OVERVIEW

Where to go for a quick, uninterrupted conversation.


A quiet, intimate space for phone calls or video conferencing. The environment should signal that this is a short-term space, not somewhere to camp out or stay for long periods of time to conduct computer work. Phone rooms are non-bookable.

Design Goals

  • Inside the secure workspace and distributed throughout the building, near open workspaces. 
  • Include in public space near hubs, large conference rooms, libraries, etc. as determined by the project team. Avoid visual distraction from main traffic areas when possible. Typically not on exterior windows.

Jerry Rice, PHK

Key Components

Isometric diagram for phone room

Download PDF and BIM files below


Download Drawings BIM Folder
  1. Door
  2. Fixed height ledge
  3. Seat 
  4. Convenience outlet
  5. Branding opportunity or acoustic finish


All Phone Rooms should be accessible

Area: 30SF (2.7SM)

Size: Length: 5’-6’ (1.7m-1.8m). Width: 6’-7’ (1.8m-2.1m)

Capacity: 1

Branding

Keep branding simple and economical. Connect phone rooms to environmental branding in the immediate vicinity through accent wall paint and acoustic material. Situationally, framed Nike artwork can also be hung in the room. In workplace environments with many phone rooms, consider a system to integrate them into the storytelling without creating a unique identity for each.


Cost guardrail for brand investment: Low level

REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Clearances
    • 42" (107cm) min. clearance at table for seating
    • 36” (91.5cm) min. clearance for circulation without seating
  • Finishes

    Walls

    • Wall type 4 or wall type 5: Gypsum wall 
    • Paint and rubber base  (or equivalent)
    • Use standard wall types or approved alternate that meets acoustic requirements 
    • Wall at the counter: Acoustic material with NRC 0.80 min.  Tiles can be above counter only; sheet material should cover the full wall.

    Floors

    • Carpet tile (or equivalent) or flooring with acoustic properties
    • See Finishes for requirements reference

    Ceiling 

    • Gypsum board. Acoustic material with min. (NRC 0.80)
  • Doors
    • Type: Glass Panel, swinging with 3 hinges
    • Size: 36” x 80” (91cm x 203cm). If not feasible, minimum 32" (81cm) clear opening
    • Handle: Metal lever-style, without lock
    • Require 5 lbs or less of force to open or have push-button door openers
    • Seals at head and jambs, no gap at the door when adjacent to loud spaces
    • Visibility into the room through the door. No window film
    • Sealed at head and jambs, no gap at the floor when adjacent to loud spaces
    • A prefabricated phone booth is an acceptable substitute for non-accessible built phone rooms in locations where it complies with local codes
  • Furnishings

    Furniture

    • Stool: Should be backless, easy to move, and inexpensive
  • Casework and Plumbing

    Fixed height ledge

    • Height: 28"-30" (71cm-76cm), with 27" (69cm) min. knee clearance
    • Depth: 12"-16" (30cm-41cm)
  • Acoustics
    • Voices can’t be heard outside of the room and vice versa. Conversations and presentations are clear and easy to understand. Background noise doesn’t interfere with technology for video conferences or audio calls
    • Noise criteria (NC): 30-35 dBA
    • Sound transmission class (STC): 50-55 dBA
  • Electrical

    Outlets

    • (x1) Wall outlet, easily accessible at the counter

    Lighting

    • Range: Up to 40 FC (323 LUX) at 30” (76cm) above the floor 
    • Controls: User dimmable.
    • Position: Light fixture above the counter to illuminate faces with diffuse light for video calls. Avoid glare on the laptop screen
    • Fixtures: Limit to one type
  • Wayfinding
    • See Wayfinding section
    • Amenity Icon Tab; one can be used for a group of Phone Rooms
  • Branding
    • All painted elements should be easy to clean and resistant to food spills or normal wear.  Low VOC paints should be used whenever possible.
    • Wallpaper should be non-vinyl wall covering such as DreamScape Terralon.
    • Standard window film is 3M Fasara Cloud or similar.  Custom window film prints can be added in special circumstances.
    • Framed graphics are typically Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG’s) 

  • Technology
  • Safety and Security
    • For Workplace Security standards, contact your local Design or PM team. EHS standards can be found in Resources

Examples

Image Of Campus Site

Los Angeles, USA

Simple Branding

Framed Nike artwork adds warmth and provides a point of interest without distraction

Image Of Campus Site

Talaria, PHK

Freestanding Booths

Freestanding phone booths are typically unbranded and rely on adjacent storytelling for visual interest. Consideration should be made in regards to accessibility and local building code before installing these units.

Image Of Campus Site

EHQ - Hilversum, Netherlands

Short Term Use

Designed for short-term use, phone rooms prioritize functionality over comfort, providing a private space for focused conversations. Carefully selected furniture encourages efficient use, allowing users to quickly make calls or participate in video meetings.