June 2006
Fast-track: An accelerated scheduling technique characterized by the overlapping of activities
traditionally performed in linear sequence, requiring early commitment to general decisions, but
allowing postponement of detailed decisions.
construction on all sides from which there are at least two different exits.
Fire Section: Term used in original Red Book, see Fire Compartment.
Flexibility:
● Adaptability.
● Having alternatives.
Functional Space:
● Habitable room or area not assigned exclusively to building service equipment.
● Space within the functional zone.
Functional Space Requirement: A characteristic a particular functional space must have to
satisfy a user need or an applicable regulation or standard.
Functional Unit: A group of rooms interrelated by shared activities or processes (e.g., nursing
unit, intensive care unit). Usually implies close proximity.
Functional Zone: The horizontal layer of space between the top of a finished floor and the bot-
tom of the finished ceiling immediately above.
Generic Design Option: One of a limited number of alternative general types of solution al-
lowed within the basic design of a particular building subsystem.
HCS: Health Care System.
Integrated Subsystem: Any of the pre-coordinated subsystems specifically within the scope of
a particular building system.
Interface:
● A common boundary between two systems or components.
● A boundary detail designed to maintain a specified relation between adjacent systems or
components.
Interstitial Platform: The deck system that provides the walk-on surface for the above ceiling
(interstitial) service zone; and constitutes the bottom of the two-hour separation between floors
(Refer to fire test reports NBSIR 85-3158, Fire Performance of Interstitial Space Construction
System; and NISTIR 5560, Fire Performance of an Interstitial Space Construction System).
Platform construction is continuous across a service module, except for the service bay.
Interstitial Space: Unfinished or non-habitable space utilized for building service subsystems,
of sufficient size to accommodate workers and permit maintenance and alteration without dis-
ruption of activities in functional spaces. The term usually refers to the portion of the service
zone between the finished ceiling and the floor above.
SUPPLEMENT TO RESEARCH STUDY REPORT
VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM
SECTION 1-6
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