210
The Structural Bay
211
BASIC DESIGN
The structural bay is the basic unit of which all other modules are
composed (See Figure 210-1). A special variation of the structural bay
called the service bay encloses mechanical and electrical rooms, service
shafts, emergency stairs, etc. (See Section 220: The Service Module).
The range of structural bay sizes established for the Prototype Design is
based on a constant bay width of 22'6" and a variable bay depth ranging
from 40'6" to 58'6" in 4'6" increments plus, where required, an 18'0"
cantilever. (See Section 131.5.1.)
These dimensions are derived from the organizational requirements of the
nursing unit as the most repetitive and most stable functional unit in the
hospital (See Section 230: The Space Module) and subsequently
confirmed as suitable for the functional space requirements of the non-bed
care portions of the hospital. The bay width is consistent with general VA
practice. The bay depths are somewhat greater than those commonly
found in VA hospitals, but less than the spans seen in some current
projects.
Two features of the narrow structural bay compared to large two-way
spans are: it permits a finer adjustment of overall plan shape, and it is a
valuable small-scale increment of expansion.
The dimensions of the structural bay are thus derived from the need to
achieve certain functional arrangements of space. If in time these
arrangements lose validity, new structural bays can be established.
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