IS 5197:1987 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for layout and planning of drawings offices. This standard provides recommendations for the layout and planning of drawing offices to ensure an efficient, comfortable, and productive working environment. It covers essential aspects such as minimum space requirements per person, principles of furniture layout, standards for natural and artificial lighting, ventilation, and noise control. The code also gives guidance on ancillary areas like print rooms, record storage, and conference facilities.
Recommendations for layout and planning of drawings offices
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illumination on Drawing Board / Fine Drawing | 600 - 1000 lux | 750 lux (for technical drawing) | ISO 8995-1:2002 |
| General Office Illumination | 150 - 300 lux | 500 lux (for writing, typing, data processing) | ISO 8995-1:2002 |
| Space Allocation per Draughtsman | Approx. 3.25 m² per drawing board/draughtsman station. | Modern standards use density metrics; e.g., 8-10 m² per person (Net Internal Area), which includes circulation. | BCO (British Council for Offices) Guide to Specification |
| Minimum Ceiling Height | 3.0 m (3.6 m recommended) | 2.7 - 2.8 m (finished floor to ceiling) is typical for new office construction. | BCO (British Council for Offices) Guide to Specification |
| Ventilation Rate | 3 to 6 air changes per hour (ACH) | Performance-based, e.g., 2.5 L/s/person + 0.3 L/s/m² for a standard office space. | ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 |
| Acoustic Target (Noise Level) | Should not exceed 50 dB | NC 35-40 (Noise Criterion) for open-plan offices, approx. 40-45 dBA. | CIBSE Guide A: Environmental Design |
| Main Gangway / Aisle Width | 1.5 - 2.0 m | 1.2 - 1.5 m (main aisle); minimum accessible route width is often ~0.9 m. | General architectural & accessibility standards (e.g., ADA) |