630
Recommendations: Development of the Prototype Design
631.2.2
Operations and Alterations
Besides periodic inspections during the building life span to evaluate long-
term performance, continuous monitoring through special cost accounting
procedures should be initiated to provide a cost base specifically related to
each subsystem.
For example, utilities supplied to each mechanical subsystem should be
separately metered. Not only should the scope, cost and attendant
problems of each alteration be carefully noted, but requests for alterations
that are denied or postponed must also be recorded.
631.2.3
Operating Manuals
The staff operating the demonstration hospital, and each succeeding
systems hospital, should be provided with all necessary information,
perhaps in the form of "operating manuals", to insure full utilization of the
system characteristics. They should be instructed in system capabilities,
particularly for various kinds of alteration. However, care must be taken to
avoid alterations which would degrade original performance or impair
future adaptability.
Operating manuals should be prepared for each project by the O/C and
the A/E during design and construction of the building.
631.3
CONSTRUCT A MOCK-UP FOR PHYSICAL TESTING
An essential feature of a building system is the continuing development,
testing and refinement of system components. The system described in
this report provides the framework for an initial demonstration hospital, but
more significantly, it is also a framework for a continuing program of
system development and refinement. Access to physical testing facilities
would provide valuable assistance for this program, as well as for testing
and refinement of detailed design solutions.
Optimum testing facilities would consist of a full-scale mock-up of a
systems building segment constructed with actual components. It is
recommended that the Veterans Administration explore the feasibility of
building a mock-up and implementing a systems test program.
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