The Application of Appropriate Technique in Healthcare Facility design
Huang Xiqiu
China IPPR International Engineering Corp,
Beijing, China
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To provide people with excellent healthcare is a symbol of civilisation in modern society. Based on fair and reasonable policy, the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare are becoming more of a concern. In fact, the fast developing world of medical sciences and its advanced technique, the adoption of high tech machine and the upgrading of building standard has increased both capital investment and the running costs of healthcare facilities. Healthcare buildings ranking amongst the most expensive buildings to run.
Besides, healthcare buildings are also highly related to energy/natural resources consumption, and broadly related to energy environmental conservation. Instead of high tech, high cost solution, an alternative proposal which adopted appropriate technique is suggested. This approach is tackled from the very beginning -- the design concept up to the end -- the selection of available technique. A case study on selected projects elaborates the process. For instance, in the master plan, a deep plan with large “dark” area was replaced by multi narrow plan intersected with inner courtyard solution.
Most the rooms would get natural light and natural ventilation. They are less depending on central air conditioning and artificial lighting. In the vertical traffic system of O.P.D of an orthopedic surgical hospital, except electric lift, a simple ramp was adopted. The expensive escalator it replaces and provides patients with safe and economic way for transportation. In two different 800 bed hospitals, by linking the main lobby and the main hospital street to an open air courtyard or outdoor space, they successfully provide patients and staff with suitable indoor environments and avoid using any air conditioning. Some other appropriate techniques such as the improving of building envelope, the installation of solar panel warm water supply system, waste heat reclaim system were evaluated and selected. As the result, they are reaching the goal of energy saving and being environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, from the economical point of view the building cost is reduced to 66% of their original cost, whilst maintaining the same quality required to meet the client’s expectations.
Keywords: appropriate, solution, healthcare
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