510
Generalized Needs and Requirements: Hospital Requirements
The nature of the operational relationships between functional units in
the hospital today is such that it is frequently possible to group certain
units in order to maximize building efficiency. This is particularly true
of the "industrial" functions such as laundry, kitchen, processing and
distribution, storage, etc. In certain instances, these functions have
been totally detached from the hospital complex and constructed as an
industrial building in a remote location.
While operational relationships are of prime importance in determining
initial building configuration, it is also important to consider the physical
relationships generated by optimizing building component organization.
Examples of such component organization include certain mechanical
and electrical services, accommodation of unusually heavy floor loads,
unusual floor-to-ceiling height, etc.
In addition to factors of operational efficiency and optimization of
building component organization, physical relationships are influenced
by a need for future expansion of functional units. It is desirable to
locate complex areas with high growth potential adjacent to elements
with minimum service demands or next to exterior walls. In the former
case those areas which are displaced may be economically relocated
as other areas expand. Factors of growth and change are discussed
more fully in Section 513.2.
It is apparent from the above discussion that the physical relationships
between functional units cannot be generalized in any precise way.
The operational relationships in each facility are to some extent unique
and transitory. New medical techniques, new materials handling
systems, altered pattern of labor cost, etc., result in a need to change
relationships between functional units. In most instances, there is
latitude to adjust methods of operation to suit a desired configuration.
In one sense, then, hospital design is a trade-off between suitable
patterns of operation and an optimum configuration.
2. The building system must provide the capability to achieve a desired
initial configuration.
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