Theater Space

Adam, If you download the IEQ space matrix from the USGBC website it says that auditoriums and theaters may be excluded from EQc8 credit calculations. There is a note similar to the one you posted but it says "Dedicated theater space can qualify as a daylit space in credit calculations if the daylight design meets the recommended illuminance of 10 footcandles as noted in the IESNA Lighting Handbook Reference & Application. Dedicated theater space may be excluded from EQc8.2 calculations for access to views." You will not have to eliminate the credit from your project!

Lauren is correct. I am hoping LEED removes this reference to the IESNA Handbook from the credit, as it is taken out of context. If you read further you will understand that the recommended illuminance is for the seating area of the auditorium and only while people are being seated, not during performances.

While the latest (October 2013) IEQ Space Matrix lists auditoriums as regularly occupied, they are NOT under the subheading of Educational Facilities but are standalone. Yet the Reference Guide (page 404 of the first edition) says that Auditoriums are Spaces Not Regularly Occupied. Does anyone have a definitive answer on whether auditoriums in a schools are regularly occupied or not? (What takes precedence the Reference Guide or the IEQ Space Matrix when there is a conflict?) If I just went by the Reference Guide, I would say auditoriums are not regularly occupied and hence the requirements for daylight do not apply. What am I missing?

Space Matrix takes precedent over the Reference Guide since the space matrix was developed to specifically define what is and is not regularly occupied per credit. The matrix is also used and referenced by reviewers as the definitive answer to what is and is not required to be included. Exclusion of spaces is reviewed on a case by case basis. This is not coming from anyone one official or documentation from USGBC so I can;t say that is the final "Official" word. They must be included, Y means yes. As noted with note 7 that dedicated theater spaces can achieve the minimum 10fc. Most high school auditoriums could be considered a dedicated theater space. Jill points out the issue with this reference that i agree with. They are not considered core learning spaces or classrooms, so when trying to achieve either 8.1, they fall under other spaces. So typically the square footage of this space does not hurt you with at least two points. The space matrix is a good idea, but when the remove a space in one version and then include it in the next, it does cause problems. ie gymnaisums. Personally auditoriums are about acoustics and vision lines and should not have to be included as regularly occupied.

Todd - Thanks for your response. The issue of conflicting and problematic changes and updates is an ongoing obstacle to getting projects certified expediently.

Forgive my confusion; but Is the consensus: (a) that an auditorium is not considered regularly occupied and my be excluded or (b) that auditorium is considered a regularly occupied non-core learning space and must be included in that point's calculation or (c) it is the designer's discretion since reference note 7 in the Space Matrix says "can" not "must". Also is there a difference between a theater and an auditorium for the purpose of this credit? Thank you,

The answer is b. Auditoriums are considered regularly occupied. Dedicated theater spaces are not. The note is for reference to project team, kind of like an educational note that theatres can also have daylight.

For the purpose of LEED what is the difference between a theater and an auditorium? If we have a proscenium, theater lighting and effects and the necessity of blacking out the space but may also use the space for an assembly or concert; can I still classify it a theater?

What you have is an auditorium, a space that serves a multitude of services and what is typically found in schools. I have seen larger schools that have both a auditorium and also a theatre black box. Auditoriums can have shades or black out curtains to provide the necessary environment. To name a space theatre or classify it as one, its sole use would have to be just theatrics, plays, and other performances that require complete control of the environment.