This help desk is a free resource intended for discussion purposes only. Neither BOMA, its chapters, affiliates, or Extreme Measures Inc.® are responsible for the information, comments or opinions expressed herein. For complete information, refer to the official publications of the standards themselves.
If I'm using Method B, on my ground floor, what is the difference between building service area and base building circulation.
Also, on the ground floor - when are the restrooms floor service area and when are they considered building service areas?Lastly, what category does an elevator lobby on the ground floor fall under?
Hi Slevin,
Using Method B, Base Building Circulation on the ground floor is the same concept as Base Building Circulation on other floors, although it is often smaller or non-existent on ground floors. Base Building Circulation is basically the equivalent to a multi-occupant corridor that would be Floor Service Area in Method A. So if you have any areas on the ground floor that provide circulation exclusively to ground floor tenants, and a tenant could theoretically expand into that area, then it is most likely Base Building Circulation. Building Service Areas are different because they are permanent and provide circulation or services to all of the tenants in the building.
Restrooms are usually Floor Service Area if they are in the same location as Restrooms on other floors. You have to consider also who has primary access to the restrooms. If they are available and used by the general public then Building Service Area is usually more appropriate. Otherwise, Floor Service Area would be more appropriate. It makes little difference in Method B, since these areas are all pooled together anyway.
An elevator lobby is almost always Building Service Area on the ground floor. But again, you have to consider what the most appropriate designation is based on its primary use.
I hope this helps.