About the Codes

 Chapter 1 – About the Codes

In our first week of reading our textbook, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors by Katherine E Kennon and Sharon K. Harmon, we are introduced to the original three model code organizations, understand what codes are and how they change, and the different types of codes or standards. These three factors are important in understanding how to read codes and what chapters of the IBC (International Building Codes) book are helpful to interior designers.

Original Three

Up until I started college, I did not realize the true intent of the Code of Hammurabi and how it relates to today’s society. Now, I see it everywhere and it becomes one of those semi-useless fun facts about the history of interior and architecture as whole. The Code of Hammurabi is essentially the first building code book ever written and, along with our building codes today, was created to protect the health, safety, and overall welfare of people within a building or structure.

Following the Code of Hammurabi, three main organizations came to fruition and are known as the original three model code organizations – essentially what all other codes stem from. The first was established in early 1900s and is the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA). Following this, in 1922 the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) was born and later, the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). Forming from these three organizations was the International Code Council (ICC) who combined their efforts into putting together on set of codes.

Codes

Our textbook defines codes nicely when they say that “[c]odes are collections of regulations,
ordinances, and other statutory requirements put together by various organizations” (pg. 3). The ICC, as mentioned above, produces the complete set of books that is widely known as the International Codes (I-Codes). These are sued across the U.S. and even in some other countries. These countries adopt the code and base their own off it, while still sticking to the structure of our version.

Due to the fact the codes were created and are organized by an organization, it is understood that if any were to change, one would need to go to certain lengths to make the change. Most organizations use a consensus process that ensures the standard is developed and derived from a qualified group or other organization. The process begins with a proposal and from there is made public to both members and nonmembers. These representatives are able to make comments in regard to the new or revised code and its proposal. From this point, a formal proposal is formulated and published again for another round of comments and thoughts which are used to modify the proposal to its final form.

Different Types of Codes

The overall code for structures is simply known as buildings codes which are established to regulate allowable physical size of a building, building systems, and interior characteristics of said building. These codes can place restrictions on potentially dangerous materials or equipment used within the building. The building code that is most widely known is the International Building Code (IBC) that’s been adopted at the local or state level in all 50 states of the U.S.

Performance codes are known to provide an objective but not specifics of how to achieve it, whereas prescriptive codes are a precise requirement that explains exactly what needs to be done to be acceptable. Performance codes are mor broad to allow differing and unique solutions in designing and engineering when it comes to the use of materials and their configuration. This allows solutions to be innovative while still providing the correct level of health and safety within a structure.

The Life Safety Code (LSC) is another crucial code to understand because it was one of the first codes published by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and is revised every three years. This building codes focuses primarily on solving problems of safe evacuation of people from within a building. Additionally, it creates and establishes minimum requirements for design, operation, construction, and maintenance of buildings. The LSC also measures the safety of new buildings being constructed, buildings being in use, and existing buildings that are going through renovation.

Conclusion

While not all types of building codes were mentioned above, the key things to understand are the original three model code organizations, what codes are and how they can change, and the different types of codes or standards. By knowing and understanding these three aspects of building codes, it is a little bit easier for a designer to understand what their limits are in designing a space.

Works Cited

   Harmon, Sharon Koomen, and Katherine E. Kennon. Study Guide for the Codes Guidebook for Interiors. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.