The full requirements for built-in SI booths are given in

ISO Standard 2603:1998.

This is a reminder of the main points, plus a few tips drawn from interpreters' experience. References to relevant paragraphs in the standard are shown in parentheses after the item, and more details are available in our special section for planners, designers and builders of conference facilities

The important points:

- dimensions

- good visibility and full view of conference room, slides, rostrum, etc.

- ventilation/air conditioning/heating

- insulation/soundproofing

- lighting

- adequate work area

- location of booths

- communication with technicians and conference room

· Dimensions of SI booths (4.5)

The main factor governing booth size is air turnover; i.e., ensuring enough fresh air without draughts to keep the interpreters mentally alert and avoid drowsiness. This is more important than most people think.

· Visibility (4.6)

There should be large windows in front and on the sides for visibility into the other booths.

- No vertical support in the center of the front window.

- Windows should be made of non-reflecting glass, so the interpreters can see into the conference room, not their own faces.

· Ventilation/air-conditioning/heating (4.9)

- Each booth should have an individual unit or individual thermostat controls

- The fan should run silently.

- The interior of the booth should kept at a comfortable temperature--without creating draughts or hurricanes!

· Insulation/soundproofing (4.8)

There should be no interference from other booths or from the conference room.

· Lighting (5.2)

- Table lamps are essential so that interpreters can read texts or take notes when the room lights are off.

- Overhead lighting in the booth should not cast shadows. It should not be behind the interpreters and should be placed in the ceiling in such a way that it does not shine in their eyes.

· Adequate work area (5.4)

- A table that is too large can be as inconvenient as one that is too small.

· Location (4, 6)

- Booths should be located at the back of the conference room at a comfortable distance for interpreters to read slide projections and other visual aids.

- All booths should be placed in a separate area so that they do not open directly onto a public area. This will keep unwanted outside noise from going through the interpreters' microphones and into the listeners' headsets.

- Access to the booth area should not be through the conference room.

- An interpreters' room and toilets should be located nearby.

- There should be daylight in the booths, not just artificial lighting.

· Communication with technicians and conference room (4.2.2)

- There should be an efficient communication system between individual booths and the conference room, preferably directly to the rostrum.

- There should be direct communication from individual booths to the technicians' booth to facilitate dealing with problems as quickly as possible.