Tasks

610

Summary: Tasks

615

TASKS

Since 1967 a joint venture of Building Systems Development and Stone,

Marraccini and Patterson has been working with the Research Staff of the

Veterans Administration's Office of Construction to apply the principles of

systems integration to the problems and objectives described above.

615.1

The project has proceeded as a phased program with each phase under

separate contract. Phase 1 was a feasibility study and was published by

the Veterans Administration in October 1968 under the title "Integration of

Mechanical, Electrical, Structural and Architectural Systems in VA Hospital

Facilities".

615.2

Phase 2 involved the initial development of a prototype design for a

building system, specifically for that portion of the hospital containing

bedrooms and bed-related functions. Four building subsystems were

selected as the primary subjects of this effort: structure, heating-

ventilating-cooling, partitions and ceiling. The final report was published in

February, 1971 and is titled "Application of the Principles of Systems

Integration to the Design of the `Nursing Tower' Portion of a VA Hospital".

615.3

This report is the product of Phase 3, during which the building system

Prototype Design has been extended in applicability (to the total hospital)

and scope (the plumbing distribution and electrical power distribution

subsystems). A projected fourth phase would involve the design and

construction of a hospital to demonstrate and evaluate the proposed

system.

The procedure for Phase 3 was similar to that of Phase 2. Although not

strictly linear, the following basic tasks were involved:

1. Identify configuration and activity requirements for the various functional

areas and spaces within the total hospital, with particular emphasis on

those requirements which may conflict with the "nursing tower" system

proposed in Phase 2. (Sections 510 and 520.)

2. Modify Phase 2 building subsystem performance requirements as may

be required by extension of functional space analysis into the total

hospital. Develop performance requirements for plumbing distribution

and electrical power distribution.

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