Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 IACET CEU
May qualify for learning hours through most Canadian architectural associations

Commercial bathrooms and showers are a necessary and often integral part of many different building types. Their design is influenced by a wide variety of different factors including codes, standards, cultural norms, changing views on privacy, etc. They can also be seen as security or safety risks in facilities with patients who have behavioral or mental health needs. In all of these cases, the cost of bathrooms and showers is often a concern since they can be among the most expensive spaces on a square foot basis in a commercial building or facility.

Based on all of the above, this course looks at three significant topics in the design and construction of commercial bathrooms and showers related to the health, safety, and welfare of the users. First, aspects of accessibility following ADA and ANSI 117.1 Standards are reviewed. Next, the specific concerns of behavioral health facilities are looked at to help prevent self-harm. Finally, the continuing trend of modular and pre-fabricated construction related to commercial bathrooms and showers is looked at for its cost and time efficiencies. Panelists also discuss the practical design and construction aspects of working these principles into real projects and review examples.

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED-AP is a registered architect, sustainability consultant, author, and speaker based in Greensboro, North Carolina. A 1977 graduate of Syracuse University, his multi-faceted work has focused on principles of high performance buildings including energy, code compliance, safety, and sustainability.

Travis Aldridge, Regional Sales Manager – Washroom Systems, Inpro has been in the solid surface industry since 1996. During that time his career has covered virtually all aspects of the industry from engineering solid surface materials, plant layout, machine design, engineering solid surface product lines, mold designs, sales of solid surface products, project management, to presenting information to the architect and design community. Since 2005, he has focused on designing and promoting commercial solid surface shower products with an emphasis on ADA code compliance. With this experience he brings not only compliance information but years of hands-on project management experience in the construction industry.

Meghan Campbell, Associate Architect, Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio is a licensed architect with an engineer’s mind for functional detail. She has worked in the modular industry for the last 10 years specializing in medical modular components and the development of implementable solutions for the AEC industry. She currently leads the “Standard Module” program for BLOX, LLC where she is responsible for the design and manufacturing of fully-loaded, code-compliant, plant-inspected and field-installed modular bathrooms, headwalls, sinkwalls, footwalls, and other patient room components for the healthcare industry.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the role that commercial bathrooms and showers play in a well-designed building for the health, safety, and welfare of users.
2. Recognize some of the applicable design and construction details related ADA compliance in commercial bathrooms and showers.
3. Determine the relevant design considerations when commercial bathrooms and showers are located in facilities related to behavioral health.
4. Review ways that modular construction is being used to create bathrooms and showers that incorporate the principles and topics presented.

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