Academy of Architecture for Health

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The Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) provides knowledge which supports the design of healthy environments by creating education and networking opportunities for members of – and those touched by – the health care architectural profession.

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COVID-19 resources for health care design

You can contribute information to the AIA COVID-19 project database, and view all submitted projects. Visit the Alternative Care Sites preparedness site to learn important areas to evaluate when selecting ACSs for the care and treatment of COVID-19 or surge capacity patients.

Explore additional resources for health care facilities >

  • 1.  Questions to ask for a correctional health project?

    Posted 09-06-2018 06:11 PM

    When designing a correctional health project, what question(s) have you found essential to ask your clients?

     

    Myself, I have one question that I ask my correctional clients every time I start a project. It sounds like simple semantics, but depending on how they answer the question, it can drive completely different facilities. The question is, "Is it a hospital that has security, or a prison that has healthcare?"

     

    I'd love to hear what other architects are asking, especially if it can really shift your understanding of what the client needs/wants. What's your question?



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    David Redemske
    HDR Architecture
    Chicago IL
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  • 2.  RE: Questions to ask for a correctional health project?

    Posted 09-07-2018 07:33 PM
    What a great question David.  When i entered the CDCR RJ Donovan project in San Diego based on HDR bridging documents, I spent nearly a year preparation in preparing to be the owner's onsite rep.  RJD is designed as a dorm style housing facility for non-medical behavioral health inmates - a prison with healthcare.  It is a softer gentler type facility that should be look at in another year to confirm its precepts of design are functioning.  



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    Tom Bast AIA ACHA
    Senior Project Manager
    Vanir Construction Management, Inc.
    Tucson AZ
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  • 3.  RE: Questions to ask for a correctional health project?

    Posted 09-08-2018 01:59 AM
    My specialty is healthcare design rather than correctional facilities.  One of my questions for either facility type would be "Have you considered R-Water for cleaning?"  This is an amazing new product installed in housekeeping closets, developed originally for prisons and now expanding to healthcare use.

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    Marjorie Serrano, RN, AIA, EDAC
    Health Environment Innovations
    Dallas, TX
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