Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 248)
Washington, DC 20420
February 2007
8
PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A. Departmental net-to-gross factor (DNTG) for Medical Media Service is 1.30. This
number when multiplied by the programmed net square foot (NSF) area determines
the departmental gross square feet.
B. Medical Media Services may be located either in the main clinical building or in a
building that is directly adjacent to the main clinical building. If MMS is located in a
separate building the following considerations must be met: The building must be
directly adjacent to the main clinical building and connected by an enclosed
causeway that has regulated heating / air conditioning. Access by patients must be
easy and simple with no disruption to other services. MMS staff must have access to
all surgical suites within a 15 minute walking period.
C. The Photo Studio must be easily accessible from the elevators serving the nursing
units. Soundproofing is required to support audiovisual recording activities, thus
isolating this area from noise which may be produced from adjacent services and air
handling systems.
D. All Audiovisual Recording, Narration, Control and Editing Rooms as well as the Client
Review Room require soundproofing, thus isolating this area from noise which may
be produced from adjacent services and air handling systems.
E. Medical Media must be isolated from structural vibrations such as elevators and
building mechanical systems which cause distortion in all photographic, illustration,
and audiovisual recording reproduction.
F. Medical Media must be free from outside radiation interference such as radio
frequency and magnetic interference which can erase or cause image and sound
distortion during the production.
G. Photography and illustration areas require 100% fresh air and 100% air exhaust.
H. The Photo / Audiovisual Recording Studio requires a minimum ceiling height of 12'-0"
for ceiling track lighting systems and floor standing lighting hardware and
accessories. The location selected must provide reasonable access by patients with
direct, double door access from a medical center corridor for patients on litters or
beds as well as large pieces of equipment or props used in productions. A minimum
room length of 30'-0" must be planned to accommodate videotaping. Additional
electrical power is required to accommodate studio lighting for video recording.
I.
Audiovisual Control and Editing Rooms require either raised flooring or a service
chase to cover the multitude of electrical cords of varying sizes and lengths used to
connect hardware. Climate control should be considered for CCTV Control Rooms.
Area should be kept free of moisture and temperature should be kept cool.
J. Emergency power should be provided for MATV / CCTV Headend for signal
distribution during an emergency.
Medical Media Service (248): Page 12 of 14
Previous Page
