230
The Space Module: Space Module Characteristics
232
SPACE MODULE CHARACTERISTICS
232.1
DERIVATION
The general nursing unit, which contains the majority of beds in the typical
VA hospital, was used as the generating organization for the modules.
The Veterans Administration is currently using a 40-bed general nursing
unit pattern with predominantly four-bed rooms. During the investigation
of user needs, it was determined that a subdivision providing two 20-bed
units would be desirable for periods of intensive nursing activity, i.e., the
daytime shift. Furthermore, it was determined that existing levels of nurse
staffing could accommodate such a pattern. It was consequently decided
to base the space module on a 20-bed general nursing unit with the
provision that the module must always be capable of combination with
other modules to form 40-bed or larger units.
232.2
ASPECT
232.2.1
Aspect refers to the number of perimeter faces available for
exposure to natural light and, therefore, the amount of perimeter
potentially available for connection either to other space modules
and/or a service bay and/or additional space (see catalog of space
module capabilities. Section 233.) Two- and four-aspect space
modules are included in the system. It will be noted that the four-
aspect modules cannot be easily combined with other modules to
form a functional entity; therefore, a 40-bed functional unit was
used for this module type.
232.2.2
The four-aspect modules can be readily modified to produce three-
aspect modules, if required: either a twenty-bed nursing unit by using
one-half of the four-aspect modules, or a forty-bed nursing unit by
increasing the length of the four-aspect module by one structural bay
width.
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