Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED O+M: Existing Buildings

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.0, v2 - LEED 2.0, v3 - LEED 2008

Inquiry

There is much confusion in the design community regarding the number 42 inches and its relationship to the allowable height of movable systems office furniture. We seek clarification that a systems furniture panel could be more than 42 inches tall in this credit since that number is for the eye level of the seated person, not necessarily the maximum height of the panel. The Reference Guide refers to the calculation of Direct Line of Sight to Perimeter Glazing and provides Table 1, which includes a column labeled "horizontal view at 42 inches," which may be the source of confusion. The Guide advises that the designer use open plan offices and configure high panels perpendicular to windows to keep views open. It does not state that panels cannot be taller than 42 inches. It is our understanding that what actually determines whether there is a view for 90% of regularly occupied spaces includes the size and location of perimeter glazing (windows) and what structural components might block views. A person who is seated with their eye level at 42 inches can easily see over a somewhat taller panel to the view if the windows are large enough and appropriately placed. As is illustrated in the horizontal view diagram of Figure 2 in the Reference Guide, a plane of vision isn\'t restricted to a straight line, narrow field, it expands out to a wider vertical plane. There is likely to be a maximum height of panel, but that would have to be determined case by case. For this CIR\'s purpose, we request agreement that a panel up to 45" tall could be acceptable in a situation where the perimeter glazing is of the appropriate size and placement and required submittals support that the view is available to 90% of the seated occupants.