710
Design Rationale: The Space Module
712.1.5
Dimensional Characteristics
In the nursing tower plans studied, not only were certain patterns of
organization relatively consistent, but also many dimensional
characteristics remained constant or varied within narrow limits.
1. The dimension between the perimeter and the corridor (bedroom and
sanitary zones) varies within a relatively narrow range and is
dependent upon the specific building program. Variables include the
number of beds per room and the type of sanitary facilities provided.
2. Corridor widths have generally been standardized at an eight-foot clear
dimension. This is sufficient to allow a hospital bed to exit from a room
perpendicular to the corridor wall.
3. The greatest variable in nursing unit width is the area for support
facilities. In a teaching hospital, nursing units are generally attached to
a larger central area containing functions related to patient care but
which are not needed within the unit. Direct nursing support is found in
the interior zone of core and most cluster plans. This interior zone or
core area usually varies in width from a minimum of 12 feet to a
maximum of about 30 feet and usually varies in approximate
increments of standard room widths (12, 16, 24 feet).
4. Nursing unit length is usually a function of the perimeter necessary to
satisfy a given program and often relates directly to the number of
beds and bed rooms required.
712.2
DESIRED PERFORMANCE
712.2.1
Relation of Span to Space Use
1. The Desire for Structural Economy
There is no doubt that totally column-free spaces provide the greatest
degree of plan adaptability. However, it was desired, in the interest of
economy, to identify precisely the minimum spans required for an
acceptable degree of adaptability.
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