120
Application
121
PROCEDURE
The approach to procedure is the same as that taken to the Prototype
Design itself in that a highly specific predetermined "system" procedure is
considered neither feasible nor desirable. Specific procedures must be
tailored to each project as appropriate to program, site, budget, available
technology, etc. The Design Manual simply sets forth general guidelines
applicable to any project utilizing the building system.
In principle, the system can be used in programming and budgeting. For
example, the size of a proposed hospital could be specified as so many
service modules of given capabilities, which would allow a variable bed
count in the completed facility, and a budget figure could be assigned to
each module. However, the Design Manual deals directly only with design
and construction. The section on procedure starts with the assumption
that a hospital program (master plan) has been generated and a
preliminary budget established in the normal manner.
The advantage provided by the planning modules is that preliminary
planning can start somewhat earlier than usual. Alternative schematic
designs can be generated on the basis of a preliminary program which
provides only gross area requirements for nursing units, administrative
departments, etc. The modules establish basic structural and service
distribution patterns "automatically" with the development of each
schematic design. The adaptability of the modules also allows response
to program and budget changes to occur more efficiently throughout the
entire design and construction process.
In the case of the building subsystems, the tasks of engineering design,
architectural detailing, specification writing, etc., can be executed within
the framework of existing policies and established responsibilities. The
function of the Manual is to provide some basic decisions in advance
which can substantially simplify certain time-consuming tasks, plus a
coordinated set of criteria to assist in making other decisions. Care must
be taken in cost estimating and preparation of contract documents to
ensure that the unique characteristics of the Prototype Design are taken
into account and clearly communicated. For instance, the integrated
subsystems are not presented in the Design Manual according to
conventional specification divisions or construction sub-contracts; thus VA
Master Construction Specifications used for a system building must be
carefully edited to ensure complete applicability to the detailed design, and
in some cases, new specification sections may have to be developed.
1 - 13
Previous Page
