Recommendations for basic requirements of school buildings

IS 8827 - Scope: Key Specifications & Tables

Scope:
IS 8827 covers design and construction requirements for school buildings, focusing on functional spaces, plot areas, illumination, and construction essentials.

1. Plot Area (Clause 3.20)

• Plot area (excluding playgrounds) = 2 to 3 times the built-up area (all floors)
• Varies with number of storeys and sections per class (more sections → less area per student place)

2. Area Provisions for Different School Categories (Clause 11.1)

Note: Specific rooms like Social Science, Principal's room, Staff room included as per category.

3. Illumination Levels (Clause 6.1, Table 5)

4. Essential Constructional Requirements (Clause 4.5)

• Structural safety
• Durability
• Adequate ventilation and lighting
• Fire safety provisions

flowchart LR
    A[Plot Area] --> B[Built-up Area x 2 to 3]
    B --> C[Depends on Storeys, Sections per Class]
    D[School Categories] --> E[Area Provisions]
    E --> F[Curricular, Co-Curricular, Admin, Playgrounds]
    G[Illumination] --> H[Classroom: 150-300 lux]
    G --> I[Lab: 200-300 lux

IS 8827: Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

1. Definitions (Clause 15.3, Appendix B)

• Defines terms related to school building planning and area requirements.
• Clarifies plot area, built-up area, and area per student place.
• Area per student place decreases as the number of sections per class increases.

2. Area Specifications (Clause 3.20, Clause 11.1)

• Plot area (excluding playgrounds): 2 to 3 times the built-up area depending on number of storeys.
• Area per student place: Adjusted based on number of sections per class.
• Area categories: Curricular, Co-curricular, Administrative, Extra-curricular (playgrounds).
• Example from Table 11 (selected areas needed for school types):

3. Illumination Levels (Clause 6.1, Table 5)

Summary Formula for Plot Area:

[ \text{Plot Area} = (2 \text{ to } 3) \times \text{Built-up Area (all floors)} ]

(depending on number of storeys)

flowchart TD
    A[Number of Sections per Class ↑] --> B[Area per Student Place ↓]
    C[Number of Storeys ↑] --> D[Plot Area / Built-up Area Ratio ↓]
    D --> E[Plot Area = 2 to 3 × Built-up Area]

IS 8827: General Requirements Summary

1. Essential Constructional Requirements (Clause 4.5)

• Specifies fundamental construction quality and safety norms.
• Ensures durability, safety, and usability of school buildings.

2. Illumination Levels (Clause 6.1 & Table 5)

• Proper lighting is critical for visual comfort and task efficiency.

3. Individual Exits (Clause 14.4)

• Detailed requirements (14.4.1 to 14.4.6) cover safe egress design.
• Includes minimum widths, signage, and unobstructed paths.

Quick Reference:

• Illumination: Minimum 150 lux for general areas; up to 300 lux for detailed tasks.
• Exits: Must comply with specified dimensions and safety norms for emergency evacuation.

flowchart TD
    A[General Requirements] --> B[Constructional Quality]
    A --> C[Illumination Levels]
    C --> D[Classrooms: 150-300 lux]
    C --> E[Workshops: 200-300 lux]
    C --> F[Library: 150-300 lux]
    A --> G[Individual Exits]
    G --> H[Width & Signage]
    G --> I[Unobstructed Paths]

For detailed design, refer to clauses 4.5, 6.1 (Table 5), and 14.4 of IS 8827.

IS 8827: Key Specifications for Classrooms

1. Area per Student (Clause 4.3, Table 2)

• Primary Classrooms:

  • Length per student (A) = 1600 mm
  • Width per student (B) = 1450 mm

• Secondary Classrooms:

  • Length per student (A) = 1800 mm
  • Width per student (B) = 1650 mm

Formula for Classroom Area:
[ \text{Area} = \text{Number of students} \times A \times B ]

2. Classroom Fittings (Clause 4.4, Table 3)

3. Constructional Requirements (Clause 1.5)

• Storage depth for maps/display materials: ≥ 450 mm
• Display boards near chalkboard or side walls for maps, charts, student work.

4. Typical Fan & Light Arrangement (Fig. 5)

• Fans cover 360° sweep, 3 fans spaced evenly.
• Light points distributed for uniform illumination.

graph LR
A[Chalkboard Wall] --> B[Wooden Picture Rail Opposite Wall]
B --> C[Fans (3 units, 1200 mm diameter)]
C --> D[Light Points (4 units)]
D --> E[Students' Desks aligned]
E --> F[Storage Space ≥ 450 mm depth]

Summary:
Design classrooms by multiplying per-student area (A×B) by the number of students, provide 3 fans and 4 light points arranged for uniform coverage, ensure storage/display spaces ≥ 450 mm deep, and include appropriate desks and optional lockers.

IS 8827 - Other Teaching Spaces Key Specifications (Clause 5.1, Table 4):

Additional Notes:

• Science Theory Rooms (Clause 5.3.2) follow classroom norms for higher secondary classes.
• Store/preparation rooms should have a minimum depth of 450 mm for storage of maps, display materials (Clause 1.5).
• Typical classroom fittings (fans, lights) and their arrangement are given in Fig. 5 (Clause 1.5), e.g., 3 fans of 1200 mm diameter arranged for 360° coverage.

Summary Diagram of Area Distribution for Laboratories:

flowchart LR
    A[Total Area] --> B[Lab: 65 m²]
    A --> C[Store/Prep: 15 m² or 8 m²]
    A --> D[Teacher's Space: 8 m²]
    A --> E[Special Room: 8 m² (Dark/Balance/Museum)]

This concise layout helps in planning and designing other teaching spaces as per IS 8827.

IS 8827 Key Points on Orientation & Environmental Considerations

1. Building Orientation

   • Must conform to IS 7662 (Part I)-1974 for optimal sunlight, ventilation, and energy efficiency.

2. Trees & Obstructions (Clause 13.3)

   • Tall/shady trees should be perpendicular (at right angles) to the light source to avoid glare.
   • Distance from classroom windows to obstructions (trees, walls) ≥ building height to ensure adequate lighting & ventilation.

3. Illumination Levels (Clause 6.1, Table 5)

Summary Diagram: Orientation & Environmental Setup

flowchart LR
    A[Building Orientation] --> B[IS 7662 Compliance]
    B --> C[Trees at Right Angles to Light Source]
    C --> D[Distance from Windows ≥ Building Height]
    D --> E[Ensures Adequate Lighting & Ventilation]
    E --> F[Meets Illumination Levels per Table 5]

Note: Proper orientation and environmental planning improve comfort, reduce energy use, and enhance learning environments as per IS 8827.

IS 8827: Key Specifications for Administrative Spaces in Schools

1. Orientation

• Follow IS 7662 (Part I) - 1974 for building orientation (Clause 6.4).

2. Recommended Administrative Areas for Secondary/Higher Secondary Schools (Table 6)

3. Indoor Areas for Students' Activities (Table 7)

• Common Room: 0.1 m² per student (min 25 m², max 100 m²)
• Canteen: 0.1 m² per student (min 25 m², max 100 m²)
• NCC/Scout Room: 11 m² each
• Medical Inspection Room: 20-30 m²
• Book/Stationery Shop: 30-50 m²
• Library: 0.1 m² per student (min 50 m², max 150 m²)
• Students' Club: 30-50 m²
• PET Room: 45 m²
• Toilets: 0.2 m² per student
• Multiuse Hall (optional): 0.65 m² per student for 50% strength (min 14×28×5.5 m)

4. Additional Notes

• Boys' common room: seating/squatting arrangements; may combine with canteen.
• Girls' common room: includes bench or couch for lying down.

Summary:
Design administrative spaces based on school enrollment, allocating specific minimum areas for principal, vice-principal, office, storage, and staff rooms. Provide adequate indoor spaces for student activities per the listed area norms.

flowchart TD
    A[School Enrollment] -->

IS 8827: Key Specifications for Students' Spaces

1. Classroom Area (Clause 4.3)

• Area per student place: As per Table 2 (not provided here), classroom area is calculated based on required area per student.

2. Indoor Areas for Various Student Activities (Clause 8.1, Table 7)

3. Plot Area (Clause 3.20)

• Plot area excluding playfields = 2 to 3 times built-up area (all floors), depending on number of storeys.

4. Additional Notes (Clause 8.2)

• Indoor games spaces should be provided either separately or combined with common rooms, students' clubs, or multiuse halls.

Summary Formula for Area Calculation:

• Area for room = (Area per student) × (Number of students)
• Respect minimum and

IS 8827 Key Specifications for Circulation Areas:

Clause 9.1: Circulation Area Limits

• Double loaded corridors: Max 18% of total covered building area.
• Single loaded corridors: Max 24% of total covered building area.

Additional Relevant Area Provisions (Indoor & Outdoor):

Summary Formula for Circulation Area:

[ \text{Circulation Area} \leq \begin{cases} 0.18 \times \text{Total Covered Area}, & \text{Double loaded corridors} \ 0.24 \times \text{Total Covered Area}, & \text{Single loaded corridors} \end{cases} ]

Visual Concept of Corridor Loading:

flowchart LR
    A[Total Covered Area] --> B{Corridor Type}
    B -->|Double Loaded| C[Max 18% Circulation Area]
    B -->|Single Loaded| D[Max 24% Circulation Area]

Note: Ensure circulation spaces (corridors, staircases, halls) comply with these limits to optimize usable space and maintain functional flow in school buildings.

IS 8827: Key Specifications for Outdoor Areas in Schools

1. Outdoor Area Requirements (Clause 10.1)

• Depends on:
  • Size of the school
  • Location (Urban/Suburban)

2. Plot Area (Clause 3.20)

• Plot area excluding playgrounds = 2 to 3 times the built-up area depending on the number of storeys.
• Area per student decreases with more sections per class.

3. Circulation Areas (Clause 9.1)

• Corridors, staircases, etc.:
  • Double loaded corridors ≤ 18% of total covered area.
  • Single loaded corridors ≤ 24% of total covered area.

4. Outdoor Areas Table (Clause 11.1 - Summary)

5. Indoor Area Benchmarks (Clause 8.1)

Summary Diagram of Area Allocation

flowchart LR
    A[Total Plot Area] --> B[Built-up Area]
    B --> C[Circulation Areas]
    B --> D[Indoor Areas]
    B --> E[Outdoor Areas]

    C -->|Double Loaded| F[≤ 18% of B]
    C -->|Single Loaded| G[≤ 24% of B]

    D --> H[Classrooms, Labs,

IS 8827: Key Formulas & Specs for Exits and Fire Safety

1. Types of Exits (Clause 14.2)

• Various exit types include stairways, doors, ramps, and other means ensuring safe evacuation.

2. Number & Size of Exits (Clause 14.3)

• Determined by:
  • Number of occupants (students + staff)
  • Exit capacity
  • Travel distance to exits
  • Building height

3. Capacity of Exits (Clause 14.3.2)

• Exit capacity per unit width (50 cm):

4. Other Requirements of Individual Exits (Clause 14.4)

• Detailed specs cover:
  • Minimum width
  • Headroom clearance
  • Fire resistance
  • Illumination
  • Handrails & landings
  • Door swing direction

Quick Calculation Example:

If a stairway is 1 m wide (100 cm), capacity =
[ \frac{100}{50} \times 25 = 2 \times 25 = 50 \text{ persons} ]

flowchart LR
    A[Room Occupants] --> B[Calculate Required Exit Capacity]
    B --> C{Exit Type?}
    C -->|Stairway| D[Capacity = 25 persons/50 cm width]
    C -->|Door| E[Capacity = 75 persons/50 cm width]
    D & E --> F[Determine Number & Size of Exits]
    F --> G[Provide Exits per Clause 14.3 & 14.4]

Summary: Use occupant count and exit width with the capacity factors to size exits, ensuring compliance with IS 8827 clauses 14.2 to 14.4 for safe evacuation.

Fire Fighting Equipment - IS 8827 Key Points

1. First-Aid Fire Fighting Equipment:

• Installed & maintained as per IS 2190:1971 (Portable First-Aid Fire Appliances).
• Provide adequate equipment at corridors, lobbies, halls, and outside buildings per IS 2217:1963 (Recommendations for Public Buildings).

2. Fire Escape Stairs (Clause 14.4.3):

• For buildings >15 m height, fire escapes must:
  • Not count towards evacuation time.
  • Connect directly to ground.
  • Have separate entrances from internal stairs.
  • Be obstruction-free except fire-resistant doorway.
  • Constructed from non-combustible materials.
  • Straight flights ≥ 75 cm wide.
  • Tread = 15 cm, riser ≤ 19 cm.
  • Max 16 risers per flight.
  • Handrail height ≥ 90 cm.

Fire Escape Stair Dimensions Summary

flowchart TD
    A[Building > 15m height] --> B[Fire Escape Stairs]
    B --> C[Non-combustible material]
    B --> D[Straight flight ≥ 75 cm wide]
    B --> E[Tread 15 cm, Riser ≤ 19 cm]
    B --> F[Max 16 risers/flight]
    B --> G[Handrail height ≥ 90 cm]
    B --> H[Separate entrance from internal stairs]
    B --> I[Direct connection to ground]
    B --> J[Obstruction free route except fire door]

References:

• IS 2190:1971 (Portable Fire Appliances)
• IS 2217:1963 (Public Buildings Fire Arrangements)
• IS 8827 Clause 14.4.3 & 15.2

IS 8827: Vocational Courses and Facilities - Key Points

1. Types of Vocational Courses (Clause 5.5)

• Category A: Courses needing only classrooms (see Appendix A-1).
• Category B: Courses requiring workshops/laboratories plus classrooms.

2. Workshop/Laboratory Size (Clause 5.5.1)

• Size of vocational labs/workshops = Size of science laboratories (refer to Table 4 in IS 8827).

3. Provision of Fittings (Clause 5.5.2)

• Fittings/fixtures depend on the specific vocational course.

4. Water Supply & Sanitary Requirements (Clause 16.2, Table 16)

Summary Diagram: Vocational Facilities Provision

flowchart TD
    A[Vocational Courses] --> B[Classroom Only]
    A --> C[Classroom + Workshop/Lab]
    C --> D[Size = Science Lab Size (Table 4)]
    D --> E[Fittings per Course Type]
    B --> F[No Workshop Required]
    E --> G[Dependent on Course Nature]

Note: Refer to **Appendix

Fire Alarm System Recommendations as per IS 8827

Key Specifications:

• Separate Fire Sections (Clause 1.1):
  Buildings divided by fire-separating walls can be treated as separate buildings for fire alarm requirements based on size/population.

• Uniformity of Devices (Clause 1.5):
  All manually operated sending stations and alarm sounders in one system must be of the same general type to ensure compatibility.

• Approved Equipment (Clause 1.2):
  Only approved types of alarm systems and equipment suitable for their intended purpose are allowed.

• Supervision & Testing (Clause 1.3):
  A responsible person must supervise the system, conduct regular tests at specified intervals, and manage all alterations.

Typical Fire Alarm System Components:

Testing Frequency (Typical Practice):

• Weekly visual check of alarm devices
• Monthly functional tests
• Annual full system test by qualified personnel

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Alarm Control Panel] --> B[Manual Alarm Stations]
    A --> C[Alarm Sounding Devices]
    A --> D[Power Supply (Main & Backup)]
    E[Responsible Person] -->|Supervises & Tests| A

For detailed device placement and exact sizing, refer to IS 8827 Annexures and relevant local fire safety codes.

IS 8827: Additional Safety Guidelines - Key Points

1. Clause 4.5: Essential Constructional Requirements

• Structural elements must ensure stability, durability, and safety under all loads.
• Use fire-resistant materials and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Design must prevent progressive collapse and allow safe evacuation.

2. Clause 14.4: Individual Exits (14.4.1 to 14.4.6)

• Minimum exit width: 0.9 m for schools.
• Exits must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and lead directly outside or to a safe area.
• Provide handrails and non-slip surfaces on exit stairs.
• Exit doors should open outwards and be easy to operate.

3. Clause 15.3: Appendix B

• Contains detailed safety checklists for construction and maintenance.
• Includes load factors, safety margins, and inspection frequencies.

4. Clause 16.2: Sanitary Requirements (Table 9)

• Specifies number of toilets per number of students.
• Minimum dimensions for sanitary fixtures.
• Proper drainage slope: typically 1:50.
• Ventilation and privacy norms.

Example Table: Minimum Number of Toilets (from Table 9)

Summary Diagram: Exit Pathway Safety

flowchart LR
    A[Classroom] --> B[Exit Door]
    B --> C[Exit Staircase]
    C --> D[Open Area / Assembly Point]
    style B fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

For detailed design, refer to IS 8827 clauses and tables for exact dimensions and safety factors.