Recommendations for layout and planning of drawings offices
1987 Edition

Overview of Scope

• Defines space standards, layout, and sizing for drafting and reference workstations within planning and design offices.
• Drafting/reference table dimensions should adhere to IS 4212-1978.
• Updates include provisions for staff, photographic, and reprographic units.
• Workstations arranged facing one direction with specified spacing between adjacent desks.
• Final numerical values rounded per IS 2-1960 to maintain accuracy.

Reference Table:

Simplified Drafting Table Setup:

flowchart LR
    RefArea[Reference Area] --> Desk1[Drafting Table 1]
    Desk1 --> Desk2[Drafting Table 2]
    Desk2 --> Desk3[Drafting Table 3]
    style RefArea fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style Desk1 fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style Desk2 fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style Desk3 fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px

For detailed sizing and spacing, consult IS 4212-1978.

Guidelines on Location, Dimensions, and Departmental Setup

Location Criteria (Section 2.1)

• Should be positioned close to other project-related departments for easy coordination.
• Ideal orientation is along the north-south axis.
• Environment must be free from disruptive noise, vibrations, smoke, dust, or fumes.
• Air-conditioning is compulsory in hot and humid or dry climates; recommended elsewhere.

Area Specifications (Section 2.2)

• Circulation space included in above.
• Furniture dimensions per IS 4212-1978.
• Larger areas suggested for special equipment or models.

Departmental Areas (Section 2.3)

• Chief’s office located for unobstructed view of the drawing floor.
• Administrative section.
• Record and scheduling section.
• Printing room: Minimum 15 m².
• Drawing storage area.
• Photographic/documentation room: Air-conditioned, minimum 15 m².
• Reprographic room: Air-conditioned, minimum 15 m².
• Reference library.
• Workshop and modelling area.
• Conference and display room.
• Drawing record room: 20 m².
• Optional dining/recreation area.

flowchart LR
    ChiefOffice[Chief's Office] --> DrawingFloor[Drawing Office Workspace]
    DrawingFloor --> Admin[Administration]
    DrawingFloor --> Records[Record & Scheduling]
    DrawingFloor --> PrintRoom[Print Room (≥15 m²)]
    DrawingFloor --> Storage[Drawing Storage]
    DrawingFloor --> PhotoRoom[Photographic/Documentation (≥15 m², A/C)]
    DrawingFloor --> ReproRoom[Reprographic (≥15 m², A/C)]
    DrawingFloor --> Library[Reference Library]
    DrawingFloor --> Workshop[Workshop/Modelling]
    DrawingFloor --> Conference[Conference/Display]
    DrawingFloor --> RecordRoom[Drawing Record Room (20 m²)]
    DrawingFloor --> Recreation[Tiffin/Recreation (Optional)]

This configuration promotes efficient zoning, workflow, and comfort as per IS 5197.

Space Standards for Officers Engaged in Design, Drawing, and Planning

Floor Area per Officer (Section 3.1)

Dedicated Rooms and Minimum Space (Section 2.3)

• Printing room: minimum 15 m².
• Photographic/documentation room (air-conditioned): minimum 15 m².
• Reprographic room (air-conditioned): minimum 15 m².
• Drawing record room: 20 m².
• Drawing storage, reference library, workshop, conference, and recreation spaces as per operational requirements.

Office Layout and Furniture Guidelines (Section 2.2)

• Provision for future expansion and integration of various sections under one roof.
• Estimator workspace: 5 m².
• Storage for drawing records and models: 50% of officer workspace.
• Storage for estimates and design files aligned proportionally with estimator space.
• Furniture dimensions per IS 4212-1978.

Conceptual Drafting Table Arrangement

flowchart LR
    ReferenceZone[Reference Area] --> DraftingRow1[Drafting Table Row 1]
    DraftingRow1 --> DraftingRow2[Drafting Table Row 2]
    DraftingRow2 --> DraftingRow3[Drafting Table Row 3]
    style DraftingRow1 fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style DraftingRow2 fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style DraftingRow3 fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px

• Drafting tables oriented facing a single direction.
• Spacing between tables follows ergonomic recommendations, typically about 1.2 meters center-to-center.

Summary: Ensure officer workspaces meet minimum area standards, include dedicated specialized rooms, maintain ergonomic drafting layouts, and allow for workspace growth. Furniture sizing should follow IS 4212-1978.

Furniture and Fixture Guidelines for Drawing Offices

Main Features:

• Drafting Tables:

  • Equipped with a soft board partition rising to 2.1 meters above floor level for display and reference purposes (Section 4.2).
  • Designed to meet ergonomic and operational needs (Section 4.1).

• Seating:

  • Drafting chairs and stools must comply with ergonomic standards defined in the first revision specifications.

• Space Requirements (Section 3.1):

  Position	Floor Area (m²)
  Assistant/Deputy Architects/Planners	16.5
  Senior Architects/Town Planners	22
  Chief Architects/Town Planners	27.5

• Filing Systems:

  • Must conform to IS 2695-1974 standards for storing drawings (Section 9.2).

Typical Layouts (Illustrated in Figures 1-5):

• Side reference arrangements.
• Right-angle reference setups.
• Use of extension benches.
• Back reference arrangements combining drafting and reference tables.

Partition Height Summary

flowchart LR
    DraftingTable --> Partition[Soft Board Partition (2.1 m height)]
    DraftingTable --> Seat[Drafting Chair/Stool]
    DraftingTable --> RefArea[Reference Area]
    RefArea --> Layouts[Side/Right Angle/Back Configurations]

These specifications ensure ergonomic, functional, and well-organized workspaces complying with IS 5197.

Lighting and Ventilation Requirements for Drawing Offices

Lighting Standards (Sections 5.1 & 5.1.1)

• Illumination Levels:

• High illumination is crucial due to delicate and low-contrast visual tasks.
• Fluorescent lighting fixtures are recommended to reduce direct glare.
• Light fixtures must be strategically placed relative to drafting tables to avoid glare.
• Natural daylight should be supplemented with artificial lighting.

Ventilation Standards (Section 5.2)

• Air-conditioning is mandatory given the nature of the work.
• Ceiling fans should also be installed to enhance air circulation.

Additional Details:

• Soft board partitions of 2.1 m height above drafting tables serve as display/reference surfaces.
• Furniture and fixture standards as per earlier revisions.

flowchart LR
    NaturalLight[Windows admitting natural light] --> ArtificialLight[Artificial Lighting]
    ArtificialLight --> Fluorescent[Fluorescent Fixtures]
    Fluorescent --> GlareControl[Positioned to minimize glare]
    Ventilation --> AC[Air Conditioning]
    Ventilation --> Fans[Ceiling Fans]
    NaturalLight & GlareControl & AC & Fans --> OptimalConditions[Ideal Visual and Air Quality]

These measures ensure visual comfort and proper air quality in compliance with IS 5197.

Finishing Guidelines for Walls and Floors

• Walls:

  • Painted in soft, calming colors for general office areas.
  • Photographic rooms require a matte black finish that is non-reflective and resistant to staining (Section 6.1).

• Floors:

  • Use resilient, sound-absorbent materials such as PVC sheets or tiles (Section 6.1).
  • Flooring must reduce noise and withstand wear.

• Additional Requirements:

  • Photographic rooms must have air conditioning or exhaust fans designed to prevent external light ingress (Section 5.2.2).
  • Drawing filing equipment must adhere to IS 2695-1974.
  • Drafting/reference tables sized as per IS 4212-1978 (Section 4.1.1).

Finishing Summary Table

Conceptual Finishing Layout

graph LR
  Walls -->|Light colors| GeneralRooms
  Walls -->|Matte black| PhotoRooms
  Floors -->|PVC or similar| AllRooms
  PhotoRooms -->|Ventilation| AC_Exhaust
  AC_Exhaust -->|Light blockage| PhotoRooms

This ensures adherence to IS 5197 for optimal finishing in drawing office environments.

Guidelines for Drawing Studio Arrangement

Layout Principles (Section 7.1)

• Drafting and reference tables should be positioned at right angles to walls with windows.
• Windows need to be located on the draftsman’s left side to avoid casting shadows on drawings.
• Typical layouts (Figures 1-5) demonstrate:
  • Appropriate spacing between drafting tables.
  • Reference areas located to the left of drafting tables.
  • Drafting tables oriented facing one direction to ensure uniform lighting.

Location and Area (Sections 1.1 & 2)

• The drawing office comprises:
  • Drawing room
  • Printing room
  • Storage room
  • Photographic and reprographic rooms
• Space planning accommodates officers and personnel engaged in design and planning.

Lighting and Ventilation (Section 6.3)

• Windows must be fully glazed to maximize natural lighting.
• Anti-glare glass use is encouraged where possible.
• Venetian blinds recommended to control brightness and glare.

Standard Distances

Layout Summary Diagram

flowchart LR
    Window[Window providing natural light]
    Desk1[Drafting Table 1]
    Desk2[Drafting Table 2]
    RefArea[Reference Area]
    Window -->|Light from left| Desk1 & Desk2
    RefArea -->|Positioned left of tables| Desk1 & Desk2
    Desk1 --- Desk2

Note: For detailed measurements and layouts, consult IS 5197 Figures 1-5.

Key Guidelines for Printing Room Design and Equipment

Layout and Machinery (Sections 8.1 & 8.2)

• Includes printing presses, developing units, drying machines, trimming tools, and related accessories.
• Equipment should be arranged to support a smooth workflow enabling a single operator to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Design must allow for scalability to add operators without disrupting operations.
• Where machines lack ammonia chambers for dry printing, separate ammonia rooms must be provided.

Fire Safety Measures (Section 7.3)

• Metal waste bins with lids should be strategically placed to minimize fire risks.

Ventilation Requirements (Section 5.2.1)

• Printing rooms require exhaust fans supplemented by ceiling fans.
• Ensure adequate air exchange to remove fumes and maintain air quality.

Practical Parameters

flowchart LR
    RawInput[Raw Material Input] --> PrintMach[Printing Machine]
    PrintMach --> DevelopMach[Developing Machine]
    DevelopMach --> DryTrimMach[Drying and Trimming Machine]
    DryTrimMach --> Finished[Finished Product]
    subgraph OperatorFlow
        PrintMach & DevelopMach & DryTrimMach
    end

Summary: Printing rooms should be designed for efficient workflow, fire safety, and proper ventilation adhering to IS 5197 clauses 5.2.1, 7.3, and 8.1-8.2.

Drawing Storage Room Requirements and Calculations

Placement and Size (Sections 1.1, 2.2, 2.3)

• Part of the overall drawing office layout.
• Minimum area allocated for drawing record room is 20 m² (Section 2.3).
• Printing, photographic, and reprographic rooms each require at least 15 m².
• Storage for drawing records and models should be 50% of the area allotted for draughtsmen (Section 2.2 c).
• Storage for estimates and design files should be proportional to estimator space (Section 2.2 d).

Space Allocation (Section 2.2)

Additional Considerations

• Metal waste bins with lids must be placed nearby to reduce fire hazards (Section 8.3).
• Chief’s office should ideally have a full-length view of the drawing floor for supervision (Section 2.3 a).
• Adequate space should be reserved for future expansion and coordination of departments.

flowchart TD
    DrawingOffice --> ChiefOffice[Chief's Office]
    DrawingOffice --> Admin[Administration]
    DrawingOffice --> Records[Record & Scheduling]
    DrawingOffice --> PrintRoom[Print Room (≥15 m²)]
    DrawingOffice --> StorageRoom[Drawing Storage Room (≥20 m²)]
    DrawingOffice --> PhotoRoom[Photographic Room (≥15 m², A/C)]
    DrawingOffice --> ReproRoom[Reprographic Room (≥15 m², A/C)]
    DrawingOffice --> Library[Reference Library]
    DrawingOffice --> Workshop[Workshop & Modelling]
    DrawingOffice --> Conference[Conference & Display]
    DrawingOffice --> Recreation[Tiffin/Recreation]

Summary: Allocate at least 20 m² for drawing storage, reserve 50% of draughtsman space for records/models storage, ensure fire safety with proper bins, and accommodate future growth.

Essential Criteria for Photographic Department

• Purpose: Dark room environment for precise reproduction including enlargement and reduction.
• Room Finish (Section 6.1):
  • Walls coated with non-reflective matte black paint to prevent glare and staining.
  • Flooring consists of resilient, sound-absorbing PVC sheets or tiles.
• Ventilation (Section 5.2.2):
  • Air-conditioned or equipped with exhaust and ceiling fans.
  • Exhaust systems designed to prevent ingress of external light and to effectively remove fumes.
• Material Storage (Section 9.3):
  • Unused rolls stored vertically on ends to prevent deformation.
  • Partially used sensitized rolls or sheets kept in light and moisture-proof cabinets with lids.
  • Stock management follows FIFO (first-in, first-out) principle to minimize waste.
• Equipment: Number and type of cameras depend on the size of the drawing office (Section 10.1).

No specific formulas or tables are prescribed; emphasis is on environmental control, proper finishes, and storage to ensure quality photographic output.

flowchart LR
    PhotoDept[Photographic Department] --> DarkRoom[Dark Room]
    DarkRoom --> MatteWalls[Matte Black Walls]
    DarkRoom --> SoundFloor[Sound-Absorbing Flooring]
    PhotoDept --> Ventilation[Ventilation System]
    Ventilation --> AC_Exhaust[Air Conditioning or Exhaust + Ceiling Fans]
    AC_Exhaust --> NoLightIngress[Prevention of External Light Entry]
    AC_Exhaust --> FumeRemoval[Fume Extraction]
    PhotoDept --> Storage[Material Storage]
    Storage --> UnusedRolls[Unused Rolls Stored Vertically]
    Storage --> LightProofCabinets[Light & Damp Proof Cabinets]
    Storage --> StockRotation[FIFO Stock Usage]

Fundamental Requirements for Reprographic Room

Room Function and Equipment (Sections 10.1 & 8.1)

• Functions as a dark environment for sharp reproductions with enlargement and reduction capabilities.
• Equipment count and types vary based on overall drawing office size.
• Machines arranged sequentially to facilitate smooth operation.
• Design allows one or multiple operators to work without interference.
• Separate ammonia rooms must be provided if dry printing without integrated ammonia chambers is used.

Ventilation and Lighting (Section 5.2.2)

• Air-conditioning is mandatory or exhaust fans combined with ceiling fans must be installed.
• Exhaust fans must prevent external light infiltration and eliminate fume accumulation.

Layout and Space

• Machines positioned to support logical workflow.
• Adequate spacing between drafting tables and reference areas ensures ease of operation and accessibility.

Summary Table: Reprographic Room Specifications

flowchart LR
    DrawingOffice --> ReproRoom[Reprographic Room]
    ReproRoom --> PhotoEquip[Photographic Equipment]
    ReproRoom --> PrintingMach[Printing Machines]
    PrintingMach --> AmmoniaRoom[Ammonia Room (if required)]
    ReproRoom --> Ventilation[Ventilation System]
    Ventilation --> ExhaustFans[Exhaust Fans (no light entry)]
    Ventilation --> CeilingFans[Ceiling Fans]

This setup ensures efficient reproduction operations with safety and environmental controls as per IS 5197.

Fire Safety Equipment Guidelines

Clause 12.1:

• Portable fire extinguishers must be installed in drawing offices lacking fixed fire suppression systems.
• These extinguishers should comply with IS: 2190-1979, which covers selection, installation, and upkeep.

Extinguisher Types per Fire Class (IS 2190-1979)

Installation Guidance

• Extinguishers should be easily reachable and placed close to potential fire hazards.
• Routine inspection and maintenance must follow IS:2190 guidelines.
• Quantity and size depend on area dimensions and fire risk assessment.

SI Units Used in IS 5197

Fire Extinguisher Placement Overview

graph LR
    DrawingOffice --> FireSystem{Is there a fixed fire fighting system?}
    FireSystem -- Yes --> FixedSystem[Fixed Fire Suppression]
    FireSystem -- No --> PortableExt[Portable Fire Extinguishers (IS:2190)]
    PortableExt --> Types[Types: Water, Foam, CO2, Dry Powder]
    PortableExt --> Placement[Located Near Hazardous Areas]

For comprehensive design and maintenance instructions, consult IS:2190-1979, which governs portable fire extinguisher standards in Indian offices.