510
Generalized Needs and Requirements: Hospital Requirements
513.3.2
Area Requirements
The building system should be capable of accommodating functional units
which vary in size.
In contrast to nursing area functional units, non-nursing functional units
vary widely in size. In addition, the same unit will often vary in size from
one facility to another, depending upon the relative number of beds
served, outpatient load, degree of medical specialization, etc. An
example range of areas can be seen in Table 510-1.
513.3.3
Perimeter and Aspect Requirements
The building system should provide for the introduction of natural light
where required.
Perimeter length and aspect characteristics are of paramount importance
in nursing units in order to achieve sufficient natural light for patient
bedrooms. In non-nursing areas, these factors are secondary to the
achievement of an optimal organization of functional units.
Generally, natural light is advantageous in rooms where diseases affecting
skin color, e.g., jaundice, might be diagnosed, in dental treatment areas
where tooth enamel color must be evaluated, and in psychiatric areas. In
addition, natural light is desirable in corridors and waiting spaces to
provide relief from the uniformity (monotony) which pervades most major
institutions. The introduction of natural light into corridors can also provide
a sense of orientation often missing in large institutions.
513.3.4
Dimensional Requirements
1. Dimensional Discipline
a. The dimensional discipline of the building system should be
compatible with the required organization of functional units.
Nursing and non-nursing functional units have been examined to
identify consistent patterns of organization which might be
sufficiently extensive to justify a new structural discipline. The
following features relating to the internal organization of nursing
areas are outstanding:
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