4.7.1 Gymnatorium | Chicago Public Schools

Planning Rationale

The Gymnatorium consists of a gymnasium with a raised stage at one end. It is not currently common practice for CPS to construct an independent Gymnasium and Auditorium space at the high school level. The CPS standard is to construct a stage or raised platform within the Gymnasium in order to provide added functionality and to provide an area to hold assemblies. Activities supported by a Gymnatorium include, but are not limited to the following: lectures including projection, stage plays, musical performances (bands, choirs, etc.), award ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and other participatory events. Additional seating provided with folding chairs when required.

CPS has a history of partnering with the Chicago Park District to provide after hours use of athletic facilities. As a result, administrative and support accommodations for outside facilitators have become part of the standard design program.

The High School Gymnasium shall meet the guidelines of the National Federation of State High School Association (NFSA), and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

Design Considerations

Location

High schools shall contain a Gymnatorium ideally positioned within the building in a location that can easily serve the school population and community use. The High School shall be designed to have Physical Education/Sports Administration spaces and functions located in a separate zone of the building, which can operate independently in the event that the rest of the school is closed and secured.

The current prototype design places these functions at the ground floor of the building accessible by an independent exterior entry adjacent to outdoor fields/play equipment. This zone includes public toilets and security devices. As the Physical Education/Sports Administration zone is intended both for student use and for the use by the community, accommodations shall be made for toilet rooms that can serve multi-purpose and spectator functions, necessary for competitions and other uses. These toilets are provided in addition to the toilets intended for athlete and physical education use found in the locker rooms.

Layout

The following is a list of the various components of a Gymnatorium:

Gymnasium

Structural Bays
- Column free open space shall be designed to include a 84’ by 50’ court at a minimum, with 5’-10’ wide perimeter aisles. Two (2) distinct physical learning environments shall be accommodated at the half court utilizing a gymnasium divider curtain.
Doors
- Interior: Provide doors to restrict access to certain parts of the building during after hours activities. Coordinate with school on specific requirements.
- Exterior: Provide push to exit panic devices and no exterior hardware at exterior door locations. Provide a minimum of one (1) double door.
Instructional Space
The gymnasium serves as an instructional space to support two (2) distinct separate classes for a total of 70-90 students at the same time with a gymnasium divider curtain and flush-mounted floor sleeves.
- Markerboards:Two (2) shall be provided on either side of bleachers with Velcro attachments to adhere wall padding when not in use. Markerboards shall not have the tray along bottom.
- Tack Surfaces: Provide two (2) located at Gymnatorium entrances.
- Portable Markerboards: In addition to the wall mounted markerboards, provide for flexibility and store them in the adjacent Gymnatorium Storage.
- Power and Data Infrastructure: Provide for portable digital display monitors provided by the school.
Gymnasium Divider Curtain
Provide to divide the space into two PE teaching stations. Divider curtain shall be coordinated with the structural system.
Seating
In performance mode, the Gymnatorium can hold an audience of at least 1,200 through a combination of bleachers, telescoping platform w/ retractable chairs and freestanding stackable chairs at the floor level.
- Bleachers: Provide the maximum amount along the long side of the court at both side of the gym based on one half of the student population with a minimum of 600 seats (300 per side). Bleachers shall be electronically operated. When fully deployed, bleachers are not to interfere with court clearances.
- Telescoping Platform w/ Retractable Chairs: Provide seating for one half of the student population with an estimated number of 600 seats facing the stage. Telescoping Platform is electronically operated with manually operated fold down chairs. Provide a recessed pocket to receive the retractable telescoping platform and chairs. ADA accessibility requirement to be met with seating arrangements.
- Additional Seating: Additional seating to be provided through freestanding stackable chairs on the gymnasium floor to supplement the bleachers and telescoping platform/retractable chairs.
Wall Area
- Wall Padding: Provide wall padding on all perimeter walls with one reinforced wall free of pads to support manipulative activities such as throwing and kicking.
- Wall Mounted Acoustical Padding: Provide Wall mounted Acoustical Panels placed along the perimeter of the Gymnasium out of the reach of students as well as visitors seated in the bleachers.
- Traverse Wall (horizontal climbing wall): Traverse wall system includes a mat locking system and safety mats.
- Refer to Instructional Space listed above for markerboard and tack surface requirements.
Playing Court
Full sized regulation High School sized basketball court with CPS standard game line striping configurations for basketball and all other programmed sporting activities. Provide school logo at half court if required.
- Game Lines/Striping:
  - Basketball: Game Lines/ striping shall be provided for one (1) competition size basketball court (84’ x 50’) and two (2) practice courts with appropriate safety and scoring zones at the perimeter of the courts. The main competition basketball court shall be designed as competition sized, but with the bleacher seating in the extended position. The practice courts (or cross courts) shall be designed with the bleacher seating in the retracted position. The width of each practice court shall be equal to the competition court width. However, the practice courts may include a shortened overall court length. They shall include a regulation sized free throw area at each end of each practice court.
  - Volleyball: Game Lines/striping shall be provided for one (1) competition sized court (60’ x 30’) and two (2) side courts with appropriate safety, scoring and serving zones at the perimeter of the courts. The main competition court shall be designed with the bleacher seating in the extended position. The practice courts (or cross courts) shall be designed with the bleacher seating in the retracted position. Recessed volleyball sleeves shall be indicated and coordinated for competition and practice. The minimum height to the underside of the structure/ceiling or any overhead obstruction is 23’-0”.
Equipment
May include, but not be limited to the following: basketball backboard/backstops and goals, scoreboards, nets, standards, and anchoring devices. For further details refer to CPS specification 11 66 23.11 Gymnasium Equipment.
- Basketball Backboard/Backstop Assembly: A total of six (6) powered, retractable basketball backboard/ backstops shall be provided. Backboards shall lift above the top of the stage proscenium opening.
- Volleyball Flush-Mounted Floor Sleeves: Provide two (2) Flush-mounted floor sleeves, stanchions and netting necessary for volleyball play. Recessed sleeves shall be indicated and coordinated for competition and practice.
- Additional Floor Sleeves: Provide four (4) additional flush-mounted floor sleeves to be run longitudinally along the basketball court to support multiple learning stations.
Storage
Provide storage for the variety of activities that the Gymnatorium/Gymnasium supports. Shall be accessible directly from the Gymnatorium/Gymnasium with ease of access for equipment and materials via double doors. Access shall be provided to the exterior via overhead ceiling door. If this is not possible, provisions for storage at the exterior shall be made instead. Multiple storage rooms may be provided in order to meet the required total square footage. Maximize wall surface for shelving.
Trophy Display Cases
Shall be provided in a prominent location in the athletic area for public viewing, either in the lobby or within a main corridor. The display case shall be a minimum of 20 feet long and 6 feet high mounted 24 inches above the finished floor.
Additional Ancillary Spaces - Refer to 4.7.6 Staff Offices/Support Spaces
- Staff Office: Adjacent to the gymnasium and accessible from within the gymnasium with vision glass for supervision.
- Locker Rooms
- Laundry Room
- Trainer
- Ticket Office and Concessions

Stage

Stage
Similar to the full auditorium house stage including, but not limited to: fire rated overhead coiling door, stage curtain, stage lighting and rigging, portable thrust stage, portable orchestra shell, and various storage rooms.
Theatrical and Lighting Consultants
These consultants shall be engaged as part of the design team on every project that includes a stage.
Acoustic
An acoustical consultant shall be engaged as part of the design team on every project that includes a stage.
- Special care including sound absorptive materials shall be provided regarding the acoustical impact to the Gymnatorium and adjoining spaces (including the Lobby) to control echoes and reverberant energy
- No mechanical spaces shall be located directly adjacent to the Stage and Gymnatorium
Stage Type
The stage shall meet all requirements as listed in the Chicago Building Code (CBC).
Audience Seating
The audience shall be seated in movable seats arranged in rows on the flat Gymnatorium floor. Seats shall be laid out to meet City requirements for seating and accessibility requirements. Accessible access to the stage shall utilize a vertical platform lift from the Gymnatorium to one side of the stage. At least one entry shall be accessible. See Gymnatorium Seating on previous page for more detail.
Proscenium
During athletic events and practices, the proscenium is closed off by a fire rated overhead coiling door. A removable thrust stage shall be included to enable more students to participate in performances. A portable orchestra shell shall be provided. Dedicated storage space with double doors located on the gymnasium floor level shall be planned for the thrust stage and orchestra shell components.
Fire Rated Overhead Coiling Door
A fire rated, lockable overhead coiling door to separate the gymnasium area from the stage. Shall be provided for protection of the on stage elements and to prevent gymnasium equipment from entering the stage.
Stage Curtain
A main curtain capable of closing the proscenium opening and sized to prevent views of the top hanging condition (pipe or traveler) from the seating area.
Stage Lighting and Rigging
Adjustable stage lighting and related rigging shall be provided in a protective enclosure, which is accessible by scissors lift. Sufficient power shall be provided at the Gymnatorium wall opposite the stage opening to accommodate a follow spotlight.
Assisted Listening Devices
Shall be provided in accordance with Accessibility Code requirements.
Dimming Equipment
A separate panel for the stage dimming shall be provided at stage level. The stage lighting control console shall be operable from the stage and a location within the seating area of the gymnatorium.
Equipment Access
A scissor lift shall be used in lieu of catwalks. At Fine Arts schools, catwalks may be considered with CPS approval.
Storage
Provide a storage room at the stage level adjacent to and accessible from the stage.
Green Room
May be provided as a separate room adjacent to the Stage or a shared space with a Dance Studio.
Additional Ancillary Spaces
Refer to 4.8.7 Support Spaces
- Ticket Office and Concessions
- Scene Shop: Code requirements must be addressed with design and implementation.
- Dressing Room: May use Locker Rooms if Dressing Rooms are not feasible.

Additional Items for Consideration:

Drinking Fountains
Located in or near the entrance to the Gymnatorium. If located within Gymnatorium, it shall be located within an alcove. Provide a 3-level drinking fountain with an accessible, integral hands free bottle filler. Do not locate over wood flooring.
Natural Light and Views
Clerestory windows with interior guards are required in the Gymnatorium to allow natural light into the space while minimizing glare. Provide motorized room darkening window shades for natural lighting control during theater performance.
Equipment
Lighting, audio equipment, speakers, assisted listening devices, clocks, scoreboard, etc. shall be coordinated within the space and protected by safety cages. Confirm that walls can accommodate structural loads associated with the equipment.
Outdoor Multipurpose Space
Outdoor space shall be provided with access from the Gymnatorium which includes green space and/or athletic fields.

Room Data Sheets

4.7.1 Gymnatorium Data Sheet

4.7.1 Gymnatorium Storage Data Sheet

Room Layout Templates

4.7.1 Gymnatorium