June 2006
Planning Modules
The conventional design process tends to concentrate on spatial and functional relationships
with minimal consideration for structure and mechanical and electrical systems during prelimi-
nary and schematic design. This approach tends to result in specialized and unique designs for
the service systems in each part of the building. The results are increased complexity in detail-
ing and construction, and compromises in maintenance, future adaptability, and expansion.
To use the VAHBS, a designer needs to understand the following concepts:
Service Modules
Fire Compartments (Sections)
Building Subsystems
o Shell Systems
o Service Systems and Subzones.
Service Modules
The Red Book proposes a systematic or modular approach to the design of new hospital buildings
where building systems are integrated into the planning modules from the start of design. The
basic building block is the service module. Service modules were defined as one story units of
building volume with a footprint of approximately 10,000 square feet. More recent designs have
used service modules in the range of 20,000 square feet. Each Service module is comprised of
structural bays,
a service zone, and
functional zones or space modules (the occupied areas).
Each service module is completely contained, alone or with one or more other modules, in a fire
compartment.
The building block concept can offer advantages in design, construction, operation and
maintenance. Once established, the service module provides a means of manipulating overall
building configuration with the assurance of subsystem capability and integrity.
Structural Bay: The structural bay is the basic unit of which all other modules are comprised.
The dimensions of the structural bay are influenced by the functional layout (space planning), ser-
vice zone clearances, and type of structural system selected. Refer to Section 3 Issues, Section 4
Application to New Projects and Appendix A for further discussion and examples of typical bay
sizes.
A special variation of a structural bay is the service bay. This special bay contains the me-
chanical, electrical and telecommunications rooms that support a service module; and service
shafts and risers (and may include exit stairs) necessary for vertical distribution of services. It is
a part of the service zone [see below]. Major equipment items and all pumps and motors are
contained in the service bay. In section, the service bay extends from structural floor to struc-
tural floor. The walk-on platform (interstitial deck) does not extend into or through the service
bay.
Service Zone: A service zone includes a full height service bay (with independent mechanical,
electrical, and telecommunications rooms) and an independent service distribution network that in-
cludes the interstitial zone above the functional zone.
SUPPLEMENT TO RESEARCH STUDY REPORT
VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM
SECTION 2-2
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