Installation Design Standards (IDS)

What is it? The IDS is the repository of Army Standards (mandatory facility functional criteria) and Army Standard Designs (mandatory layout and mandatory design items) for key facility types.  It covers site planning, buildings, circulation (vehicle and pedestrian movement), landscaping, site elements (signage, lighting, etc.), and force protection. Developed under the Army Facilities Standardization Program, IDS provide a roadmap for efficient, functional, secure, and visually compatible physical environment conducive to attracting and retaining skilled and motivated personnel.  It fosters a culture of innovation through continuously improving living and working facilities and spaces by incorporating enhanced facilities standards and emerging technologies into everyday business practices.  It improves predictability and quality of life for our Soldiers over the long term.

What has the Army done? Army IDS accomplishments for 2006 included the development and approval of five Army Standards:

On-going development efforts include:

Cooperative efforts with industry include adoption of industry standards for construction and sustainable design.  The Army adopted the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver rating as the sustainable design policy for new construction. 

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army has embarked on transforming Military Construction to support restructuring and Base Realignment and Closure initiatives beginning in 2006.  This includes standardizing facilities as a means to achieve savings and benefits in planning, programming, design, construction, and maintenance of Army facilities.  Compliance with the criteria contained in the IDS supports these initiatives to achieve Military Construction Transformation.

Why is this important to the Army?


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