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This document specifies ResComp's minimum recommendations for computer cluster design and layout. ResComp is currently collaborating with Housing to bring all existing computer clusters up to this specification.
The computer cluster should be an uncramped space, with enough room for students to settle down with books, papers, a backpack, and other materials. The dimensions should be sufficient to allow two or three students to meet at a workstation for collaborative work without crowding. For the smallest clusters, i.e., those with only two workstations, a minimum of 200 square feet is recommended; an additional 40 square feet is required for each additional workstation. The ideal setup, as in Toyon Hall, has 90 square feet per workstation, allowing ample room to create an inviting study space.
Adequate space for trash and recycling containers as well as printer stands must be included.
In undergraduate residences, the computer cluster should be located on the first floor, readily accessible from common areas such as lounges. ADA requirements make the first floor almost mandatory in most residences, since few have elevators.
Graduate clusters, or undergraduate clusters used by residents of more than one house (e.g. West Lag, Schiff) should have outside access.The cluster should be located away from transformers or the electrical distribution point for building and away from significant heat sources such as laundry rooms.
In residences with interior access to the cluster, the door should be keyed such that all residents can access the cluster with their room key.
In residences with exterior access, card readers should be used instead of keys.
Every cluster should be equipped with an S6 deadbolt to prevent unauthorized access when the cluster is not in use, and with automatic door closers for security reasons.
All large clusters (i.e., not row houses with only two computers) should have fiber to the cluster. Data jacks around the room should be fed to a patch panel by the fiber. In addition, at least one TSO should have a normal data jack fed from the nearest wiring closet.
Data and power outlets should be spread around all four walls of the room, with additional outlets recessed in the floor. The number of outlets should exceed the number of workstations so as to provide enough spares for students to plug in their own laptops.
The computer cluster, along with other common spaces in the residences such as hallways, lounges, and dining areas, should have wireless access available to students.
Natural lighting from windows is a must; nothing is less inviting than a windowless cavern. The windows need appropriate window treatments to regulate light. Additional lighting should come from incandescent or indirect florescent lights.
Computer clusters tend to run hot. Adequate ventilation, including air conditioning, is needed.
To facilitate group study, whiteboards and bulletin boards are required, along with supplies such as dry-erase markers, erasers, and push pins.
The carpeting should be static free to prevent shorting of the computers and firewire ports.
Recycling stations for paper and inkjet cartridges are required.
Computer equipment and hard-working students generate heat. Excessive heat and lack of air flow are common complaints about residential clusters.
Clusters should have ventilation sufficient to avoid an overly warm, stuffy atmosphere. Since cluster doors must remain closed to maintain security and acoustic separation, other mechanisms such as exhaust fans or air conditioning may be necessary to achieve sufficient air movement.
Each workstation should be on a freestanding ergonomically designed height adjustable table with a minimum surface area of 36" by 30". One larger table to accommodate the workstation with scanner attached is recommended.
Built-in counters are unergonomic and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Chairs should likewise be ergonomic and height adjustable.
A printer stand of approximately 30" square is needed to accommodate large color laser printers. A lockable cabinet for paper and toner storage is needed as well; ideally, this and the printer stand should be a single unit.
Soft seating with tablet arms for laptop use is recommended, as are chairs and tables that can be reconfigured in flexible fashion for group study.
Graduate clusters have approximately one computer for every 50 individuals served by the cluster.
In undergraduate residences the formula for the number of workstations is:
computers = 9-(((residents-300)/100)^2)
The formula is rounded normally, but with a minimum number of two computers per cluster. The assumption is that no pool of people is greater than 300 (and thus no cluster has more than nine computers).
Exceptions are:
Mirrielees, which has more than 300 residents. Here the house has two clusters, each assumed to serve half the population.
Muwekma and Columbae, which have an extra computer each because they historically have a low percentage of personal computer ownership among their residents in comparison to the rest of campus.