3. CONSIDER THE FUNDAMENTALS
Only casework (cabinetry) and equipment (sinks, etc.) fastened to the building are included in the facilities design and budget proposal. Enlargers and other "plug-in" equipment will be listed in another budget. As you read this overview of the necessary facilities refer to the Floor Plan illustrated on page 3.
A Finishing Room usually includes a light-tight Film Room used for winding bulk film on cassettes and winding exposed film on developing reels. The Finishing Room contains a film processing sink (doubles as a print toning sink). A vent-hood is required at the sink to exhaust hazardous fumes. A film drying cabinet adjacent to the sink will expedite drying and protect negatives. Slide-out print drying screens in base cabinets are necessary to enhance drying. Provide lots of counter tops (with storage below) and work tables where students can finish their prints. The walls above the counter tops make excellent print display areas (students like to show their work).
The Darkroom is a large safelighted room with enlarger stations at the walls on each side of a central walk-around print processing sink with print washer and squeegee board. The sink must be equipped with a fume exhaust vent-hood. The sink should be long enough to accommodate half to three-quarters of the class at one time. An automatic silver recovery system should be located below and connected to the sink dump-trough. Remember to provide adequate storage space.