This Program of Requirements (POR), or Program, identifies the elements to be included in the proposed new church facilities for Bethel Lutheran Church to be located at the new property located on Highway 158 in Bryan, Texas. 

The POR is intended only to establish basic design criteria.  The Project A/E design team shall make professional evaluations of design problems and issues related to this project, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each evaluation, and recommend the solution in the conceptual and preliminary designs. The Project A/E is responsible for the design and arrangement of building components and spaces to provide aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces and to identify additional support spaces as might be required.  Detailed studies by the Project A/E will be required during the design phase to establish the most economical and efficient use of site, use of materials, and construction methods in order to obtain the requested facilities within an approved budget.

This project includes the development of a master plan for facilities projected to meet long range (30+ year) needs and design and construction of first phase facilities for Bethel Lutheran Church.  Initial concepts will include all spaces that make up the long range master plan.  Continued design will be required only for the Phase One building program for which the budget included in this POR has been prepared. 

This facility shall be designed to reflect the intent of the architectural character of the master-planned church building complex.  As such, the design of this project will serve to refine and firmly establish the guidelines for architecture, landscape elements, parking and pedestrian elements, and utilities infrastructure for future development. 

As the Phase One project is the first of a multi-phase development of the new home of Bethel Lutheran Church and School, consideration must be made for the relationships of the spaces contained in this project relative to future project spaces.  While certain functional solutions are suggested by this Program, the Project A/E will analyze the space relationships, evaluate alternative solutions, and develop these into conceptual presentations with recommendations as to those solutions that provide advantageous operational features. 

An important goal for this development is that it be distinct from secular buildings, that is, that it “look like a church”.  This goal is not based on strictly aesthetic or nostalgic reasons.  The church, especially the worship space, speaks in physical terms to what is believed.  According to one non-Lutheran writer, changes made to Medieval cathedrals following the Reformation were not for aesthetic reasons but for theological concerns:

“The Reformers were acutely conscious of the power of architecture and the constant message that it held for the people.”  A theatre-style already announces a church’s view of God and how one relates to this God, as does a cathedral in which the congregation is separated from the liturgical action of the priest and choir up front.  “Church architecture is therefore first and foremost a matter of theology rather than a matter of style.”  According to these authors, Reformed churches tended to lose their confessional distinctiveness first by adopting the eclectic architectural styles of American churches.  “Architecture, however, must be a liturgy in working out the theology of a church in its physical structure.  Just as liturgy is theology in action, so architecture is theology in material structure.” (“Why Sacred Space Matters”, Michael S. Horton.  Quotations from Christ and Architecture, Bruggink and Droppers)

Because church architecture is a “matter of theology rather than a matter of style”, the members of Our Savior Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Houston adopted the following strategy concerning the design style for the new Sanctuary constructed in 2000:

This church building is a declaration of faith by the members of Our Savior Lutheran Church. It is an affirmation in wood and stone, steel and glass, of our steadfast resolve to believe, teach, and confess the saving truth of the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions. At the inception of the planning process for our new sanctuary, the congregation unanimously adopted the following resolution: "To design a sanctuary whose external appearance and internal arrangement distinctively express our firm commitment to the doctrinal heritage of the Lutheran Church and are consistent with architectural expressions of that theology in historic Lutheran Church buildings both in Europe and in the United States." The resolve to build a deliberately Lutheran Church has governed the entire planning and construction process. The design of this building is an embodiment of that which we believe about God, His people, and their interaction in the Divine Service.  (“To the Glory of God and the Salvation of Man”, Rev. Dr. Laurence L. White)

The design style employed for Bethel Lutheran Church should be thoughtfully determined to support and enhance our belief concerning God and His Church.  For good reason, ecclesiastic architecture experts have for years called for church architecture to be designed in an historic “Christian” style, typically reflected in Gothic, Romanesque, Basilican, or in some cases, Renaissance.  Historic styles with a pagan history and association, such as Classical or Greek Revival are not considered appropriate.  On the other hand, especially in modern times since the latter part of the 20^th century, much argument has been promulgated to use more contemporary forms in expressing Church architecture.  For reasons stated above, this approach should be cautiously approached.  The Project AE should investigate multiple styles and approaches for the design of Bethel Lutheran, and should present options to be considered.

Another consideration is that the design express the permanence of the Church.  “The building should express dignity, sincerity and durability in every feature of material and construction.  Representing the Church of Christ, and its unchanging faith in a changing world, and sheltering a congregation with a life exceeding that of any single generation, it must express lofty ideals, churchly tradition and permanence.”  (Reed, Church Principles in Church Architecture, p. 6) 

The church should inspire.  “Conscience, instinct, impulse, all urge us to glorify, with the extreme of our power, the sanctuary of the Lord.”  (Cram, Church Building, p. 7)  The design of the Church, if done properly, should serve to inspire us to meditate on the things of God.  Architecture and art should be used to “lift men’s minds from secular things to spiritual, that their souls may be brought into harmony with God.”  (Ibid, p. 8) 

Site development will consist of roads, service drives, emergency access paths, handicapped accessibility routes and parking, parking and area lighting, screened area for refuse collection, sidewalks and utilities as necessary.  Landscaping and irrigation work will be included with the building construction contract.  Irrigation design will include site irrigation, sleeves under paved area, controls and other provisions.

Site areas that are disturbed during construction should receive grass cover to maintain aesthetic quality.  Grass in the Contractor storage area shall be maintained and the area shall be kept free of litter. 

The site shall be graded to provide positive, storm water drainage away from improvements to new/existing storm water or natural drainageways of adequate capacity.

Site development shall include all facility spaces and appurtenances as required to connect to existing utility systems.

The Project Architect/Engineer is expected to provide full surveying and geotechnical services.  Utility maps and any associated record drawings are expected to be provided from the AE’s investigative research for the associated master plan project.

The Project Architect/Engineer is expected to consider the adequacy of existing utilities and their possible extensions and/or rerouting. 

The Project Architect/Engineer shall include plan and profile sheets in the design documents for any new sanitary sewer, water, and storm sewer lines.

The Project Architect/Engineer is expected to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (and associated specifications and instructions to the Contractor) as required to comply with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TCEQ/PDES) “Storm Water Discharge from Construction Activities” requirements to protect existing streets and storm drainage systems from construction runoff.

Design exterior and interior walls to using functional, energy efficient, economical and durable materials.  All glazed areas are to be completely protected from direct sun exposure during the cooling season and direct wind and rain damage due to severe storms.  Frames shall be thermal break with durable finish and glazing. Natural lighting and exterior views are desired in public spaces where appropriate and in offices.

Provide corridor space of adequate width for free traffic flow at peak periods lending access to all functional areas of the building. Provide corner protection on all exterior corners.  Provide barrier free access to functional spaces from corridors. 

Provide acoustical treatment in all walls and above ceilings to control sound transmission and as required for effective verbal communication.  All vibrations should also be controlled. 

Interior materials shall be as identified in the Requested Facilities section of this POR.  The materials and methods of construction employed should be proven in terms of durability, requiring only routine maintenance.  Finishes must withstand a high volume of pedestrian traffic that will occur in the building.  Materials should be selected appropriate to the building function, and be coordinated with the materials of surrounding buildings.  Custodial care and ease of repair and replacement must also be factors affecting material selection.  Materials used in high visibility areas should be designed to create a lasting impression while maintaining a balance with sustainability and functionality.

Provide interior graphics on each door, and building directional graphics as required and in keeping with existing graphics and signage standards used in the building.  Provide tactile graphics for the handicapped as required by handicap accessibility rules and guidelines.

Base Cabinet and Shelves (generally in work rooms, storage, other utility areas):  Unless otherwise noted, "Base Cabinets" are 34" high x 24" deep x lineal footage stated with durable counter top and 4" splash, adjustable shelves and doors below, and on wall above.  Materials, design, etc. shall be in keeping with room type designation.  Use plywood construction;particle board is not acceptable.  Provide appropriate percentage of "accessible" cabinets and counter as required by the TAS guidelines.      

Establishing the Finish Floor Elevation

In order to better ensure the proper first floor elevation, the A/E is requested to set the floor elevation from interpretations of the existing and proposed finish grades and contours and after assuring for proper drainage around the building and accessible pathway from parking to building access points.  Assure accessibility compliance for all building egress points and accessible pathway – Change Orders to correct non-compliant design will be borne by the A/E. 

Sun and Glare Control

It is desired that all glazed areas be protected from direct exposure to the sun during all seasons.  Provide appropriate sun and glare control devices in construction contract.

Gross area should be computed by measuring from the outside face of exterior walls, disregarding cornices, pilasters, buttresses, etc., which extend beyond the wall face.  The gross area includes all floored spaces from ground level through top floor.  It includes basements (except unexcavated portions), attics, garages, enclosed porches, penthouses, mechanical equipment floors, lobbies, mezzanines, balconies (inside and outside) utilized for operational functions, and corridors (provided they are within the outside face lines of the building).

The sum of floor areas of a building included within the exterior walls for all stories or areas that house floor surfaces including attics, basements, sub-basements, penthouses, mechanical rooms, etc.  These are areas with six foot six inch clear headroom or areas with lower ceilings that are usable for storage or other purposes.

Gross area does not include open courts and light wells, or portions of upper floors eliminated by rooms or lobbies which rise above single‑floor ceiling height.

Net Assignable Area is defined as the sum of all areas within the interior walls of rooms on all floors of a building assigned to, or available for, assignment to an occupant or use, excluding unassignable space. 

The Unassignable Area of a building is the sum of space within a building not assigned to directly support academic programs.  Unassignable areas include:

Entrances

Corridors

Stairs

Elevators and Elevator Equipment Rooms

Public Restrooms

Janitorial/Custodial Facilities

Mechanical/Electrical/Telecommunications Equipment Rooms

Mechanical Penthouses

The Project Architect/Engineer is expected to consider acoustic design principles where mechanical or other noise might interfere with building function, users’ comfort or staff office functions, or where acoustic isolation is otherwise warranted.  Analyze each space or room for the purpose of insuring acoustical quality and vibration control.

The A/E is charged with achieving a good educational environment in his design product to include worship and educational spaces, offices, and corridors.  Noise Criteria (NC) figures for different spaces should be as follows:   (Based on ASHRAE Handbook Systems)

Space                                  Criteria

Offices                                 NC‑30

Corridors                              NC‑45

Classrooms                           NC‑35

Libraries                               NC‑30

Acoustical performance of general usage partitions should be equal to or greater than the following Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings:  (Based on Uniform Building Code 1982 and U.S. Dept. of HUD requirements)

Partitions dividing:                   Criteria

General Offices                      STC‑40

Pastors’ Offices                     STC‑50

Classrooms                           STC‑50

Sanctuary                                       STC‑55

Some partitions may require greater acoustical performance to achieve a given NC in a space depending on specific situations, for example, a partition separating a mechanical room and classroom.

Provide adequate floor space and ventilation as required for mechanical, interior electrical, and telephone equipment.  Ensure adequate space and appropriate placement of equipment and access doors and panels to facilitate ease of maintenance and servicing.

In mechanical rooms, slope entire floor 1/16” per foot minimum uniformly to floor drains.  Insulate rooms for sound reverberation and transmission.  Key mechanical and electrical rooms shall be keyed for maintenance master key only.  Key telephone rooms shall be keyed for service by telephone company and designated maintenance supervisors only.

Electrical and telecommunications rooms shall be vertically stacked and shall not be located adjacent to stairwells or restrooms.  No mechanical ductwork or any means of liquid conveyance shall be allowed through either room. Provide a minimum of one telecommunications/data room with a minimum interior width of eight feet per floor.

Telecommunications rooms shall be located away from mechanical rooms to minimize interference with main ducts.  The A/E shall provide a one-quarter inch scale plan drawing of this project’s telecom room with the Preliminary Design submittal.

New movable furniture will be purchased by the Owner.  The Architect is to make furnishings design, colors, and materials to be coordinated with the building design and provide recommendations in a report format.

Certain spaces listed in the Requested Facilities require audio-visual equipment.   This equipment will be furnished and installed as part of the construction contract unless otherwise noted.  This contract will provide the necessary power and signal conduit and wiring, outlets, raceways and other built-in items that must be installed as the facility is constructed for items that will not be purchased and installed at this time.

The A-V consultant on the Project A/E’s team should select and specify the equipment to be purchased and coordinating the installation with existing equipment that will be used.  Provide in a report for future purchases.

It is anticipated that this building or portions thereof will be open 7 days per week.  In order to limit staff and operating expense for late night hours, the building layout should permit easy shutdown and securing of spaces when not in use.

Verify security requirements with the User. 

Design the most economical system adequate for building loads, soils loading capacities and shrink/swell characteristics.

Provide a building structural system with minimum floor loading capacity of 100 pounds per square foot throughout the building unless required to be heavier by codes and/or functional loading.

Based on analytical study of alternative methods, materials, schedules, and local constructability, design the most economical and functional foundation, structural framing, and wall systems to accommodate the requirements of this facility and meet local requirements of applicable codes and standards.

The building thermal utilities, chilled and heating water, shall be supplied stand-alone systems in this project.  Extension of other utilities (waste systems, natural gas, and domestic water supply) to the building is also part of this project.  Domestic hot water shall be supplied for custodial and rest rooms and other areas specified by the Owner or required by code.

Provide comfort conditioning year round for all spaces listed in Requested Facilities except mechanical rooms and custodial spaces. Custodial spaces shall be conditioned via an exhaust system. HVAC systems are to be selected, zoned, and designed to efficiently and effectively control the heat and humidity gain (or loss), and gains due to lighting, equipment, personnel, other spatial loads, and building exposures. Provide separate systems where peak load timing or functional use so dictates.

Zones shall be grouped according to peak loading and exterior orientation for the zone. Mixing of spaces that do not share a common orientation or usage is discouraged except in the use of Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems supplying a common exterior area and adjoining interior space.

The Design Team shall consider systems such as: hydronic water chillers and heating water boilers, variable air volume air handling units, variable speed pumping, dedicated outdoor air handlers, energy recovery systems, and other accepted and normally utilized strategies to provide an energy efficient building to meet the Indoor Air Quality requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62-2001, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Consultant shall evaluate the requirements for outdoor air requirements in accordance with ASHRAE 62-2001, addendum n.

Provide power ventilation for restrooms, custodial areas, copy rooms, mechanical spaces, and other areas where required if there is the possibility of excess heat build-up, as required by code, and by the intended use of the space. The Design Team shall consider the efficiency of the ventilation equipment in their design. Fans and blowers shall be sized for a minimum of 40 percent static efficiency.

Provide necessary services, piping, connections, fittings, and fixtures for floor drains, drinking fountains, custodial floor sinks, work room sinks, and toilets as listed in the Requested Facilities and required for complete building functions. Provide a single hose bibb with a lock shield under the lavatories in each restroom.

Provide mechanical equipment room and chases as required for equipment and for maintenance, and insulate for sound attenuation. All mechanical equipment, controls and valves should be easily accessible with major items at floor level (i.e., not suspended from the ceiling) with a minimum of 2’-0” clear walk space around equipment adequate room for pulling coils. Recess floors 1½”, ramp at doors and provide sufficient floor drains to prevent flooding of building in the event of pipe breaks.

Floors shall be uniformly sloped to floor drain(s) at a minimum of ¹/₁₆” per foot. Provide dedicated 120 VAC duplex electrical outlets for maintenance equipment and separate mechanical keying.

Provide hose bibb in each mechanical room for coil washing.

Provide supply air into each mechanical room for tempering the air in the space. This may be accomplished with a “spin-in” and manually adjustable damper and branch duct or a variable air volume terminal located in the mechanical room.  

Provide sound traps in the ductwork, noise suppression devices in the design of piping and equipment and consider other acoustical or vibration control as required.

Variable Air Volume (VAV) terminals and fan powered VAV terminals shall be sized to have a Room Criteria (NC) rating so that the final discharge or radiated sound pressures do not exceed the recommended values in Table 11 of Chapter 7, Sound and Vibration, of the 2001 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Fundamentals Handbook and the ACOUSTICAL QUALITY section of this Program of Requirements.

Fan powered VAV terminals shall be located outside of any noise sensitive areas if possible.  More stringent criteria may be required in some areas.  Corresponding requirement for sound attenuation shall apply to the VAV terminals and fan powered terminals serving these areas.

Provide sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and stand pipe systems as required and in accordance with NFPA Standards and the current Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).

Electrical service to be designed by the A/E for this facility will include all of the following items as required: power manholes, medium voltage switch, medium voltage conductors, sump pump, connections to existing medium distribution system, underground ducts, secondary distribution, motor generators and power metering in accordance with local requirements.

All electrical panel boards, switchboards, transformers, transfer switches, contractors, etc., shall be located in dedicated electrical rooms.  There will be one main service entrance electrical room with satellite electrical rooms as required.  All rooms shall have direct access from a corridor.  No room may be accessed through an electrical equipment room.  Service entrance switchgear shall be front and rear accessible.  Electrical rooms shall stack in a vertical plane.

Exception:      Motor control centers, disconnect switches and panel boards that serve mechanical equipment located in a mechanical or pump room may be located inside a mechanical room.  Variable Frequency drives may be located in mechanical rooms providing that these rooms are conditioned spaces.

Provide two means of egress from electrical rooms if required by the National Electrical Code.

Panel boards and branch circuits shall serve electrical loads located on the same floor as the panel board.

All equipment rooms shall be sized to accommodate the required equipment plus reasonable future growth.

It is anticipated that this building will be a fully sprinklered building.  NFPA 13 - 4.13.10 allows an exception for electrical rooms.  Comply with the requirements of this exception and do not provide sprinklers in the electrical rooms.

Grounding will be in accordance with provisions of the National Electric Code.  Low resistance ground fields will be provided for computers, electronics and as required.  Provide a grounding riser diagram that shows the interconnection of all grounded and ground connectors to ground rods and the counterpoise system.

Voltages listed in this POR are nominal values.  Exact electrical requirements for all outlets and equipment connections listed in Requested Facilities will be determined by the Project A/E in consultation with the User.

Provide outlets in each area in accordance with the National Electric Code and for fixed and movable equipment as listed in Requested Facilities and as determined during design.  Exact requirements for outlets and connections will be determined by the Project A/E in consultation with the User.

All branch circuits serving computer loads shall originate from a computer grade panel board.

General lighting levels shall be in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 90 (latest edition).  All fluorescent ballast shall be electronic with less than 10% THD.

Generally, interior lighting shall be energy efficient fluorescent fixtures applicable to the requirements of each area.  See Requested Facilities for special lighting requirements.  Use of incandescent lighting will be held to a minimum.  Where dimming is required, use fluorescent fixtures for general lighting and incandescent fixtures for dimming.  Ballast and/or fixture noise is to be held to a minimum.

Provide exterior lighting at entrances, pedestrian walkways, and other locations as required. 

Lighting should be troffered, recessed fluorescent fixtures, unless otherwise specified in the Requested Facilities.  All fluorescent lamps shall be T8 or compact fluorescent.

Electrical outlets should be generously distributed throughout the buildings.  However, the requested flexibility will require particular consideration for placement, especially of special purpose outlets.

All 2' x 2' and 2' x 4' light fixtures shall be supported by/to hanger wires attached to opposite diagonal corners and to the building structure.

The use of custom fixtures is discouraged.

All ballasts shall be UL rated CMB Certified, rapid start electronic and generate less than 10% THD.

Instant start ballasts are not allowed.

Provide emergency lighting and exit lights as required.  Emergency lighting shall comply with current fire and safety codes.  Provide emergency power to areas and equipment required by regulation and guidelines.  The Project A/E shall perform a code analysis and a life cycle cost economic evaluation of the source for emergency power to determine if a standby generator is required.

The A/E will evaluate the building envelope and design an appropriate lightning protection system as required by NFPA for a Class II installation.

The Fire Detection and Alarm System shall be designed in accordance with requirements of the pertinent sections of the National Fire Codes by a firm registered in the State of Texas and whose employees have a valid fire alarm planning superintendent’s license or fire alarm technician license issued by the State Fire Marshall.  All material shall be approved by Factory Mutual Laboratories and Listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories.  Compliance with Article 5.32-2, Texas Insurance Code, is required.

1.                  Provide a complete and functional fire alarm system.

2.                  If the planned building is considered an Assembly occupancy, voice annunciation will be required in most areas.

3.                  Comply with TAS regarding the location of audio-visual and visual devices.

4.                  Provide connections to the energy management system for upward reporting.

5.                  Fire detection and alarm systems shall be addressable and comply with NFPA and provisions for the handicapped.

6.                  Provide synchronized strobes.

Coordinate all requirements for intercom, video, and audio equipment with the Owner.  Provide power outlets, conduit, wire and grounding as required.  As a minimum, provide a sound system and all reasonable infrastructure for audio-visual equipment and appurtenances for all classrooms, meeting rooms, and auditoriums whose seating capacity exceeds 50 seats.

The Contractor shall perform the following tests with the owner as a witness:

1.       Fire Alarm System - Test each and every device and feature for complete functionality.  A Gemini smoke generator shall be used to test each smoke detector while in its installed position.  All testing to be in compliance with all NFPA and State codes.

2.       Emergency Generator - Perform a four hour load bank test on the generator.  Record all temperatures and pressures at appropriate time intervals.  If the generator stops during the test the test shall be run again for the full four hours.  Contractor to refill all fuel tanks upon completion of the tests.

3.       Telephone and Data Systems - The Contractor shall test the computer (data) and telephone wiring systems for conformance with the TIA/EIA 568-A category 6 wiring standards. Provide written test results and the point to point wire schedule in Excel format on CD