Architectural Concepts Of Hospital Building

Models of hospital buildings:

1. The Breitfuss model
2. The comb and double comb structure
3. The arcade model
4. The linear structure
1. THE BREITFUSS MODEL

General:
A tall building block with nursing functions is placed above a flat building block with treatment
and outpatient functions.
Clear structural clarity between the static nursing/ in-patient block and the dynamic lower two/
three storey blocks.
The external appearance of the ward block is often imposing due to its definitive status.

Access:
This model produces a compact building with relatively short walking distance.
Staff and visitors make frequent use of the lifts.
The number of lifts depends partly on number of storeys of the ward block, for 10 or more
storied ward block a considerable part of ward block is taken by vertical circulations.
Due to its compact design, this model has a clearly recognizable main entrance.
Functional Relationships:
Low-rise structure contains all the diagnostic and treatment facilities. Good spatial relationship.
Wards are staked together with considerable distance from out-patient department.
This model planned on the basis of functional planning of care provided.
This model is less suitable for planning on the basis of target-groups.

Flexibility:
Care is given for adaptation and expansion in relation to functions on the lowest floors.
No possibilities for expansion or adaptation for ward blocks.
Difficult to adapt to the possibilities of shifting from in-patient to out-patient department.
1. The Breitfuss Model

Name: Rey Juan Carlos Hoapital

Location: Madrid, Spain
2. THE COMB AND DOUBLE COMB STRUCTURE:

General:
It is characterized by a traffic zone in the centre from which different building wings protrude like
the teeth of a comb.
The building structure is designed like a uniform grid.
It comprises many end walls/ open ends, which make it simple to add extensions.

Access:
Unfinished look due to many open ends.
An overall picture of the hospital is not visible.
The main entrance may be hidden between the teeth of the comb.
In case of large hospitals, this structure can lead to a sprawling design.
Functional Relationship:
Good functional relationship of related functions. Similar functions are grouped in one wing.
Similar functions in relation to size and technical requirement are housed in the teeth of the comb.
Example: Emergency department (Ground floor). Intensive care unit (First floor) and Operating
Theatre (second floor) for departmental relationship.
All laboratories, pharmacy and central sterile supply in one wing.
Wings with only nursing functions.
 
Flexibility:
Flexibility is guaranteed by extending the teeth of the comb or by extending the traffic structure by
adding a new comb.
The basic structure of the hospital remains unchanged after these extensions.
2. The Comb And Double Comb Structure

Comb Structure

Name: Sant Joan De Reus Hospital

Location: Barcelona, Spain
Double Comb Structure

Name: New Santa Joan De Reus Hospital

Location: Cartagena, Spain
Double Comb Structure

Name: New Los Arcos del Mar Menor Hospital

Location: San Javier, Spain
3. ARCADE STRUCTURE:

General:
This model emerged in the early eighties. Used in Netherlands.
The building elements are linked with each other by a glass covered arcade for main traffic.
Located on both sides of this arcade, on several floors, are the rooms or internal access routes
that look out onto the arcade.
In the arcade on the ground floor are some public amenities such as shops and a restaurant.

Access:
The high arcade is a clear structuring element.
The main entrance at one end of the arcade is easily recognizable.
From the arcade, the vertical means of access to the upper floors are clearly visible.
Functional Relationships:
It is evident from the hospitals built in accordance with this model that organization can take
place in various different ways.
The arcade structure is in principle suitable for all three planning models.

 
Flexibility:
The traffic structure (arcade) can be extended while retaining the basic structure and new building
elements can be added to it.
The building elements linked to the arcade usually have open ends on the other side that make it
simple to add extensions in the future.
3. THE ARCADE MODEL
Name: Methodist West Houston Hospital
Location: Houston, USA
4. LINEAR STRUCTURE:

General:
A single linear block that can accommodate all hospital functions in accordance with their inter-
relationships.
The depth of the block is approximately 22 meters and is designed for the application of double
corridor.
Stairwells and cable and piping shafts have been incorporated in a rational design in the central
zone.

Access:
The linear block forming the hospital is designed with a number of kinks so that the overall shape
resembles a hairpin.
An entrance is located is located on both sides and opens into a high glass hall that is wedged
between the linear building block.
The different lifts and stairwells can be reached from the central hall.
Additional glass connection corridors are designed between departments located opposite to each
other to shorten walking distance.
Functional Relationship:
The dimensions of the linear building have been geared to house both outpatient clinics and
nursing wards.
Outpatient departments also located next to nursing wards.
This style advocates a shift from inpatient to outpatient areas.
Flexibility:
There are limitations to external flexibly due to two open ends and limited site area.
Internal flexibility is good for rational uniform design which facilitates interchange of
functions.
The linear structure is in principle suitable for all three planning models.
Linear Structure

Name: Vlietland Hospital

Location: Schiedam, Netherlands