2011_HaCIRIC_flex Aus case studies.pdf (480.82 kB)
Download fileFlexible and adaptable hospitals – Australian case studies
In 2009, a literature review uncovered different international approaches to achieving
flexible and adaptable health facilities and concluded by recommending further research
focussing on Australian hospitals to identify key site issues, design features, and major
upgrades that have influenced longer term responses to changing modes of service
delivery and other demands in local settings. Responding to these recommendations,
this second stage research was conducted by reviewing further relevant literature and
project documentation for five case studies, visiting and documenting key adaptability
features of each case study facility and consulting with health facility personnel where
available. Findings include that longer-term flexibility is assisted by: generous site area,
lower rise hospital buildings along a horizontal circulation spine (‗hospital street‘),
surplus building services capacity facilitating easy expansion/alteration, and a consistent
workable planning grid supporting a range of standardised room sizes. Future
investigation should consider the impact of high land values on site utilisation especially
in terms of future proofing multi-storey buildings, and how to assist health clients
decide when ‗enough‘ flexibility has been provided.
Funding
This work was supported by Health Infrastructure NSW.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering