Generative Design for Healthcare Planning
Generative design, a method of design investigation utilizing algorithmic or rule-based systems to generate automated digital outputs, is gaining importance within schools of architecture and the design software development community. Often paired with parametric modeling tools, generative design techniques allow rapid production, analysis, and visualization of design options based on varied data inputs. This session presented the concept of generative design using healthcare projects as case studies. Attendees learned how the forefront of digital technology can shape the way programmers, planners, and designers approach healthcare design through cutting-edge research undertaken by Autodesk, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Perkins+Will. Presented on November 7, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Lean Concepts Drive Healthcare Architecture Planning and Design
This presentation was a primer on fundamentals of Lean and Six-Sigma processes and their application to healthcare architecture planning and design. Starting with Lean process objectives, the session touched on the evolution of the Toyota Production System into current applications for healthcare, noting core tenets, key components and Lean tools now in use. Next, a case study of Lean applied to the design of Swedish Hospital’s ICU examined specific methodology used to achieve increased operational flexibility, reduced length-of-stay, consistent processes, reduced space, improved quality and reduced operating costs. Presented on October 10, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Scripps Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center: A Partnership in Design for the Future
As part of the Scripps Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla, a brand new emergency department was planned on the first floor of this new patient tower. However, the master planning effort guided the decision to shell the space until the new patient tower was complete in 2015 in order to minimize disruption to emergency services and the level II trauma unit. Through a collaborative planning and design process which focused on the expanding needs of the department, the Scripps Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center successfully delivers quality healthcare for increasing patient volumes while anticipating future growth and technology, all within an operational facility. Presented on September 19, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
The Highly Reliable Hospital: Creating a Facility for a HRO
This session illustrated how the team of SmithGroupJJR/AVRP & Hensel Phelps, working with Sharp’s leadership, created the new Ocean View Tower, a 170,000-sf, 138-bed Hospital addition, to go beyond just “good practice” to “hard-wire the environment” for zero harm to patients, visitors, and staff. The panel of Owner, Architect and Contractor described planning, designing, and constructing from each of their perspectives. “Architecture meets Operation” and “Separate is Safe” during construction became the project mantras. From small room details to large concepts of building circulation routes through to construction practices, the project demonstrates heightened attention to promote HRO. Presented on August 8, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Architecture for Health, Perspectives Beyond Architecture for Healthcare
There is far more to good health than good healthcare. Consider opportunities to facilitate healthy community development. Joanna Lombard shared recent research into how the built environment shapes the population’s wellness, public health and economic development. As in a study of Hispanic elders in Little Havana found that those who lived on streets with houses that had balconies, porches, and stoops functioned better both mentally and physically than elders who did not reside on streets with such features. The session beared out that now we understand, in a way that we didn’t before, how the built environment impacts our health and examples of leadership opportunities for healthcare facilities. Presented on July 18, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Building Enclosure Fundamentals–Air Barriers for Health Care Facilities
This presentation was a primer on building science as it relates to the exterior enclosure with particular emphasis on the air barrier. Air barriers play an important role in controlling air flow, preventing moisture infiltration, reducing condensation potential, and maintaining better interior air quality. These factors are important to the health and energy efficiency of any building but are especially important to health care facilities due to their low tolerance for risks associated with moisture and associated organic growth (mold). The presentation covered information regarding performance and types of air barriers as well as their interaction with thermal, moisture, and vapor retarding layers within the exterior wall assembly. Real world examples were provided to further convey information and understanding of the learned concepts. Presented on May 9, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Lean Inpatient Unit Design Strategies: New Research on Best Design for Effective Nursing
Architects have seemingly tried everything to create the ideal inpatient care unit, but which ones work best to increase nurses' direct patient care time? This session presented findings from a recent national-scope study of 20 different inpatient units with various typologies (racetracks, T's, L's, triangles, etc.). The study includes judgments of over 150 nurses who work in these units, correlated with their units’ design features. The findings show which support spaces are most critical to decentralize and to what degree, and which locations are optimum for medical record workstations. The research, supported by an Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation research grant, was performed by an integrated team of architects, nurse advisors and PhD. Presented on April 11, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Dublin Methodist Hospital: Culture Driven Design–Seven Years Later
Dublin Methodist Hospital was designed to “change the way health care is delivered in central Ohio.” It was also considered the most evidence-based designed hospital in the United States at the time it opened in 2008. Seven years later, many of the goals were achieved, and Dublin Methodist has become one of the most successful hospitals of its kind in central Ohio and beyond. However, there were several unexpected consequences that remind us “culture eats design for lunch.” Come see and hear some of the design innovations that worked, and some that didn’t. Presented on March 21, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.
Healthcare 101- Patient Safety Fundamentals for Healthcare Architects - Part 2
Regarding hospital patient safety, there are two areas of primary concern: 1) Life safety - assuring that occupants are protected from smoke as well as fire; 2) Environmental Safety – assuring that occupants are not exposed to materials or organisms posing a threat to life or health. This session addressed Environmental Safety. In the session, we discussed the role of the built environment in preventing HAIs and the design professionals’ role in the ICRA process. We examined infection control design considerations for standard Medical/Surgical patient rooms, Protective Environments, Airborne Infection Isolation rooms, and Surgeries. Presented on February 14, 2017, 2–3 PM EST. PDF handout.