230
The Space Module
231
BASIC DESIGN
The space module represents in plan the physical requirements for bed-
care functions of the hospital. Space modules are generated from an
analysis of current VA nursing unit requirements. Eleven different space
modules represent the current range of different VA nursing care
programs and different planning solutions to those programs. Each space
module represents a different range of performance in terms of area,
organization, aspect (perimeter exposure) and functional content.
The space modules are intended to respond in a predictable and repetitive
way to VA Master Plan requirements and, accordingly, to form the basis
from which functional planning can proceed.
The space module may be the same size or smaller than a service module
(exclusive of the service bay), but in no case can be larger than a service
module.
The space module functions on the basis that its shell and services will be
provided within the service module envelope with assurance of complete
compatibility. (Figure 230-1)
Once derived, the space modules were tested with other nursing unit
plans and modified where necessary to accommodate various ranges of
patient and associated bed-care functions. Thus, the space modules
represent a summary of current VA needs, and can be used in preliminary
planning to determine the relevant size and shape of the service modules
in the bed-care portion of the hospital. Through the bed-care service
module, the space module, in many building configurations, also has an
indirect effect on the size and shape of the service modules in the rest of
the hospital. Traditionally in hospital design, the nursing unit is one of the
first functional areas to be resolved and the dimensional disciplines
developed there to a large extent establish the framework for the design of
the remaining hospital functions. Thus, the concept of the space module
is a significant innovation in that it permits the planner to quickly come to
terms with the one area of the hospital that has the most direct bearing on
the overall organization of the hospital.
1 - 47
Previous Page
