First LOGO Designs:
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Trends & State of the art design
Technology has taken humans a long way toward achieving efficiency as manual labor has been replaced by machines. However, healthcare remains a very labor-intense business with greater ranges of quality outcomes because of the human elements involved. Only small work segments in healthcare have been mechanized or automated, and quality initiatives have just begun to have an impact on the healthcare environment. Organizations need to examine how technology solutions can enhance the efficiencies gained with process improvement initiatives. In some cases, the use of technology can have a large impact on space. Communication, staff and materials tracking, and robotic systems play a major role in the design of efficient healthcare facilities.
Wireless communication systems, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), allow increasingly mobile caregivers to communicate promptly and efficiently. A single wireless hands-free device replaces multiple communication devices such as phones and pagers. Nurses can communicate with team members without having to travel to a central station to find a phone. Users report an increase in direct patient care time and process efficiencies, resulting in improved patient and staff satisfaction while reducing staff stress levels. These wireless systems can also be integrated with clinical applications, sensors, patient monitoring equipment, and nurse call systems.
Patient tracking systems or workflow management systems such as NaviCare and Awarix collect information from a variety of sources and display key highlights to caregivers. Using “real-time whiteboards,” these systems display information for caregivers to alert them about care needs, pending test results, patient location, outstanding orders, and other metrics. Having this information readily available reduces staff time spent calling and/or searching for it and expedites patient care. The patient tracking system is also an invaluable tool for the “Bed Czar” (the person responsible for assigning patient rooms for a healthcare facility). Efficient and effective bed placement results in optimal bed utilization and eliminates bottlenecks that result in delayed placement or bypass situations.
Bar coding is used to identify and track assets, patients, and medications. Many hospitals primarily use it for medication administration to reduce errors and to improve documentation accuracy. According to Kohn, medication errors nationally cost an additional $2 billion each year (2000). Inventory control and patient tracking can be accomplished using the same technology. Bar code scanners are being incorporated into laptops, handhelds, or other portable devices that can be taken to the patient bedside, making their use more practical and making staff more efficient.
Radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) use wireless technology to transmit product serial numbers from tags to scanners without human intervention. Scanners are placed intermittently throughout the facility similar to using an antenna for telemetry. Caregivers then can view a central scanner to locate personnel and supplies. This technology has the potential to replace bar code inventory tracking systems because it has immediate and automatic data capture resulting in fewer potential medication errors, reduced travel time for caregivers, and improved inventory control.
Telemedicine robots, surgical assist robots, telerobots, and service robots are becoming more popular in healthcare facilities. (Cohen, 2008). Telemedicine robots collect and transmit patient information to remotely located physicians for diagnosis and treatment. One growing use of the telemedicine robot is for stroke teleconsultations in rural Emergency Departments (EDs). Surgical assist robots such as the da Vinci Surgical System are guided by surgeons using 3-D visualization to perform minimally invasive surgery (Tsui & Yanco, 2007). Telerobotic surgery is being tested for surgeons to operate on patients in other locations. Service robots are primarily used to pull supplies, including medications and equipment, or to haul soiled linens and waste through healthcare facilities. The use of robots to do delivery types of services frees staff to perform other patient-centric activities. Buildings, however, need to be designs to accommodate the technology that supports the increased use of robots.
Nurses reportedly spend an estimated 2-to-3 hours per shift manually completing forms and documenting patient care (Poissant, Pereira, Tamblyn, & Kawasumi, 2005). Beyond the inefficiency of handwriting information, these statistics often raise concerns about legibility and completeness of records. However, though the benefits of an electronic medical record are numerous, to improve staff utilization and efficiency, the technology needs to be mobile and easy to use. Handheld wireless devices and tablets with docking stations can be taken to the bedside for nurses to document care at the time it is completed. Real-time data input from equipment further saves the nurse time transferring that information. Improved efficiency and accuracy result. As other software applications are developed, building layout and design must support decentralized documentation.
Building on the interest and ability of patients to use technology in their personal lives, healthcare facilities are integrating interactive patient technologies into their designs. The multimedia and communication systems being offered include customized patient education programs; entertainment options of cable, Internet access, movies on demand, and video games; and hospital service options such as food service orders, housekeeping requests, and satisfaction surveys. Other interactive patient technologies include registration and information kiosks. Registration kiosks function similar to those used in airports and hotels for check-in, check-out, and appointment scheduling. Interactive maps of the building and campus are provided in facility lobbies. Besides being a customer convenience, these interactive technologies free hospital staff to provide other services. They impact design by reducing the amount of needed space.
When designing healthcare facilities, plan for the technology infrastructure needed to support future innovations. The ultimate design goal is the full integration of clinical and building systems (Koch, 2007). Use additional planning to convert vacated space after the new technology is implemented. One good example of how technology significantly reduces the need for space is the impact of an electronic medical record on the amount of space needed in the medical records department.
Wireless communication systems, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), allow increasingly mobile caregivers to communicate promptly and efficiently. A single wireless hands-free device replaces multiple communication devices such as phones and pagers. Nurses can communicate with team members without having to travel to a central station to find a phone. Users report an increase in direct patient care time and process efficiencies, resulting in improved patient and staff satisfaction while reducing staff stress levels. These wireless systems can also be integrated with clinical applications, sensors, patient monitoring equipment, and nurse call systems.
Patient tracking systems or workflow management systems such as NaviCare and Awarix collect information from a variety of sources and display key highlights to caregivers. Using “real-time whiteboards,” these systems display information for caregivers to alert them about care needs, pending test results, patient location, outstanding orders, and other metrics. Having this information readily available reduces staff time spent calling and/or searching for it and expedites patient care. The patient tracking system is also an invaluable tool for the “Bed Czar” (the person responsible for assigning patient rooms for a healthcare facility). Efficient and effective bed placement results in optimal bed utilization and eliminates bottlenecks that result in delayed placement or bypass situations.
Bar coding is used to identify and track assets, patients, and medications. Many hospitals primarily use it for medication administration to reduce errors and to improve documentation accuracy. According to Kohn, medication errors nationally cost an additional $2 billion each year (2000). Inventory control and patient tracking can be accomplished using the same technology. Bar code scanners are being incorporated into laptops, handhelds, or other portable devices that can be taken to the patient bedside, making their use more practical and making staff more efficient.
Radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) use wireless technology to transmit product serial numbers from tags to scanners without human intervention. Scanners are placed intermittently throughout the facility similar to using an antenna for telemetry. Caregivers then can view a central scanner to locate personnel and supplies. This technology has the potential to replace bar code inventory tracking systems because it has immediate and automatic data capture resulting in fewer potential medication errors, reduced travel time for caregivers, and improved inventory control.
Telemedicine robots, surgical assist robots, telerobots, and service robots are becoming more popular in healthcare facilities. (Cohen, 2008). Telemedicine robots collect and transmit patient information to remotely located physicians for diagnosis and treatment. One growing use of the telemedicine robot is for stroke teleconsultations in rural Emergency Departments (EDs). Surgical assist robots such as the da Vinci Surgical System are guided by surgeons using 3-D visualization to perform minimally invasive surgery (Tsui & Yanco, 2007). Telerobotic surgery is being tested for surgeons to operate on patients in other locations. Service robots are primarily used to pull supplies, including medications and equipment, or to haul soiled linens and waste through healthcare facilities. The use of robots to do delivery types of services frees staff to perform other patient-centric activities. Buildings, however, need to be designs to accommodate the technology that supports the increased use of robots.
Nurses reportedly spend an estimated 2-to-3 hours per shift manually completing forms and documenting patient care (Poissant, Pereira, Tamblyn, & Kawasumi, 2005). Beyond the inefficiency of handwriting information, these statistics often raise concerns about legibility and completeness of records. However, though the benefits of an electronic medical record are numerous, to improve staff utilization and efficiency, the technology needs to be mobile and easy to use. Handheld wireless devices and tablets with docking stations can be taken to the bedside for nurses to document care at the time it is completed. Real-time data input from equipment further saves the nurse time transferring that information. Improved efficiency and accuracy result. As other software applications are developed, building layout and design must support decentralized documentation.
Building on the interest and ability of patients to use technology in their personal lives, healthcare facilities are integrating interactive patient technologies into their designs. The multimedia and communication systems being offered include customized patient education programs; entertainment options of cable, Internet access, movies on demand, and video games; and hospital service options such as food service orders, housekeeping requests, and satisfaction surveys. Other interactive patient technologies include registration and information kiosks. Registration kiosks function similar to those used in airports and hotels for check-in, check-out, and appointment scheduling. Interactive maps of the building and campus are provided in facility lobbies. Besides being a customer convenience, these interactive technologies free hospital staff to provide other services. They impact design by reducing the amount of needed space.
When designing healthcare facilities, plan for the technology infrastructure needed to support future innovations. The ultimate design goal is the full integration of clinical and building systems (Koch, 2007). Use additional planning to convert vacated space after the new technology is implemented. One good example of how technology significantly reduces the need for space is the impact of an electronic medical record on the amount of space needed in the medical records department.
Precedents/Inspiration
St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health & Wellness Center in Birmingham, AL
Saban Center for Health & Wellness in Woodland Hills, CA
The Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre in Toronto, ON
Calobrace Cosmetic Surgery Center & Medical Spa in Louisville, KY
Saban Center for Health & Wellness in Woodland Hills, CA
The Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre in Toronto, ON
Calobrace Cosmetic Surgery Center & Medical Spa in Louisville, KY
VENTURING INTO THE HEALTHCARE SPA
Issue Date: March 2004, Posted On: 3/1/2004
VENTURING INTO THE HEALTHCARE SPA
by KATIE HURLEY, PRESIDENT
Traditional hospital design revolved for years around the dual concepts of hospital “productivity” and healthcare business economics. A few years ago a third design criterion emerged: patient safety. Since then, healthcare has pushed in a new direction—patient-focused and based on the wellness model—with its own implications for design. Increasing numbers of healthcare seekers are turning away from the traditional models and toward wellness centers/spas, most of which offer self-care strategies, healthcare coaching, and medically endorsed health- and beauty-enhancement services, delivered in environments designed to foster peace and tranquility.
The spa/wellness movement is starting to appeal to traditional providers as a means of competitive survival and market enhancement. Along with this, healthcare designers are finding that they must reassess the phrase “healthy environments,” both as a concept and in detail.
That is the purpose of this article: to discuss and illustrate some of the concepts and the practical considerations behind healthcare spa design. While the overall goal is to create an environment inspiring feelings of physical well-being and mental peace, achieving this requires specific knowledge and a professional approach.
Concept
The spa treatment experience is often conceptualized as an airline trip. It starts with the departure, where you are received by an attendant, divest yourself of baggage, and proceed to the waiting area. Then there's the trip itself (treatment experienced in a very personal way), followed by the landing and the arrival, where you retrieve baggage and go on your way, hopefully feeling more relaxed for having arrived.
Detail
Each of the “way stations” in the spa experience has specific characteristics that make for success. Let's take them in order:
“Departure”: The waiting area will feature plants, artwork, water features, calming music, and warm lighting. Staff will offer a pleasant greeting and hassle-free admissions processing. Visitors should feel as though they are experiencing the comfort of home.
Preparation: All features are designed to appeal to the senses. Gowns, towels, and linens are fresh and soft; lighting is soft and low; color is used modularly, with earth tones shading from one area to the next; and signage is in large letters and easy to perceive. Bathrooms are fresh and clean, with a feeling of privacy. In corridors where natural light is available, the color of the light complements the floor and furniture, and shades become part of the décor . Even quieter music than before pervades the area.
Experience (Treatment) Area: The bed has crisp linens and soft comforters. Lighting is warm (figuratively, not literally; the “candles” often used are actually lighting fixtures with flicker-flame bulbs). Above the area is a “celestial ceiling” of eye-catching, soothing design. Music becomes even quieter and more calming.
Post-Experience: This area helps ease the visitor's “re-entry” into the world. Towels and robes are offered, and the visitor is encouraged to relax on a comfortable sofa or chair, perhaps read a magazine and, in general, unwind. Although floors are low-maintenance slate or cork throughout the spa, here they might be wood with a natural fiber overlay. Staircase carpeting in this area would be of complex, organic-appearing design, because patterns using boxes and squares don't work in this natural-seeming environment. In this area, the music tends to be more stimulating and uplifting.
“Arrival”: The area is full of energy and life, with cheerful music playing. The visitor's billing and product purchasing are all handled here, in a relaxed format, and prescriptions (if any) are gone over and explained. The visitor is ready for the outside world.
As I mentioned, there are plenty of extremely practical decisions that must be made in designing a successful spa. For example, patient comfort, climate control, and noise abatement are prime considerations in this environment. So, too, is moisture control and mold prevention, particularly with the prevalence of water features in this setting. One practical consideration regarding moisture control is ceiling design—a flat ceiling should be coved (or pitched downward) at one end to allow condensation to roll to the side and down the walls. For the sake of quiet, mechanical systems should be housed in the basement, if at all possible. But there are more specific aspects that must be considered for the mechanicals, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) when designing a typical spa. These include:
Mechanicals: Individualized HVAC controls from room to room and space to space are a given. Air circulation is critical, and exhaust air must be handled efficiently, with outlet ducts designed to maximize velocity and minimize noise, both from mechanical operations and from cross-talk between rooms. Having treatment rooms under negative pressure, with air handling using variable speed motors, helps to achieve both objectives. Air diffusers should be installed and positioned to prevent drafts and to remove condensation from glass features.
Electrical: Because much of the equipment in a spa has direct contact with human skin, hospital-grade outlets should be used to provide proper grounding. Switches should be moisture/corrosion-resistant. Color-corrected fluorescent and incandescent lighting with dimmers should be used to adjust for the spa experience, yet provide enough light for cleaning during off-hours. The use of pinkish lighting is encouraged where possible to enable patients to retain a healthy hue and avoid the grayish, washed-out look often created by traditional overhead lighting.
Plumbing: One feature that spas have adapted rather frequently from hospitals is so-called “no-hands” plumbing fixtures, using electronic sensors to flush toilets and turn water on and off. Toilets should be wall-attached, making it easier to clean around them. Temperature-mixing devices should be used on faucet and shower outlets to prevent scalding, and water pressure should be at 50 to 60 lbs/square inch to operate some water features.
Clearly, the spa environment makes unusual demands upon the designer/architect. But the difference from the traditional design challenge is really more of degree than of kind. Modern healthcare designers are no strangers to many of these patient-pleasing amenities, and should feel completely at home when helping their hospital clients plan and execute a wellness center/spa. HD
Katie Hurley is President of Spa Hospitality Worldwide, Miami.
VENTURING INTO THE HEALTHCARE SPA
by KATIE HURLEY, PRESIDENT
Traditional hospital design revolved for years around the dual concepts of hospital “productivity” and healthcare business economics. A few years ago a third design criterion emerged: patient safety. Since then, healthcare has pushed in a new direction—patient-focused and based on the wellness model—with its own implications for design. Increasing numbers of healthcare seekers are turning away from the traditional models and toward wellness centers/spas, most of which offer self-care strategies, healthcare coaching, and medically endorsed health- and beauty-enhancement services, delivered in environments designed to foster peace and tranquility.
The spa/wellness movement is starting to appeal to traditional providers as a means of competitive survival and market enhancement. Along with this, healthcare designers are finding that they must reassess the phrase “healthy environments,” both as a concept and in detail.
That is the purpose of this article: to discuss and illustrate some of the concepts and the practical considerations behind healthcare spa design. While the overall goal is to create an environment inspiring feelings of physical well-being and mental peace, achieving this requires specific knowledge and a professional approach.
Concept
The spa treatment experience is often conceptualized as an airline trip. It starts with the departure, where you are received by an attendant, divest yourself of baggage, and proceed to the waiting area. Then there's the trip itself (treatment experienced in a very personal way), followed by the landing and the arrival, where you retrieve baggage and go on your way, hopefully feeling more relaxed for having arrived.
Detail
Each of the “way stations” in the spa experience has specific characteristics that make for success. Let's take them in order:
“Departure”: The waiting area will feature plants, artwork, water features, calming music, and warm lighting. Staff will offer a pleasant greeting and hassle-free admissions processing. Visitors should feel as though they are experiencing the comfort of home.
Preparation: All features are designed to appeal to the senses. Gowns, towels, and linens are fresh and soft; lighting is soft and low; color is used modularly, with earth tones shading from one area to the next; and signage is in large letters and easy to perceive. Bathrooms are fresh and clean, with a feeling of privacy. In corridors where natural light is available, the color of the light complements the floor and furniture, and shades become part of the décor . Even quieter music than before pervades the area.
Experience (Treatment) Area: The bed has crisp linens and soft comforters. Lighting is warm (figuratively, not literally; the “candles” often used are actually lighting fixtures with flicker-flame bulbs). Above the area is a “celestial ceiling” of eye-catching, soothing design. Music becomes even quieter and more calming.
Post-Experience: This area helps ease the visitor's “re-entry” into the world. Towels and robes are offered, and the visitor is encouraged to relax on a comfortable sofa or chair, perhaps read a magazine and, in general, unwind. Although floors are low-maintenance slate or cork throughout the spa, here they might be wood with a natural fiber overlay. Staircase carpeting in this area would be of complex, organic-appearing design, because patterns using boxes and squares don't work in this natural-seeming environment. In this area, the music tends to be more stimulating and uplifting.
“Arrival”: The area is full of energy and life, with cheerful music playing. The visitor's billing and product purchasing are all handled here, in a relaxed format, and prescriptions (if any) are gone over and explained. The visitor is ready for the outside world.
As I mentioned, there are plenty of extremely practical decisions that must be made in designing a successful spa. For example, patient comfort, climate control, and noise abatement are prime considerations in this environment. So, too, is moisture control and mold prevention, particularly with the prevalence of water features in this setting. One practical consideration regarding moisture control is ceiling design—a flat ceiling should be coved (or pitched downward) at one end to allow condensation to roll to the side and down the walls. For the sake of quiet, mechanical systems should be housed in the basement, if at all possible. But there are more specific aspects that must be considered for the mechanicals, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) when designing a typical spa. These include:
Mechanicals: Individualized HVAC controls from room to room and space to space are a given. Air circulation is critical, and exhaust air must be handled efficiently, with outlet ducts designed to maximize velocity and minimize noise, both from mechanical operations and from cross-talk between rooms. Having treatment rooms under negative pressure, with air handling using variable speed motors, helps to achieve both objectives. Air diffusers should be installed and positioned to prevent drafts and to remove condensation from glass features.
Electrical: Because much of the equipment in a spa has direct contact with human skin, hospital-grade outlets should be used to provide proper grounding. Switches should be moisture/corrosion-resistant. Color-corrected fluorescent and incandescent lighting with dimmers should be used to adjust for the spa experience, yet provide enough light for cleaning during off-hours. The use of pinkish lighting is encouraged where possible to enable patients to retain a healthy hue and avoid the grayish, washed-out look often created by traditional overhead lighting.
Plumbing: One feature that spas have adapted rather frequently from hospitals is so-called “no-hands” plumbing fixtures, using electronic sensors to flush toilets and turn water on and off. Toilets should be wall-attached, making it easier to clean around them. Temperature-mixing devices should be used on faucet and shower outlets to prevent scalding, and water pressure should be at 50 to 60 lbs/square inch to operate some water features.
Clearly, the spa environment makes unusual demands upon the designer/architect. But the difference from the traditional design challenge is really more of degree than of kind. Modern healthcare designers are no strangers to many of these patient-pleasing amenities, and should feel completely at home when helping their hospital clients plan and execute a wellness center/spa. HD
Katie Hurley is President of Spa Hospitality Worldwide, Miami.
Controls/Codes
Biophysical Needs:
HVAC
-To keep all three floors sterile and as clean as possible, a “Clean Air” filtration system will be installed.
-There will also be a purification system installed for water use in the spa and salon areas.
-There will also be programmable thermostats in every room throughout the building.
Mechanical System
-The mechanical system will need to be maintained and function consistently to provide users with a comfortable setting.
Lighting
-Utilize all of the natural light that is offered throughout the space
-Use energy efficient bulbs to conserve energy and automatic sensors to shut off lights when no one is in the room
Plumbing
-Use water efficient fixtures to conserve water
Electrical
-There will be an emergency backup system
Special Considerations
-Acoustical control for waiting rooms, fitness area, salon, spa, patient rooms, daycare, yoga & meditation
Technical Needs:
Security
-The entire building will need a security system with color CCTV (Camera) System
-Additional security measures will be taken in the pharmacy and lab areas
-Intercom throughout the building
Telecommunications
-Phone and data are required throughout the entire facility
-Facility needs to be wirelessly equipped
Audio/Visual
-General
-Sound Systems-Background Music
-Sound Systems-Function Music
-Fitness Area Sound
-Spa Sound Systems
-There will be individual audio control for individual rooms
Smart Technologies
-Facility-wide networking and storage to monitor treatments, analysis and records.
____________________________________
IBC 2006:
Section 304- Business Group B 304.1 Business Group B
Section 2701 & 2702- General & Emergency and Standby Power Systems
Section 2801 General Mechanical
Section 2902- General & Minimum Plumbing Facilities
Chapter 30-Elevators & Conveying Systems
Sections 3001: General
Section 3002: Hoistway Enclosures
Section 3003: Emergency Operations
Section 3004: Hoistway Venting
Section 3005: Conveying Systems
Section 3006: Machine Rooms
Section 3109: Swimming Pool Enclosures & Safety Devices
Section 417: Drying Rooms
Section 508: Mixed Use & Occupancy
Section 707: Shaft Enclosures
Section 719: Thermal & Sound-insulating Materials
Section 801: Interior Finishes General
Section 803: Wall & Ceiling Finishes
Section 804: Interior Floor Finish
Section 805: Combustible Materials in Type I & Type II Construction
Section 806: Decorative Materials & Trim
Section 903: Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Section 904: Alternative Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Section 907: Fire Alarm & Detection Systems
Section 908: Emergency Alarm Systems
Chapter 10: Means of Egress
Section 1001-1026
Chapter 11: Accessibility
Sections 1101-1110
Section 1204: Temperature Control
Section 1205: Lighting
Section 1207: Sound Transmission
Section 1209: Access to Unoccupied Spaces
HVAC
-To keep all three floors sterile and as clean as possible, a “Clean Air” filtration system will be installed.
-There will also be a purification system installed for water use in the spa and salon areas.
-There will also be programmable thermostats in every room throughout the building.
Mechanical System
-The mechanical system will need to be maintained and function consistently to provide users with a comfortable setting.
Lighting
-Utilize all of the natural light that is offered throughout the space
-Use energy efficient bulbs to conserve energy and automatic sensors to shut off lights when no one is in the room
Plumbing
-Use water efficient fixtures to conserve water
Electrical
-There will be an emergency backup system
Special Considerations
-Acoustical control for waiting rooms, fitness area, salon, spa, patient rooms, daycare, yoga & meditation
Technical Needs:
Security
-The entire building will need a security system with color CCTV (Camera) System
-Additional security measures will be taken in the pharmacy and lab areas
-Intercom throughout the building
Telecommunications
-Phone and data are required throughout the entire facility
-Facility needs to be wirelessly equipped
Audio/Visual
-General
-Sound Systems-Background Music
-Sound Systems-Function Music
-Fitness Area Sound
-Spa Sound Systems
-There will be individual audio control for individual rooms
Smart Technologies
-Facility-wide networking and storage to monitor treatments, analysis and records.
____________________________________
IBC 2006:
Section 304- Business Group B 304.1 Business Group B
Section 2701 & 2702- General & Emergency and Standby Power Systems
Section 2801 General Mechanical
Section 2902- General & Minimum Plumbing Facilities
Chapter 30-Elevators & Conveying Systems
Sections 3001: General
Section 3002: Hoistway Enclosures
Section 3003: Emergency Operations
Section 3004: Hoistway Venting
Section 3005: Conveying Systems
Section 3006: Machine Rooms
Section 3109: Swimming Pool Enclosures & Safety Devices
Section 417: Drying Rooms
Section 508: Mixed Use & Occupancy
Section 707: Shaft Enclosures
Section 719: Thermal & Sound-insulating Materials
Section 801: Interior Finishes General
Section 803: Wall & Ceiling Finishes
Section 804: Interior Floor Finish
Section 805: Combustible Materials in Type I & Type II Construction
Section 806: Decorative Materials & Trim
Section 903: Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Section 904: Alternative Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Section 907: Fire Alarm & Detection Systems
Section 908: Emergency Alarm Systems
Chapter 10: Means of Egress
Section 1001-1026
Chapter 11: Accessibility
Sections 1101-1110
Section 1204: Temperature Control
Section 1205: Lighting
Section 1207: Sound Transmission
Section 1209: Access to Unoccupied Spaces
Physical Requirements
Total =41,300 sq. ft.
Circulation (20% of total) = 8,260 sq. ft.
Total with Circulation=49,560 sq. ft.
The Function
This building will house a fresh idea for the Baton Rouge area and the medical community. The Wellness Center for Women will offer and all encompassing patient care facility. By combining care for the body, mind, and soul we feel that this allows the body to heal much faster with better results, because you are taking care of yourself from the inside out.
On the third floor is the state of the art Breast Center, which takes great pride in taking the best cares of our patients. Here we do breast MRIs, mammograms, bone density tests, breasts ultrasounds, stereotactic core needle biopsies, sentinel lymph node biopsies, cyst aspirations as well as full treatment through surgery or radiation therapy. We also offer support during your time of need through our own counseling program.
On the second floor is the spa, salon, meditation and spiritual rooms. In the spa and salon you can have almost any treatment under the sun all done by our licensed massage therapists, stylists, estheticians & technicians. You can come here and take your mind off of everything and just sit back and relax.
On the first floor is where the fitness center, juice bar, physical therapy, daycare, classroom/training, lobby & reception are located. This is where most of the social interaction will take place.
The Wellness Center for Women will merge state of the art Breast Cancer research, technology, and talented doctors with other services such as our fitness center that offers a range of high-tech equipment as well as Pilates, yoga, boot camp classes as well as an indoor pool for water aerobics and lap swimming with an indoor track around it. We also offer nutritional & spiritual programs as well hosting education seminars and events every month to you can stay up to date on the latest medical news and trends. If you don’t feel like working out, you can just relax at our peaceful Spa where you can get a Massage, Facial, Pedicure, Manicure, Wet Treatments or just enjoy our Sauna or Hot Tub by the Fire. This Center is meant to be a safe haven for women who are going through a tough time in their life. It will offer them a chance to get treatment in a relaxing environment and also bond with other women who are going through the same thing.
On the third floor is the state of the art Breast Center, which takes great pride in taking the best cares of our patients. Here we do breast MRIs, mammograms, bone density tests, breasts ultrasounds, stereotactic core needle biopsies, sentinel lymph node biopsies, cyst aspirations as well as full treatment through surgery or radiation therapy. We also offer support during your time of need through our own counseling program.
On the second floor is the spa, salon, meditation and spiritual rooms. In the spa and salon you can have almost any treatment under the sun all done by our licensed massage therapists, stylists, estheticians & technicians. You can come here and take your mind off of everything and just sit back and relax.
On the first floor is where the fitness center, juice bar, physical therapy, daycare, classroom/training, lobby & reception are located. This is where most of the social interaction will take place.
The Wellness Center for Women will merge state of the art Breast Cancer research, technology, and talented doctors with other services such as our fitness center that offers a range of high-tech equipment as well as Pilates, yoga, boot camp classes as well as an indoor pool for water aerobics and lap swimming with an indoor track around it. We also offer nutritional & spiritual programs as well hosting education seminars and events every month to you can stay up to date on the latest medical news and trends. If you don’t feel like working out, you can just relax at our peaceful Spa where you can get a Massage, Facial, Pedicure, Manicure, Wet Treatments or just enjoy our Sauna or Hot Tub by the Fire. This Center is meant to be a safe haven for women who are going through a tough time in their life. It will offer them a chance to get treatment in a relaxing environment and also bond with other women who are going through the same thing.
The Users
Consumers: The users of this space will be those women coming in for Dr. appointments in the Breast Center, to use the fitness Center, or to use the Spa & Salon or our other wide range of services specialized for women.
Salon Clientele:
Easily accessible to all treatment rooms
Accessible to elevator
Accessible to salon reception
Spa Clientele:
Accessible to elevator
Adequate amount of privacy
Accessible to spa reception area
Fitness Clientele:
Accessible to main entrance
Accessible to locker rooms
Accessible to restrooms
Accessible to fitness reception area
Accessible to juice bar
Breast Center Clientele:
Accessible to elevator
Adequate amount of privacy
Accessible waiting rooms
Accessible to breast center reception area
Employees: Management, Massage Therapists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Stylists, Salon Assistants, Receptionists, Maintenance, Personal Trainers, Physical Therapists, Counselors, Daycare Staff, Doctors, Technicians, Nurses, ,other specialized hospital staff & other general employees.
Management:
Access to all employees
Access to conference & training rooms
Administrative offices
Storage space
Massage Therapists:
Access to treatment rooms & products
Ample room to move around clients during massage
Estheticians:
Access to facial rooms & products
Nail Technician:
Access to manicure & pedicure stations
Access to waxing and storage rooms
Stylists:
Access to storage room, dryers and shampoo chairs
Ample space around station
Storage space for products
Room for assistants
Salon Assistants
Access to salon stylists and storage room
Also access to dryers and shampoo chairs
Receptionists
Access to computer with internet, telephone and fax machine
Maintenance
Access to all spaces including rooftop
All employees
Access to employee lounge and administrative offices
Personal Trainers
Access to all fitness areas, locker rooms and personal training rooms
Access to fitness storage and equipment
Physical Therapists
Access to fitness area, private therapy rooms and equipment
Counselors
Access to counseling rooms and patients files and medicine storage
Daycare Staff
Access to outdoors
Access to private restroom
Hospital Staff
Access to Breast Health Center on 3rd floor
All Users
Access to public restrooms
ADA compliant design
Accessible evacuation in case of emergency
Salon Clientele:
Easily accessible to all treatment rooms
Accessible to elevator
Accessible to salon reception
Spa Clientele:
Accessible to elevator
Adequate amount of privacy
Accessible to spa reception area
Fitness Clientele:
Accessible to main entrance
Accessible to locker rooms
Accessible to restrooms
Accessible to fitness reception area
Accessible to juice bar
Breast Center Clientele:
Accessible to elevator
Adequate amount of privacy
Accessible waiting rooms
Accessible to breast center reception area
Employees: Management, Massage Therapists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Stylists, Salon Assistants, Receptionists, Maintenance, Personal Trainers, Physical Therapists, Counselors, Daycare Staff, Doctors, Technicians, Nurses, ,other specialized hospital staff & other general employees.
Management:
Access to all employees
Access to conference & training rooms
Administrative offices
Storage space
Massage Therapists:
Access to treatment rooms & products
Ample room to move around clients during massage
Estheticians:
Access to facial rooms & products
Nail Technician:
Access to manicure & pedicure stations
Access to waxing and storage rooms
Stylists:
Access to storage room, dryers and shampoo chairs
Ample space around station
Storage space for products
Room for assistants
Salon Assistants
Access to salon stylists and storage room
Also access to dryers and shampoo chairs
Receptionists
Access to computer with internet, telephone and fax machine
Maintenance
Access to all spaces including rooftop
All employees
Access to employee lounge and administrative offices
Personal Trainers
Access to all fitness areas, locker rooms and personal training rooms
Access to fitness storage and equipment
Physical Therapists
Access to fitness area, private therapy rooms and equipment
Counselors
Access to counseling rooms and patients files and medicine storage
Daycare Staff
Access to outdoors
Access to private restroom
Hospital Staff
Access to Breast Health Center on 3rd floor
All Users
Access to public restrooms
ADA compliant design
Accessible evacuation in case of emergency
The Client
Amber A. Ropas
2411 Quail Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Amber Ropas decided to start the Wellness Center for Women after watching her mother Wendy lose her battle with breast cancer 2 years ago. She wanted to open the Center to not only honor her late mother’s memory, but to give hope and inspiration to other women who faced the hardship of breast cancer. Long before her mother’s diagnosis, Amber has always been a business woman, entrepreneur and leader in her community. She has opened and successfully ran many businesses along the south Louisiana since she was 20 years old. She credits her success to her mother, because she gave her hope when everyone else told her no, and always told her she could do anything. It is that same hope that her mother gave Amber, and now she wants to give to women across Louisiana and the Southwest. That no matter what struggles face you, anything is possible.
The client’s main concerns were that she didn’t want it to feel like a hospital or Dr.’s office at all. She wanted the entire building to have a spa-like atmosphere, to be very relaxing to put the patients at ease. The only area that she wanted to be energetic would be the fitness area, since this area would be very important to get the womens energy levels up to make them want to work out. Amber also wanted to design to be modern and sleek, but to be very warm and inviting at the same time. She also wanted to visually bring together all three levels to bring together the idea of connectivity. Amber also wanted the spaces to encourage interaction & conversation among users, and also take advantage of the views outside.
2411 Quail Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Amber Ropas decided to start the Wellness Center for Women after watching her mother Wendy lose her battle with breast cancer 2 years ago. She wanted to open the Center to not only honor her late mother’s memory, but to give hope and inspiration to other women who faced the hardship of breast cancer. Long before her mother’s diagnosis, Amber has always been a business woman, entrepreneur and leader in her community. She has opened and successfully ran many businesses along the south Louisiana since she was 20 years old. She credits her success to her mother, because she gave her hope when everyone else told her no, and always told her she could do anything. It is that same hope that her mother gave Amber, and now she wants to give to women across Louisiana and the Southwest. That no matter what struggles face you, anything is possible.
The client’s main concerns were that she didn’t want it to feel like a hospital or Dr.’s office at all. She wanted the entire building to have a spa-like atmosphere, to be very relaxing to put the patients at ease. The only area that she wanted to be energetic would be the fitness area, since this area would be very important to get the womens energy levels up to make them want to work out. Amber also wanted to design to be modern and sleek, but to be very warm and inviting at the same time. She also wanted to visually bring together all three levels to bring together the idea of connectivity. Amber also wanted the spaces to encourage interaction & conversation among users, and also take advantage of the views outside.
Special Considerations
This building was built in 1975 so it is typical of that style. The structure is concrete columns with raised floors comprised of waffle slab structure. The building is in good condition, although it has had no major renovations since its original construction in 1975. The majority of the property is developed with concrete flatwork and asphalt pavement, and professional landscaping. The building exterior is comprised of the building’s concrete structural frame with long horizontal bands of windows. The building’s structural system is comprised of a concrete frame with concrete columns and a waffle slab system supporting the elevated floors and roof. The ground floor is comprised of a cast-in-place concrete slab-on grade.
Site Environmental Factors
Building Location: 11100 Mead Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Site Plan:
Site Plan:
1.Existing Conditions: The subject property is comprised of a three-story office building with an attached one-story boiler room. The building is a reported 51,878 square-foot building which sits on a 4.98-acre site. The building was reportedly constructed in 1975 with no major renovations being completed since original construction. The balance of the property is developed with asphalt pavement, concrete flatwork, and professional landscaping.
2.Orientation: The building is set at the traditional cardinal directions with the main entrance facing northward and Mead Road curving along the north and northeast sides of the site.
3.Influences upon the site:
a)Context-The building is located in Baton Rouge right off of the interstate 12, on the corner of Mead Rd. & Sherwood Forest Blvd. which is convenient and makes it easy to find for visitors out of town. Sherwood Forest which has a wide range of food for everyone’s tastes and also has many different businesses down it.
b)Setbacks- There are no exterior stairs installed on the property and no balconies or patios.
c)Access- There are two automobile entrance drives to the site. Both entrance drives are divided with distinctive entry and exit lanes. The vehicular drives both lead from Mead Road. Mead Road runs along the northeast side of the site and then curves along the north side of the site. One of the vehicular drives is located along the northeast site perimeter with the second along the north site perimeter. The access drives terminate into the visitor parking spaces along the north and east sides of the building. On the North (Visitor Entrance) & South (Employee Entrance) sides of the building there are entrances. There are also secondary entrances located on the west and east façades, leading to the main ground floor corridor and lobby area.
Site Plan:
Site Plan:
1.Existing Conditions: The subject property is comprised of a three-story office building with an attached one-story boiler room. The building is a reported 51,878 square-foot building which sits on a 4.98-acre site. The building was reportedly constructed in 1975 with no major renovations being completed since original construction. The balance of the property is developed with asphalt pavement, concrete flatwork, and professional landscaping.
2.Orientation: The building is set at the traditional cardinal directions with the main entrance facing northward and Mead Road curving along the north and northeast sides of the site.
3.Influences upon the site:
a)Context-The building is located in Baton Rouge right off of the interstate 12, on the corner of Mead Rd. & Sherwood Forest Blvd. which is convenient and makes it easy to find for visitors out of town. Sherwood Forest which has a wide range of food for everyone’s tastes and also has many different businesses down it.
b)Setbacks- There are no exterior stairs installed on the property and no balconies or patios.
c)Access- There are two automobile entrance drives to the site. Both entrance drives are divided with distinctive entry and exit lanes. The vehicular drives both lead from Mead Road. Mead Road runs along the northeast side of the site and then curves along the north side of the site. One of the vehicular drives is located along the northeast site perimeter with the second along the north site perimeter. The access drives terminate into the visitor parking spaces along the north and east sides of the building. On the North (Visitor Entrance) & South (Employee Entrance) sides of the building there are entrances. There are also secondary entrances located on the west and east façades, leading to the main ground floor corridor and lobby area.
Program Development-Intro
One in eight women in the United States develops some form of breast cancer
over their lifetime and it is also one of the leading causes of death in women over 40. Women who have to go through this traumatic experience need a place where they can feel at ease and understood, so the Wellness Center for Women offers a wide variety of services to fit every woman.
The Wellness Center will strive to be at the forefront of Breast health by offering state of the art treatment, diagnosis, screening, support, as well as education, because information is the key to detection. This Center will also offer women emotional, spiritual and physical healing programs. It will have a state of the art fitness center, a spa, salon as well as many other conveniences and luxuries to make the patient experience as easy and pleasant as possible.
This project is intended to take an older building and reuse and configure the space into something that will be of more use to the women in the community, state, and hopefully the south-west region. In this building I wanted to create an upscale wellness center and integrate a Breast Health Center. The wellness approach to healthcare emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life. So by combining the two, you get the best of both worlds, and the patients get the opportunity to do other things than sit around and think about their illness, so their frame of mind changes. So in return, healing is faster and overall the patient treatment is more effective.
over their lifetime and it is also one of the leading causes of death in women over 40. Women who have to go through this traumatic experience need a place where they can feel at ease and understood, so the Wellness Center for Women offers a wide variety of services to fit every woman.
The Wellness Center will strive to be at the forefront of Breast health by offering state of the art treatment, diagnosis, screening, support, as well as education, because information is the key to detection. This Center will also offer women emotional, spiritual and physical healing programs. It will have a state of the art fitness center, a spa, salon as well as many other conveniences and luxuries to make the patient experience as easy and pleasant as possible.
This project is intended to take an older building and reuse and configure the space into something that will be of more use to the women in the community, state, and hopefully the south-west region. In this building I wanted to create an upscale wellness center and integrate a Breast Health Center. The wellness approach to healthcare emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life. So by combining the two, you get the best of both worlds, and the patients get the opportunity to do other things than sit around and think about their illness, so their frame of mind changes. So in return, healing is faster and overall the patient treatment is more effective.
Introduction
My inspiration for selecting the healthcare and wellness field for my senior capstone project came from a few places. First of all while in the Interior Design Program at LSU we have not yet done a healthcare project and I thought it would be beneficial to my portfolio, especially since I am considering going into the healthcare field. Also, while working at Bradley-Blewster & Associates, who mainly specializes in healthcare design, I have become interested in healthcare design and knew I wanted to use this as my senior project. I also felt that if I used healthcare as my senior project I would learn a lot during the process. When trying to decide on what to do my project on, I remembered my Aunt a few years ago and how she had to go through the terrifying battle of breast cancer and eventually undergoing a double mastectomy. Five years later and she is still here, a breast cancer survivor.
After researching more about breast cancer I learned that one in eight women in the United States develop some form of breast cancer over their lifetime, and it’s one of the leading causes of death in women over 40. It is for these reasons and so many more, that I wanted to create comprehensive Women’s Center designed to give women the education, screening, diagnosis, treatment and support they need while doing so in a spa-like atmosphere. This Center will also offer more than just medical treatment; I wanted to give women caring on every level- emotional, spiritual and physical. For this reason the Center will offer a State of the art Fitness Center with Personal Trainers, Pilates, Yoga, an Indoor Track & Pool, Therapy Services, Counseling, Nutritional Counseling, a Spa, Meditation Rooms and much more. This center will give women the hope they need by providing them with traditional healthcare services as well as non-traditional services to take their mind off of the pain and suffering they are going through as well as chances to socialize with other women who are going through the same thing and make bonds that will last a lifetime.
The concept of the Center will be to create an environment inspiring feelings of physical well-being and mental peace. I will achieve this by combining soothing neutrals with warm pops of color, curvilinear shapes and organic forms to add interest, water features and natural light and outdoor views to reinforce relaxation and healing. During my project my focus will be to use Evidence-Based Design as a guideline to design the space. Evidence-Based Design is an approach to healthcare design that gives importance to design features that impact patient health, well-being, mood, and safety, as well as staff stress and safety. The approach focuses on the relations between the quality and the features of the hospital environment and the patient healing.
The design scope for this project includes finishing all three levels of floorplans with furniture, reflected ceiling plans, building sections, perspectives, specifications of finishes, materials, furnishings and equipment, and documenting all steps taken to follow the Evidence-Based Design process.
The client and owner of the building is Amber Ropas. Wendy, Amber’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and unfortunately lost her battle two years ago. After seeing her mother go through her fight, Amber wanted to do something in her mother’s honor. Amber has been a successful entrepreneur based in Baton Rouge since she was 19 and gives credit to her success to her mother’s willingness to always lend a helping hand when she needed it and encourage her that she could do anything. Amber wants to build the Centre to instill her mother’s memory forever and to help give other women hope, support & encouragement during their time of need.
The building chosen is located at 11100 Mead Road, in Baton Rouge. Currently it is a three-story office building for IBM with an attached one story boiler room constructed in 1975 that is 51,878 sq. ft. I chose this building because it is conveniently located right off of the interstate near Sherwood Forest and sits on 4.98 acres with professional landscaping and has large floor to ceiling windows around each floor to take advantage of daylighting.
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