Design Standards

Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) provides Design & Building Systems Standards to all parties involved in providing design and construction services to WUSM based on preferred products and procedures, as well as current industry practices. WUSM does not guarantee the performance or safety of any products or systems as they are tested, installed, or operated in accordance with these standards.

Introduction

The Design & Building Systems Standards are intended to serve as design and construction standard guidelines for the WUSM campus of Washington University. The Design Standards are divided into two sections: Design Standards (Architectural) and Building Systems Standards (MEPFP). The Design Standards reflect the contributions from planning, design, management, construction, and maintenance expertise of University employees. The standards have been compiled and edited by HKW Architects and SSC Engineering, Inc.

As Design Standards for WUSM, this information applies to both new construction and renovation projects. Guidelines for meetings and collaboration are outlined from the initial planning and design stages, through the construction process, and into the maintenance and management period. Information included within each section includes materials and products to use, procedures, and design guidelines that the institution has found to be appropriate for the level of quality desired and for future maintenance of these facilities. Architects, Consultants, Contractors, and Facilities Personnel should become familiar with these standards.

Scope of the Standards

Design Standards shall serve as a basis for quality for all campus-wide design, construction, and maintenance procedures. The information within these standards is not specific to any one project, but is common to all projects. Because WUSM constructs a wide variety of facilities, these standards must be adjusted as necessary to meet the specific project needs. The standards establish a baseline of quality, and it is WUSM’s expectation that any deviations from these standards will be discussed with Capital Projects and the WUSM Project Manager throughout the design process. All drawings will be reviewed for conformance to these standards.

Standards vs. Specifications

Design Standards shall form the basis from which to create specifications. The use and inclusion of these standards in bid documents does not relieve the Architect or Consultant of the responsibility and legal liability for any bid documents created from these standards.

A Living Document

Design Standards from all areas of design and construction are continually being developed. As changes and new sections are ready for inclusion, changes will be made to these standards, and revision dates will be clearly noted.

The Design Standards are maintained by WUSM Operations & Facilities Management Department, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8010, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110.

All feedback is welcome and appreciated: wusmfacilities@wusm.wustl.edu. More information about the design standards can be found in the general information document.