and technical documentation for door and security products, ensuring that all hardware specified met their needs for design and quality while meeting code requirements for fire safety and ADA accessibility. The resulting 12-story, 170,000sf building fosters a greater public connection while providing spaces for students to live, practice, perform, and collaborate.
SFCM Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Security and access control is just one piece of an intricate composition of systems required for a successful build; it can create delays if not carefully considered early in the process. For example, systems such as security card readers must be integrated early in the project as they affect the associated wiring specific to the opening. If not determined early in the design process, and correctly coordinated, many of the wires to these devices would be difficult to conceal. Another example includes the accommodation of an existing master key system, which often requires additional time and coordination.
Having a security consultant on board from the beginning of the design process will ensure hardware is compatible with building systems and can be ordered (and arrive) in time for a timely installation, producing no delays in project completion. Prioritizing safety and security in the early stages of design and construction allows for the successful integration of appropriate systems and hardware into any mixed-use project, and ensures all stakeholders’ needs will be met and projects will remain on schedule and on budget.
Michael Bartoloni, AHC, DHT is a senior architectural hardware consultant at Campbell-McCabe Worldwide, LLC.
