Intelligent Transportation Systems - City of Oakland

surveillance purposes in the near future at critical locations, which accounts for the
addition of future video equipment in the TMC.
7.1.2 Physical Environment
The TMC’s physical environment consists of design elements presented below that allow
the system, both human and machine components, to function efficiently and effectively.
These elements include:
• lighting and power – primary and supplementary lighting;
• acoustic – background noise and interior acoustical properties;
• environmental – heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning;
• workspace layout – dimensions, access, and fixtures.
Some features of the physical environment are mandated by public law (e.g., access for
the disabled). Other features are based on established design practice (e.g., lighting
standards for designated work areas). The intent of this section is to provide ideal
characteristics for a TMC environment. The specific requirements for the proposed TMC
should be determined during the TMC design phase.
Lighting and Power – Lighting in the TMC workspace can include both natural and
artificial light. Artificial light is provided to illuminate the TMC. In general, the overall
lighting should be kept low to provide optimum viewing of the video and computer
monitors. Exterior natural light sources from corridors, exterior windows and adjacent
rooms should be avoided to minimize their impact on TMC operations. Interior windows,
if provided, should be treated for glare. The ambient light should be indirect with
recessed incandescent ceiling lighting or task lights provided at the operator console.
The selection of the type of fixture and its corresponding location should be such that
there is no glare or interference with other display facilities. All interior finishes should
be in medium-to-dark colors. Separate lighting controls should be provided for the TMC.
Dimmable or phased controls are desired.
An associated element of lighting is the overall electrical service for the TMC. Separate
circuits should be provided for lighting (approximately two) so that more control of
lighting levels can be achieved, if desired. Separate circuits should also be provided for
video monitors (one or two circuits) and equipment racks (one or two circuits per rack). If
video monitors are on the same circuits as general lighting, there is a risk that the
monitors can be affected as lights are turned on or off.
These electrical requirements should be reviewed during the detailed TMC design as the
Jack London Conference Room may need additional electrical circuits to accommodate
the proposed design. If more circuits are needed, they can be added as part of the TMC
build out.
Acoustics – A stand-alone air conditioning system, which frequently generates
significant operating noise, is generally not recommended for TMC application.
Consideration should be given to incorporate as much acoustic treatment into the TMC
as possible to aid in absorbing incidental noise. High quality ceiling treatments and antistatic
computer room carpet tile are recommended.
City of Oakland ITS Strategic Plan
85 September, 2003